The Merciad, Sept. 21, 2011

Off-campus OneCard program canceled

Zurcher kicks off Faculty Recital Series

Opinion: Student supports college condom policy

Women’s hockey adds new assistant coach

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NEWS

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September 21, 2011

Alumnus heads new public health program

By Kelly Luoma Editor-in-chief

A Mercyhurst College alumnus has returned to the college to lead the new public health department on campus.

David Dausey, Ph.D., is the director of the newly created Mercyhurst Institute for Public Health.

This program offers a public health major to undergraduate students.

Dausey, who graduated from Mercyhurst in 1997 and received his master’s and doctoral degrees from Yale University, explained his reason for returning to the college.

He said the college administration consulted Dausey about starting a public health program. After discussing the program with the college, “I decided it would be a great program to lead,” said Dausey. “It’s nice to come back as an alumnus and be involved at my alma mater.”

The intelligence studies and archeology programs at Mercyhurst are growth programs, and “Dr. Gamble is hoping the public health

program will be a major growth program for the college,” he said.

Public health is expected to be a growth program because it is an “extremely popular major in other colleges and universities,” Dausey said.

Mercyhurst’s public health program will be unique because it is “one of the only public health programs in a comprehensive Catholic liberal arts school,” Dausey said.

Not only is it one of the few public health programs in a Catholic liberal arts school, but according to Mercyhurst’s public health website, “Mercyhurst is the only undergraduate public health program in the country that requires students to take laboratories along with their core public health coursework.”

Students can begin taking public health classes beginning this winter.

The first class offered is Foundations of Public Health, which is open to all students.

Students who decide to major in the program will have a choice between majoring in a Bachelor of Arts in public health and a Bachelor

Sarah Hlusko photo

David Dausey, Ph.D., is a Mercyhurst College graduate who returned to lead the new public health department. of Science in public health.

The Bachelor of Arts track will focus more on leadership of health care and public health policy. The Bachelor of Science degree will be for students planning to work in medicine, conduct lab work or work in a pharmaceutical lab.

The three concentration choices

are psychiatric epidemiology, health education and public health informatics.

In addition to the two undergraduate degrees, Dausey hopes to add a public health graduate program in the future.

“I think it would surprise students based on their interests how

many of them could do a public health major,” he said. “Right now if somebody’s interested, they could go and change their major to public health. Public health still allows you to pursue your initial interest.”

Freshman Gaelin Carrig is undeclared, but she is considering public health as a major because it combines the two subjects she is interested in most: math and science.

“I am taking the class that is being offered in the winter term, and hopefully that will give me some more options to explore,” Carrig said.

The other professors teaching in the department are all Mercyhurst professors. Robert Hoff, Suzanne Gushie, Peggy Black, Ph.D., and Steve Mauro, Ph.D., will teach in the department.

As the department grows, Dausey said there will be a need to hire new faculty, which could be necessary as early as next year.

Students interested in learning more about the major can visit publichealth.mercyhurst.edu.

NEWS

September 21, 2011

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Off-campus OneCard program canceled

By Joseph Pudlick Staff writer

“Beginning Aug. 15, community vendors (off campus) will no longer accept your Mercyhurst OneCard as a method of payment,” was a line in an August letter to students, which called it quits for the six-year offcampus OneCard program.

Since the fall of 2005, students have been able to swipe their OneCards at restaurants and stores throughout the area, utilizing stipends and funds placed on their cards at a variety of places.

“In the beginning, the only real expectation that was placed on the program was that it needed to pay for itself,” OneCard Supervisor John Patterson said.

“We started initially with one modem and four terminals, and ultimately ended up with four modems and 36 terminals,” said Patterson.

“Several locations have more than one terminal, so we didn’t have 36 vendors, but the program did grow.”

Modems are the servers that store information and let locations know how much money an individual card has. Terminals are the card swipe systems that each location has.

Over the summer that all changed, which took even Patterson by surprise.

“I am disappointed,” said Patterson. “When I received the answer it was made pretty clear that the program is done.”

The decision to cancel the program was reached over the summer after the program failed to pay for itself during the 2010-11 school year, which was the first year that the program failed to do so.

Director of Student Financial Services Carrie Newman said the changes were made on how tuition refunds could be placed. They are no longer going through the OneCard office, but directly through the bookstore, where many students used their refunds to purchase books and supplies.

“Last year, we streamlined our position directly with the bookstore so the bookstore would know if the student had a balance or not, allowing the student to go directly to the bookstore,” said Newman.

“It stopped being a triangular relationship.”

In fact, during the first few months of fall term, Patterson was able to record the decrease of spending in the system.

“As the year was starting to close, I was running my numbers and it was as I expected, not enough to cover the costs and fees,” said Patterson. “Last year we lost money because transactions decreased, which the budget covered, but the revenue wasn’t enough to balance it out.”

In response to the failing system, Patterson began researching costsaving measures that would counteract the decrease in spending.

“I started looking for other ways of dealing with the system,” said Patterson. “I created a proposal for a different way of running an offcampus program.”

“I proposed an off-campus system that would completely replace the system we have now, reduce the costs to operate it and basically provide a better service to the students and the vendors,” Patterson said.

Though Patterson submitted the proposal for the new program, the college still decided to cut it.

“The answer came back that we were just not going to have an offcampus program,” said Patterson.

“It’s not profitable enough.”

Newman was ultimately the one who made the call to cut the program.

“Last year the program declined greatly, and we took a look at it and decided from a profitability and cost benefit kind of analysis that we could use our resources in better ways than keeping it going,” said Newman. “Our position is that we still want our students to utilize our off-campus vendors, but the profitability to linking it to the OneCard was not working for us.”

While the new system may have been cheaper, Newman said all the costs were not included in the proposal.

“I don’t think all the costs were included in that proposal, the largest being the cost of having an administrator from our offices run the program, which would have eaten away all the profits,” Newman said.

Both Newman and Patterson were concerned for the best interests of the students, but Patterson was also concerned for the vendors. with whom he has built a rapport.

“I told them that some vendors

Photo illustration by Kaitlin Badger/Alex Stacey photo

The off-campus OneCard program had been available to students since 2005. come in for more than just the off-campus program: advertising in The Merciad, backer boards for the hockey team, banners for football and items to support the school on move-in and welcome week,” said Patterson. “The whole reason that they were here on campus was because I maintained a relationship with them.”

Patterson said that he knows of some companies that have fallen away from the college, including both Country Fair and CVS, which were both absent for Welcome Week.

“CVS was very upset,” said Patterson. “I even received calls directly from CVS Corporate in Rhode Island, as well as the Country Fair corporate office in Erie.”

The letter students received from Student Life said that lower student spending was “rendering the service less beneficial to vendors, students and the college,” but Patterson was confident that none of the vendors wanted out.

“Not one vendor wanted out,” said Patterson. “When the notice went out to the vendors, all of them responded wondering why it was being cut.”

Patterson said that he would take back his proposal if it meant that the program would still be running.

“Maybe this year it would have turned around, but I didn’t think that was a very responsible risk for me to take,” said Patterson. “The new program could be a win for the college, a win for the vendors and absolutely a win for the students.”

Patterson encourages students to

speak up if they want the program back. “If there is enough student support for the program, I don’t know how they could not bring it back,” Patterson said.

Junior Ricky Tannert frequently used his OneCard off campus.

“It was a bad idea to take the OneCard options away. They don’t realize that upperclassman don’t eat on campus. I still use outside vendors, but now I have to manage my own accounts. Using my OneCard was easier and more convenient for me,” Tannert said.

Senior Courtney O’Brien agreed.

“The program was convenient. It

was not like spending real money.

Now I really don’t use vendors.

Instead I do more grocery shopping,” she said Newman reassures students that the decision was made to help, not hurt.

“We are looking to increase student happiness, not decrease it, so I do apologize for any surprises on the off-campus program, because we do want our students to utilize our off-campus vendors,” said Newman. “For the most part, the numbers that we were getting for students utilizing the program were not really great to begin with.”

Harassment Friday, Sept. 16

East 41st Street State citation filed

Liquor law violation Saturday, Sept. 17

Duval apartments College discipline

Liquor law violation Saturday, Sept. 17

McAuley Hall College discipline

Harassment Monday, Sept. 19

East 41st Street College discipline

Sept 16-19, 2011

NEWS

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September 21, 2011

Consequences exist when living off campus

By Alaina Rydzewski Managing editor

Just because students move off campus doesn’t mean they aren’t responsible for their actions and the consequences of their actions.

This was proven when Erie police said they are going to increase patrols around Mercyhurst College after an incident occurred off campus at 312 E. 38th St. The incident involved damage to a police officer’s motorcycle. It was allegedly pushed over by a Mercyhurst student.

In response to the incident that happened off campus, Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety Robert Kuhn said, “Don’t do it. Bad move. There’s not much else to say.”

Associate Vice President for Student Life Laura Zirkle discussed how the decision to live off campus affects students.

She said the student conduct code applies whether a student lives on campus or off campus—it is a general conduct code.

“It’s about how we expect our students to comport themselves,” she said.

Senior Ryan Tracy, when asked about the off-campus conduct code, said, “It seems that Mercyhurst is just trying to impose their power in any way shape or form, and I think that’s ridiculous. Once you are off the campus grounds, legally they shouldn’t be able to impose anything against students.”

Director of Residence Life Alice Agnew commented on the off-campus mindset. “My perception is that students think

if they move off campus they aren’t accountable. There are things you are responsible for: You represent Mercyhurst regardless of where you live,” Agnew said.

Zirkle explained that there are two common complaints from the neighbors of off-campus college students.

“

You represent Mercyhurst regardless of where you live.

”

Alice Agnew

“The first is the large parties that are really disruptive, with people coming and going all night long. There have also been complaints of students urinating in yards, pulling down Halloween and Christmas decorations and smashing pumpkins. The second major complaint is that students don’t keep the house up--they don’t mow the lawn, they park their cars on the lawn-and it makes the neighborhood look worse,” Zirkle said.

There are also other disadvantages to living off campus, according to Zirkle.

“When a student moves off campus, they are much less engaged and there is a greater isolation factor. The student also gives up some other luxuries, such as having Police and Safety and maintenance, both of which are more student-oriented. Police and Safety will definitely have a quicker response time than the Erie police because of the smaller size of the area they cover,” she said.

Agnew added that it may look like a large payment at first, but living on campus is better economically because it evens out

in the end. “The big amount covers phone, cable, internet and safety aspects—you might have to follow rules, but Police and Safety is right there with a quicker response time,” Agnew said.

“A student becomes a member of the Erie community when they move off campus, and they lose a lot of that safety and immediate response,” Zirkle said.

She added that there are many students who, after moving off campus, change their minds and move back on campus, and that living on campus is “quintessential to the college experience.”

“The college experience is about experiencing college, and this includes residence life, activities and hanging out with friends,” Zirkle said.

She also said there are “a lot more serious consequences” when living off campus. Instead of dealing with the college and Police and Safety, the Erie police would have to be brought in, and their punishments would almost always be harsher than what the college would give.

“I recommend that students do their homework—check out the place and the landlord beforehand. Get a copy of the off-campus book that is available in the Residence Life office, and be a smart consumer,” Zirkle said.

The Off Campus Living Guide is a booklet available to all students considering the idea of living off campus. It contains procedures such as paperwork for Mercyhurst, leases, deposits and insurance. It also discusses how to be connected with your roommates and neighbors. There is a list of Mercyhurst and Erie phone numbers, as well. These numbers include different offices on campus, hospitals and utilities.

AIA names Adovasio to top lecture post

By Joseph Pudlick Staff writer

Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute Director James Adovasio, Ph.D., has been selected to speak in the Doris Z. Stone New World Archaeology Lectures. He was selected with four others and is considered one of the top five North American speakers.

The American Institute of Archaeology (AIA) is a professional organization that’s primary focus is educating not only people in the industry, but also the public.

“I have participated in their speaker series for nearly a decade,” said Adovasio. “At different times I have been one of those whose works has been sponsored by one of their endowments.”

The endowments run as different AIA chapters request speakers from certain disciplines and topics.

“Essentially, I’ll be talking about aspects of our research that involves either the earliest population in the New World, the earliest Native Americans or the roles of women in prehistory, who for a

variety of reasons have been generally ignored by prehistorians until relatively recently,” said Adovasio.

“Many of our views in the past have been biased in the male direction, and especially prior to 20 years ago when most of the people in archaeology were men, you had a double bias.”

The double bias that Adovasio speaks of comes from the stone and ceramic tools commonly found in digs that are often created by men, and the old norm of the majority of archaeologists in the industry being male.

With archaeology being such an expansive area, it poses the question of how someone comes to study baskets and women in North America. Adovasio refers to both cases as flukes.

“When I was studying in Utah, the professor who was in charge of the anthropology program at the time had just done major excavations at a dry cave site in the Salt Lake basin, and because those sites have very little moisture, stuff like our clothes are preserved in them for thousands of years,” said Adovasio.

“There was no one on the staff

Contributed photo

Adovasio will be speaking at the University of Albany and at the University of Central Florida this school year. at the time that had completed a degree in or had even experience dealing with perishable artifacts.

This individual said that if you don’t decide that this is what you want to be interested in, get the hell out.”

Adovasio quickly became interested in perishable prehistoric artifacts and has analyzed more of them than anyone else.

“I’ve been involved with the people of the New World for over 40 years,” Adovasio said. “Many of the sites that I’ve excavated in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are among the oldest archeological sites of their kind in all the Americas.”

Having done many of these speaker series, Adovasio enjoys being a part of them.

“It gives you the opportunity of doing two things,” said Adovasio. “Finding out the state of the field, in another area. I get to learn how they do things and how they operate. You have the opportunity to meet other professionals and students from other areas who are engaged in this or related lines of research and it gets you out of Erie in the dead of winter.”

Adovasio will speak at the University of Albany on Friday, Oct. 14, and the University of Central Florida on Friday, March 30. His topic is “The Invisible Sex: Some Thoughts on the Role of Women in Prehistory.”

FEATURES

September 21, 2011

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College explores gender issues in year-long series

By Brady Greenawalt Contributing writer

The way that we perceive gender differences will be investigated in this year’s year-long symposium “Exploring Gender and Relationships.”

This marks the fourth year that Mercyhurst faculty members from various academic disciplines have come together to organize a yearlong series exploring an important issue. These series help to allow teachers to explore certain issues in unique ways and with more depth out of the classroom.

John Olszowka, Ph.D., history professor and coordinator of this year’s event, decided to make gender issues the focus after realizing that 2012 will be the 40th anniversary of the passage of Title IX, a piece of legislation that Olszowka calls “a momentous shift in government policy dealing with

gender equity.”

Olszowka plans for the event to cover a broad range of topics dealing with gender.

As an interdisciplinary effort, the events will appeal to people with a variety of interests.

“The idea is to bring the various departments and disciplines of the college together,” said Olszowka, “because there is a connection in what we do.”

In addition to speakers, the event will include performers, a round table discussion and a dance performance.

Olszowka will also include a film series as one of the events, and a film that explores the issue of gender will be shown at some point during each term.

Although many of the events are already planned, more are frequently being added to the schedule. “(The schedule) grows, we are sort of rolling it out in terms,” said Olszowka.

He hopes the event will get a

reaction from the Erie community as well as the Mercyhurst community.

“A lot of these events are geared towards students, but they can contribute to the community as well,” he said.

Speakers from previous years have seen a large amount of Erie community members in attendance.

This week will include two speakers as a part of this series.

Jean Kilbourne, Ed.D., a scholar who is internationally known for her studies on the female image in advertising, will be the keynote speaker. Her speech was on Tuesday.

Thursday, Sept. 22, Monica Biernat, Ph.D., from the University of Kansas will talk about the issues of stereotyping and prejudice.

The “Exploring Gender and Relationships” series will also include a second keynote speaker, leadership expert Dan Mulhern, in February.

Zach Dorsch photo

Jean Kilbourne, Ed.D., took time to sign her books following her presentation at Tuesday’s event.

Alumnus Ryan Palm grateful for years at Mercyhurst College

By Kayla Kelly

Contributing writer

Contributed photo

Ryan Palm, a 2007 graduate from Mercyhurst was very involved in campus activities during his four years here.

Alumnus Ryan Palm is an enthusiastic employee and graduate of Mercyhurst College. He works as the Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, a job that entails connecting with alumni and parents.

After graduating from high school in Ohio, he decided he wanted to stay close to home. Palm visited various colleges, but Mercyhurst was the one that pulled him in as soon as he entered the 20-foot tall, wrought iron gates. He knew, right away, Mercyhurst was the place for him.

The charming atmosphere, great community and endless opportunities of ways to get involved were the main reasons Palm chose Mercyhurst College as

his new home.

Everyone has good and bad experiences, but Palm had a neverending list of amazing experiences, which included: Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) and being on the board for three years, attending various activities put on by MSG and Student Activities Council, being a resident assistant (RA) for two years and getting to know his residents.

He was also involved in The Merciad for three years as the sports editor and was a member of the History and National Security clubs.

Palm studied intelligence, and when he graduated from Mercyhurst, he worked in Washington D.C. for three years where he was an intel analyst for the Department of Defense.

Palm found that D.C. wasn’t for him and he decided to come back to the area he loved – Erie.

As a student he saw himself eventually coming back to Mercyhurst to work, but it happened sooner than later.

When asked why he decided to come back, he said, “I like Erie, and I really love Mercyhurst.”

As a successful graduate of Mercyhurst College, his advice for students is to “get involved and meet new people. The opportunities to get involved on campus are something that really sets Mercyhurst apart from other colleges.

Employer’s love to see more on a resume than just class work, therefore everyone should take advantage of the activities and clubs available and cherish the experiences.”

Palm says that Mercyhurst is “a very warm, engaging community, that does an incredible job educating a person inside and outside the classroom.”

FEATURES

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September 21, 2011

Public Forum hosts Phil English

By Faye Clark Staff writer

Friday, Sept. 16, the Mercyhurst Center for Applied Politics held its first Public Affairs Forum in celebration of Constitution day.

The Public Affairs Forum is part of the new Center for Applied Politics’ Experiential Learning Curriculum, which includes both the forum and getting political science students involved in public opinion polling and other activities on campus.

The Forum invited former Congressman Phil English to speak on the history of the Constitution of the United States as well as constitutional dilemmas he faced during his time in office.

Congressman English was a Republican representative for the Third Pennsylvania District from 1995 to 2009 and served in the House of Representative’s Ways and Means Committee.

At the Forum he discussed the history of the Constitution, the issues of constitutional law dealt with during his time as a U.S. Representative and future conflicts that the nation’s Constitution may face, as well as answered student questions.

“The founding fathers had a different and alien view of constitutionality,” English said.

Because of this shift in focus, “Liberty and property crowded out equality.”

The ‘Founding Fathers,’ many of whom have nearly taken on a superhero persona, were more concerned with tyranny and how to prevent it.

That is why there are so many different aspects of the Constitution that deal with decentralizing power.

This creates, “the very real danger of inertia and gridlock (in government) – exactly what the founding fathers wanted,” he said.

“Today’s crises are erosive and highlight challenges facing the Constitution and its periodic internal inconsistencies,” said English, citing the War Powers Act as legislative interference with the president’s

powers as commander & chief of the armed forces.

When the question and answer portion of the presentation arrived, the attendees wrote questions on note cards, which were then reviewed by professors before being handed off to another student to read. This process expedited the usually lengthy Q&A sessions and allowed students to have their say even if they were too shy to speak in public.

The questions that survived the screening process were predictable, though English answered eloquently and helpfully.

When asked about government accountability, English replied, “Be vigilant – use the tools at your disposal, push for transparency in government, force organizations to be representative of you. Shift the power back to informed individuals.”

The Public Affairs Forum is attempting to do just that – bring the students of Mercyhurst closer to information that will help them function as responsible citizens beyond their time at Mercyhurst.

“

The founding fathers had a different and alien view of constitutionality.

”

Phil English

DIY College style: Textured wall art Alex Stacey enjoys blogging about do-it-yourself projects. She is always looking for watys to decorate her apartment while following decorating policies.

I wanted to try a project to make some wall art with texture and I knew I wanted to bring some color into my all-white hallway. I looked at some fabric paint paintings that were completely spray painted.

After agonizing over a color choice for about two weeks, and having the designs hang on the wall in a white state for a while, I finally decided to paint them watermelon Krylon.

Alex Stacey photo

I decided to free-hand a design in white puff paint that was similar to the one I found on the virtual pinboard, “Pinterest.” I chose puffy fabric paint because that was what would give me the most texture on the canvas. I used two canvases, so I made the designs in a mirroring way. They aren’t symmetrical and don’t even really match up, but that hand-made quality is part of what I like about them.

After I was done being a drama queen about color, I simply sprayed them, which was a little bit difficult, seeing as how the season is changing in Erie, which means it is really windy. I felt kind of uneasy about leaving these outside for very long with big, puffy, grey clouds outside.

But they dried in about 10 minutes.

I love that you can still see the design, but it is very subtle because the canvases are all pink. Below is the “after” shot of them hanging in my hallway.

I am still looking for a little decoration to hang in the middle of the canvases. But it really makes a difference. No more sterile, white walls.

I am determined to fill these walls before the year is up!

For more craft ideas visit: www.lavendersbluee.blogspot.com

“

Be vigilant – use the tools at your disposal, push for transparency in government, force organizations to be representative of you.

”

Phil English

Alex Stacey photo Jill Barrile photo

Former Congressman Phil English addressed the student audience at Friday’s event.

Alex Stacey photo

DIY College Style will be a weekly column featuring two college students’ blogs about quick and easy tips about crafts and food.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

September 21, 2011

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Haunting melodies heard in ‘The Winter of Mixed Drinks’

By Aaron Ullman Staff writer

Zachary Dorsch photo

Allen Zurcher is an active member of the Erie jazz community.

Zurcher kicks off Faculty Recital Series

By Mathew Anderson Contributing writer

The audience couldn’t get enough of local musician Allen Zucher, Ph.D., who received a standing ovation after his recital Thursday night as part of the Faculty Recital Series The house was packed, and judging from the audience’s facial expressions, everybody was astonished at the sound emanating from the stage.

The program included works in the classical style, jazz works and improvisations by the performers.

“Dr. Zurcher is an extraordinary saxophone player. He makes hard pieces of music seem effortless,” junior Alianna Whiteaker said after the show.

Such a mastery of the saxophone was displayed that seemed to keep all in a trance, with their eyes fixed on the stage.

Zurcher initially got his degree in saxophone performance from Edinboro University.

After, he attended grad school at Youngstown State University for saxophone performance.

He then got his degrees in jazz pedagogy and saxophone perfor-

mance and pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado.

Zurcher is an extremely successful professional saxophonist and can be seen performing all around the city of Erie.

Some of his most recent venues have been The Erie Art Museum and entertainment for the Jazz and Blues walk.

Joining the talents of Zurcher were two friends and accomplished musicians.

Tony Grey, on the electric bass guitar, presented just as much showmanship and talent as Zurcher. Matt Ferguson, on drums, also added a very steady beat.

Together, the trio performed everything from modern work to a section of the program in which they performed an original improvisation.

The trio’s improvisation piece sounded anything but spontaneous.

These three musicians performed the piece (without prior rehearsal) so perfectly in sync that it could have easily passed for a musical number that had been rehearsed for months.

One thing that is apparent is that the standards for the rest of the faculty recital series have definitely been bumped up a notch.

Who doesn’t love a good Scottish brogue?

Frightened Rabbit is a talented indie group from Glasgow that offers a charming accent paired with excellent lyrics and beautiful melodies.

There is a certain poetry to their newest album, “The Winter of Mixed Drinks,” as if the group is a reincarnation of Robert Burns himself.

As a whole, the disc is graced with lilts of Scottish influences and, at times, haunting melodies.

Scott Hutchinson, the lyricist and lead singer, admitted the album would have a heavy theme of melancholy and sadness to it. The first three songs in particular portray this notion quite readily.

For instance, “The Loneliness and the Scream” plays off of the old “If a tree falls in a forest” adage. The singer feels that no one can hear his scream and that he is all alone after a relationship has ended. The track title alone says it all.

The album opener “Things” also adds to this subdued sentiment.

The extraneous items and “pointless artifacts from a mediocre past” in a relationship don’t really matter at all in the end. It is the relationship itself that warrants the most value, and the “Never going back” to it that

hurts the most.

In the same vein, “Swim Until You Can’t See Land” is probably the best song on the album. Hutchinson again compares the tough nature of moving on from an ended relationship to swimming until you cannot see the place you set out from.

The verse “Let’s call me a Baptist, call this the drowning of the past/ She’s there at the shoreline throwing stones at my back” really sums up the song’s meaning: the past is there to pester you, but you have to summon the chutzpah to press on.

The song’s repetitive line “Are you a man or are you a bag of sand?” really drives that point home—move on or sink.

However, at a mid-album reprise—“Man/Bag of Sand,” a lyrical recall of “Swim Until You Can’t See Land”—the tone of the songs starts to pick up. “Nothing Like You” and “Living in Colour” both embody the act of moving on after a broken relationship.

It is as if the album is a mini-narrative in itself where one is mired in the depths of loneliness and angst but finds the resolve to move forward and put the past behind.

It is really stunning how Frightened Rabbit can capture these complex emotions and tangibly craft them into one congruous musical work.

In the end, “The Winter of Mixed Drinks” is pure poetry set to music. With no real weak spots to speak of, you won’t be sorry you listened.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 8

September 21, 2011

Dancer profile: Juliana Franks Student pursues performance, art therapy careers

By Ashley Cook

Contributing writer Juliana Franks is a senior dance major with a concentration in pedagogy and a psychology minor hailing from Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan.

During her years at Mercyhurst, she has not only been able to fulfill her love of dance and grow as an artist, but she has also been able to discover other interests outside of the dance studio which she hopes to pursue after graduation.

Franks began her dance training at the age of eight at the Geiger Classical Ballet Academy, admitting that at first she “hated ballet.”

As she got older, however, she began to gain an appreciation for the art form, which inevitably led her to this institution.

According to Franks, she visited Mercyhurst in “the dead of winter, during a blizzard with three feet of snow.”

Nonetheless, the welcoming faculty, current dance majors and beautiful campus won her over.

As a dance major, Franks says that her favorite performance experiences were Raw Edges during her freshman year and last year’s pro-

duction of Cinderella.

In regards to the latter she says that Cinderella has always been her favorite ballet and that working with her fellow cast members was “an extremely rewarding experience because we had great chemistry.

“It was also enjoyable to work with the non-dance majors that were involved in the production as well,” Franks said.

After graduating, Franks aspires to dance professionally for four to five years and then attend graduate school for art therapy.

She finds enjoyment in helping children with disabilities through movement and art.

She claims that it is “important to get dance back into schools, for it fosters children’s cognitive development and increases test scores.”

Like many senior dancers, Franks has an “I’ll dance for whoever will hire me” attitude.

She did express an interest in working on cruise ships since it will enable her to see the world.

A free-spirited individual to say the least, Franks was not shy answering dance related questions: Do you have any pre-performance rituals?

“Coffee, carbs and candy!”

What was your worst onstage nightmare?

Liz Zurasky photo

Juliana Franks has a concentration in pedagogy within the dance department. After pursuing a performance career, she hopes to attend graduate school for art therapy.

“One year during a performance of The Nutcracker when I was casted as a candy cane, I was required to sit on the throne of Clara and the prince and my foot fell asleep!

I was unsuccessful at waking it up

and had to limp around the stage.”

Where do you find inspiration for dance?

“I get inspired by watching other dancers, professionals and friends alike, and from music.”

When asked what advice she

would give to students she said, “Take a class for the hell of it because you may surprise yourself and discover you love something you never would have anticipated.

“Don’t be afraid to meet people, because these years will fly.”

‘Make love not war’ acted out in ‘The Names of Love’

By Alejandra Zeron Contributing writer

Movieberry.com photo

“The Names of Love” shows today at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m in the PAC. Admission is free to Mercyhurst students with an ID.

This week’s installment of the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center’s (PAC) Guelcher Film series teaches us that love can be found in many places.

The French comedy “The Names of Love” narrates the story of Baya Benmahmoud, a young and unrestrained liberal who leads her life by the slogan “make love, not war.”

Baya, the daughter of an Algerian immigrant and former French radical, lives out this philosophy in daily life by seducing politically

conservative men.

Once she has them in bed, she converts them to her left-wing political interest, an endeavor that she successfully accomplishes until her encounter with Arthur Martin, a middle-aged Jewish scientist.

At first Baya believes that Arthur will be hard to win over. With such a common name, he must be very conservative.

Out of this premise, evolves what The Hollywood Reporter is claiming to be a “delightful, sexy and often audacious crowd pleaser.”

Although incredibly poised with comical scenes, the film acquires a serious tone toward the end when Baya and Arthur, bound by the

intricate family tragedies of the Holocaust and the Algerian War, unexpectedly succumb to conspicuous sentimentality and fall in love.

The cast comprises Sarah Forestier as free-spirited Baya Benmahmoud and Jacques Gamblin as scientist Arthur Martin.

The New York Times asserts, “For all the potentially dangerous subjects it glosses, above all the tangled legacies of the Holocaust and the Algerian war, ‘The Names of Love’ dances away from any uncomfortable provocation.

“Even when sticking out its tongue, it is finally just an airy comedy riding on one cheeky, incandescent performance.”

OPINION

September 21, 2011

September 3,Page 20089

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

Condom debate takes twist Writer’s response Student supports college policy

By Travis Lindsey Contributing writer

Dear Mark Fuhry and any other students who support the opinion that condoms do not violate the Catholic tradition: first, Catholicism is a faith not a tradition. Traditions are things like holidays or rituals.

Your idea that condoms do not violate Catholic morals because it’s the year 2011 is idiocy.

Statements from Pope Benedict XVI about condoms became an ambiguity after the fact. He does not think it’s a moral solution to stopping AIDS but rather could be a step for male prostitutes to take moral responsibility for their actions.

Is he just trying to start dialogue about this issue to see what the responses will be?

I think the Pope is simply trying his best to be faithful to God’s word.

I hope you know using condoms does violate Catholic faith because artificial contraception violates God’s word (Genesis 1:28). Also

if you do this outside of marriage, you could be stealing or advantaging your needs over another through peer pressure and therefore breaking the 8th Commandment. I’m not Catholic, so I am not familiar with all of the reasons why condoms and pre-marital sex go against Catholicism.

If you don’t understand the relations between love, marriage, faith and protecting yourself from diseases, then why don’t you do what most people do-research to find knowledge about these subjects instead of looking for personal pleasure or what you call “entertainment.” Look up the word entertainment. Next to it you don’t find sexual intercourse. You don’t need to experience everything in order to learn from it.

Neither Mercyhurst nor the Catholic faith should be responsible for making condoms available to students for health reasons. It goes against their morals and ethics. It is ultimately an individual’s responsibility to provide their own protection.

What you are asking for is another free handout; next you will want something else for nothing. If you haven’t noticed, this very issue is causing many problems in our country right now from banks to businesses and citizens asking our government to fix everything for us.

That’s not what the government was designed to do. Unless the government makes it a law for schools to provide this item for students, you simply have no chance of this happening.

We all know that diseases are out there and have increased in numbers significantly over time; if you decide to have sexual intercourse you are at a higher risk of receiving diseases. If you decide to participate in sexual acts and want a condom, then go buy one yourself, and then be sure to see your doctor for an STD test.

Every person is given free will, and I hope that students at Mercyhurst will make the right choice on everything they are faced with in their lives.

Reality TV glamorizes bad behavior

By Larae Tymochko Contributing writer

I dread Mondays not only because it is the end of the weekend and beginning of a school week, but because it features the “Bachelor” and MTV’s “Teen Mom.” And just when I think that my week could not get any worse, “Jersey Shore” fist pumps its way to a primetime Thursday night slot and trumps all atrocious reality television shows.

It is troubling to me that our generation finds entertainment in these inexcusable behavior patterns and are emulating their actions after these so called “celebrities.” This type of television is a train wreck at its finest, and I sure won’t be jumping on this train.

Consider how the “Bachelor” has an astounding track record of one marriage out of 17 backstabbing, drama filled seasons. I challenge the avid “Bachelor” watcher to convince me that you are able

to find the love of your life while selecting from 25 men while under the skeptical spotlight of America.

More so, this is not free entertainment by any means, nor is it good – but perhaps the farthest thing from having a positive connotation attached to it. A recent article posted in the NY Daily News covered a story which details how New Jersey’s Economic Development Authority approved a whopping $420,000 tax credit for production costs while the Jersey Shore cast fist pumps in Italy.

What better way to spend tax dollars then to pick up the tabs when the “Cabs are here,” pay for Snooki’s darkening skin hue from maximum UVA and UVB exposure or to have clean sheets in the “smoosh” room.

Another reason I contend that reality TV downgrades the intelligence of the average viewer (if that’s possible) is exemplified by MTV’s latest sensation, “Teen Mom,” returning for its third season.

If there was any way to glamor-

ize teen pregnancy, it is depicted by MTV’s “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom.” Early or teen pregnancy is a serious issue and should be handled in a likewise manner.

“Teen Mom” stars earn between $60,000-65,000 per season – the equivalent salary to an architect, pediatric nurse, web developer and property leasing manager. Keep in mind that two of these girls have not completed high school. Who wouldn’t want to get paid to have a child?

It may be a stretch, but it is certainly feasible that catering to an audience with an age range of 12-24 years old could promote early teen pregnancy and contribute to the statistics that indicate an increase in sexual activity. I believe it is fostering the idea in the minds of young girls that becoming pregnant, raising a child and abandoning school, is something that is becoming more accepted in today’s society.

Society needs a reality check that can’t be found from flipping through the TV guide.

By Mark Fuhry

Contributing writer I would like to start off by thanking Travis for a good and thoughtful rebuttal. It is sad that such quality was missing from the college.

I would agree with most of Travis’ statements, especially his views on tradition and faith and his citing of the 8th Commandment.

Where I disagree with Travis is the idea of experience. Personally, as I am sure many agree, I believe college is a place where an individual grows to become a well-rounded adult, and college should be one of the safest places for an individual to do that.

I believe learning about love and meaningful relationships is one of those things that are learned in this process. If you are one of the few that are held and bound by your faith and believe you won’t commit a violation of the 8th Commandment and mistakenly have sex before marriage, then great.

However, I am sure that mistakes happen and one’s judgment in college is not always perfect. In such a situation the college can step up and ensure that the safety of the students is upheld. In this case provide STD testing at the health center along with condoms.

I do not see it being such of an issue, even if you try to make an argument under a religious veil.

If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen.

Editors Kelly Luoma Alaina Rydzewski Liz Zurasky Caitlin Handerhan Spencer Hunt Alex Stacey Chrissy Mihalic Kaitlin Badger Jill Barrile Ethan Johns Max Rivera Bill Welch

Positions @mercyhurst.edu Editor-in-Chief editormerciad News Editor newsmerciad Features Editor featuremerciad Opinion Editor opinionmerciad Sports Editor sportsmerciad A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad Copy Editor copymerciad Graphics photomerciad Photo Editor photomerciad Web Editor ejohns89 Ad Manager admerciad Adviser wwelch

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. 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 e-mail at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

OPINION

Page 10

September 21, 2011 September 3, 2008

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

New doubts about democratization

By Lucas Sageot Contributing writer

The campus-wide gender equality initiative, “Exploring Gender and Relationships” kicks off a year-long, interdisciplinary speaker series this week.

For the past few months, Egypt, one of the most important Arabic countries in the world, has been experiencing what can only be deemed a revolution.

It started in January after general upset over the dominating politics of Hosni Mubarak, the reigning president of the last 30 years.

Under his rule, the government has struggled to meet the demands of Egypt’s growing population,

resulting in mounting economic woes. The country has been a Western ally despite strong Muslim roots, which subsequently has ensured Mubarak’s tenure in office.

Egypt’s shift toward democracy poses a unique situation on the international stage. The struggle to incorporate basic tenets of democracy in a formerly authoritarian regime is an issue that deserves more attention on a global scale.

It seems safe to assert that Egypt’s revolution corresponds with cultural shifts associated with a rise in self-expression values. This shift in generational values, coupled with a

floundering economy seems to have sparked the massive uprisings against the Mubarak regime and fanned the flames of democracy.

This raises a very important question: Considering Egypt’s transition toward democratic ideals, should every interest within society be allowed to compete in a free and fair election? That being said, how would the presence of the Muslim Brotherhood in an election influence American interest in the region?

If we understand democracy we can say that democracy must include everyone. But that would also mean giving the chance for

minorities from the south and other oppressed groups to vote.

The inclusion of fringe groups also poses a threat to the stability of democracy and the maintenance of individual freedoms.

In the face of such serious concerns, I remain skeptical of Egypt’s ability to fully transition to a consolidated democracy in the future.

Despite other revolutions in neighboring countries, I fear our Western enthusiasm will not be enough to ensure the success of democracy in Egypt. In a world where democracy is the ideal, we are far from it.

Student generation called to act

By Brian Lombardo Contributing writer

Students will no longer be able to use their OneCard at off-campus locations.

Looks like those funds will not be stimulating the local economy anymore.

We have grown up listening to adults talk almost non-stop about the shortcomings of our generation.

Sometimes this includes disapproving references to “kids these days,” and other times they compare our childhood to theirs with quips such as, “when I was your age.”

Although we’ve all groaned and rolled our eyes every time we hear this, it might be useful to periodically pause and realize the full implications of these words.

While I’m not suggesting our parents and grandparents’ criticism is accurate, I do think they make a point they didn’t intend. Underlying their rude comments about how iPhones and PlayStations are turning our brains to mush, adults are telling us that the qualities characterizing our generation have now become so distinct they find it dif-

Online

Students have been inconvenienced repeatedly in the past week due to problems with Laker Vapor. There is nothing quite like trying to access Blackboard at the last minute for that assignment with the internet down.

ficult to see the similarities between them and us. That makes our age group unique, giving us as young adults an immense amount of power to change the status quo.

We may not realize it, but we control the future, not just of our own lives, but also of the direction of our communities, the country and society at large. However, it is completely up to us to use that power responsibly and effectively to affect this change.

There are a countless number of issues that need our immediate attention, and we have a civic duty to ourselves and future children to address them.

A number of these more pressing issues include protecting our environment; immigration reform; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and question (LGBTQ) marriage equality and even voting rights.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Campus Progress Conference in Washington, D.C., where panels of

experts discussed these and other vital matters facing our generation.

It was a truly inspiring event, and I felt a strong urge to do whatever I could in advocating for a better future.

One topic discussed there that has the potential to directly impact each of us is the proposal of bills in some states blatantly attacking certain groups’ right to vote. According to an article in the Summer 2011 edition of the Campus Progress Magazine, citing statistics from the Fair Elections Legal Network (FELN), “…in the past six years, seven states have enacted laws that disenfranchise students or make it more difficult for them to vote.”

Claiming widespread instances of voter fraud, these states are suggesting so-called Voter ID laws, which would require an individual to present photo ID when voting.

While this may not seem such a burden at first glance, many individuals, including college students, the lower class and minorities (aka

Real world poses real problems

By Jaslyne Halter

Contributing writer

groups traditionally voting left) do not possess a photo ID, and would therefore not be able to vote. This is blatantly unfair and one of many issues our generation must take a stand against.

We may seem afraid to tackle these seemingly insurmountable challenges. However, if each person does his or her small part to work for equality for all and a more cooperative society, we can make our vision a reality. For example, it is absolutely necessary that each and every one of us register to vote.

Without a vote, we have no voice. But if we young adults vote together to advance the issues important to us, imagine the message we could send to our national leaders. I urge you to do your part, however small you may think it is, to change the world. This is not as tall an order as it seems. Register to vote, contact your Congressperson or involve yourself in any cause important to you. Whatever you do, make it count.

merciad.mercyhurst.edu/opinion

Page 11

Sports

September 21, 2011

Women’s soccer looks to rebound from 2010 season

By Spencer Hunt Sports editor

Having a short memory is a phrase often associated with athletics. Players need to forget past mistakes and move forward onto a new game and challenge. This holds true for the women’s soccer team, trying to move past its first losing season since 1987.

The Lakers will try to improve on last year’s 8-9-1 mark, even though the team has only one true senior in defender Megan Macko.

Head Coach Keith Cammidge said, “Last season is irrelevant. We just need to keep moving forward and looking to improve. Every coach wants to get off to a good start, but it’s still early.”

The team is in unfamiliar territory. Macko is the only player with NCAA experience on a team that has fallen down in the peck-

ing order of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).

After posting three straight NCAA berths from 2006-08, the Lakers are trying to regain former glory.

“It’s different. It’s hard to tell the younger players what it’s like to play in the Elite 8,” Macko said of her Elite 8 appearance as a freshman.

With a 4-2 start, it’s hoped the team can call last season a fluke.

“We just need to take one game at a time, take care of business and then move forward,” Cammidge said.

With every game, the Lakers gain experience to add to the talent that is already there.

“It’s just experience, I think we can definitely get back there,” Macko added.

The team currently sits at 2-2 in conference heading into Slippery Rock Wednesday. The next few games will be a good indicator of where this year’s team is headed.

It was at the midway point last season when things began to fall apart for the Lakers. They lost eight of 10 games in the middle part of their schedule before rebounding to win two straight to finish the year.

“We may not have as much depth as some schools, but we have the talent to win games,” Cammidge said. “Conference games don’t mean anymore than any other game.”

One advantage the Lakers had last year that they were unable to take advantage of was five of their last six games were at home. This season, the team will finish with seven of their last 10 games on the road.

“We just need to win one game at a time and everyone realizes we need to focus on the next game and not any further,” Macko said.

With the one game at a time mantra being played loud and clear, this season may be different.

Contributed photo

Jill Barrile photo

With her family of future Lakers cheering her on, junior Gabrielle Catrabone has two goals on the season.

Women’s hockey adds new assistant coach

By Alaina Rydzewski Managing editor

Sports Information photo

New Assistant Coach Delaney Collins brings 11 years of Canadian National Team experience to the bench.

Hopefully the addition of Collins will help the learning curve on a team welcoming nine new players.

The newest recruit of the women’s hockey team this year is Assistant Coach Delaney Collins.

Collins www.hockeycanada.ca played on Canada’s National Women’s team since 1999 but felt that it was time to retire.

“I felt that I was done playing hockey. I had some post-concussion symptoms in the 2008-09 season, and I didn’t want to take any more health risks,” Collins said.

After retiring, Collins took some time for herself and then decided to apply for the position at Mercyhurst College.

“There aren’t very many programs that I would have said yes to,” said Collins. “I did turn down some other jobs to come here. It is Mercyhurst’s tradition combined with their commitment to excellence that made it a no brainier for me to apply for the job.”

Collins is an impressive athlete, which will benefit the women’s hockey team. She has played in five International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) championships, appeared in six 3 Nations/4 Nations Cups and was invited to the Canadian National Women’s Team selection camp this past March to select the final roster for the 2011 IIHF Women’s World Championships.

She said that hockey has given her many life lessons over the years.

“It taught me to handle all situations. When faced with diversity or having an excess amount of success, you always have to be humble, work hard and stay positive and when no one else is willing to,” Collins said.

Collins has been playing hockey since she was four years old.

“My parents gave me the choice of playing hockey or figure skating.

I chose hockey because my brothers and dad all played,” she said.

“I am always inspired by the people who say I can’t do something and the people who doubt,” said Collins. “At 5 feet 3 inches and 130 pounds, I had to prove myself every day when I played on the national team—there were a lot of people who didn’t think it was possible.”

Collins is excited at the opportunity of coaching the women’s team at Mercyhurst.

“I am really honored and excited to be here. It’s an honor to be a part of this program that Coach Sisti has built from scratch,” Collins said.

Collins isn’t the only one who is excited—her players are, too.

Sophomore Christie Cicero said, “She seems extremely knowledgeable about hockey. I’m for sure

looking forward to what she’ll bring to the team.”

“We’re really excited about it.

She’s a great coach—she holds high expectations for us and herself. I’m excited to see what she’ll bring to the team and how she’ll develop us as players,” junior Lauren Jones added.

Their next game is Saturday, Sept.

24, at 4 p.m. at the Mercyhurst College Ice Center.

Bram attends Team Canada camp Senior Bailey Bram is in Calgary participating in Canada’s National Women’s Team Camp.

She is one of 40 invitees that include former Lakers Meghan Agosta, Vicki Bendus and Jessie Scanzano.

Bram led the Lakers in an exhibition victory over Wilfred Laurier with six points.

Page 12

Sports

September 21, 2011

Men’s soccer aims for return trip to NCAA

By Spencer Hunt Sports editor

For most teams, repeating a 13-3-3 record would be considered a successful year. For the Mercyhurst College men’s soccer team, that isn’t good enough.

Even after losing two of their top three point scorers from last season, the Lakers are looking to get even better.

“We look forward, not in the past. We want to get better,” Coach Dale White said.

So far this season, they are well on their way to another NCAA tournament berth.

The sixth ranked Lakers currently sit at 5-1 overall as they begin conference play. Despite having a younger team, White isn’t concerned with how his team will handle the conference schedule.

“The boys are working hard, and the young players came in very prepared,” White said.

Occasionally, on a team with younger players, nerves can become an issue and cause mental mistakes in games. But with this Laker team, the seniors help lighten the mood.

“We are one of the liveliest teams. It helps take away some pressure, but that was one of our downfalls last year,” senior Oliver Gage said.

The Lakers lost three of their last four games last season, all by one goal.

“We were looking more at our opponents

and not at ourselves and sticking to what we do best,” Gage added. “We were all disappointed (last season) and we feel we have a point to prove this season.”

On a team made up of 15 foreign players, communication could become an issue between the team.

“Once we get on the field, we have a good understanding of everyone,” Gage said. “We do have an English only music rule in the changing room, but other then that we understand each other well.”

Communication will be big as the team heads into the stretch run of their season.

“It’s nice to be up in the rankings, but we’ve got a stretch of away games coming up, and it’s too early to get excited,” White said.

The team will be on the road for seven of their last 10 games, including five straight to finish the year. Their stellar start will hopefully continue through the rough schedule that waits for them.

They will rely on senior forward Alex Manea, their leading scorer from last season, senior forward Billy Colton, who is nine goals away from the all-time school record and three-year starting goalkeeper Diego Gustin, who will aid the younger players along.

The Lakers hope to rebound from their first loss of the season when they take on conference foe Slippery Rock University on Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. on Tullio Field.

Men’s hockey seventh in AHA preseason poll

By Spencer Hunt Sports editor

In the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) preseason poll, the men’s hockey team is expected to finish seventh.

Coming off a 15-18-4 season and surprise run into the AHA tournament, expectations are low for the team.

The Lakers lost four of their top five scorers and seven of the top 10.

Some of the departures were expected, with five graduations. However, the loss of redshirt junior Phil Ginand and freshman AHA rookie of the year Taylor Holstrom came as a surprise.

Holstrom and fellow freshman Nate Jensen

decided to sit out a year and transfer to the new Penn State program. They will play on the club team until the 2012-13 season when Penn State begins their inaugural campaign.

Despite the losses, the Lakers have talent returning. Junior Paul Chaisson had a breakout season last year, finishing second on the team with 37 points.

Defensively, the team will have a new face in goal for the first time in four years.

Goalie Ryan Zapolski graduated after saving 994 goals last season, a 92 percent save rate.

Goalie will be a key position battle among senior Max Strang and incoming freshmen Jake Williams and Jimmy Sarjeant.

Coach Rick Gotkin and company begin the season with an exhibition game against York University Saturdary Oct. 2 at Mercyhurst.

Jill Barrile photo

Junior goaltender Diego Gustin is one of the upperclassmen who must have a great year. As the last line of defense, Gustin has 18 saves on the season with one shutout.