Mercyhurst mourns
By Lauren Shreve
Contributing Writer
"/ am not concerned that I have no work. And he loved doing it,"
place, lam concerned how I may fit said director of administration
myself'one, I am not concerned thatIservices, Tom Billingsley.
am not known, I seek to be worthy to |* Buettner used his talents to help
be known* * Confucius
These immortal wordsfromthe
great Chinese philosopher exem-
plify the qualities that Mercy-
hurst's master carpenter, Bob
Buettner, possessed sofreelyand
unreservedly in life. Buettner's
life was cut short last week when
at the age of 41, he died of a
massive heart attack playing bas- the door jambs, to the coat racks,
ketball at his old high school, St
John's.
Buettner had worked in the
maintenance department since
1985 and took over the position
of college carpenter when Frank he has built through the years
Schroeck retired. Since then, because his heart and soul was hi •
Buettner had utilized his trade
skills to help beautify the cam-
pus.
Another Theft in Old M a i n
By James Gorman
News Editor
Last weekend, a painting called
Madonna and Child was stolen
from the hallway in Old Main.
The painting, which depicts the
Virgin Mary and baby Jesus, was
hung adjacent to the Bishop's
Parlor on the Grst floor of Old
Main.
The painting was donated to the
college several years ago. Direc-
tor of Security Ken Sidun said
that although the value of the *
painting is unknown, it is worth a
significant amount to the college.
Along with the recent theft of a
bust of David, which was returned
earlier this week,the theft of sev-
eral Mercyhurst banners, and road
signs has alarmed administration
and security. It has left them won-
dering why these actions are tak-
ing place and what they should do
in response, he said.
Sidun and his staff have been
quite busy in the last few weeks
and do not want to be preoccu-
pied with this activity while
Mercyhurst prepares for gradua-
tion. "Recently, things have got-t^j
ten out of hand and there will be
"Bob took great pride in his
carpentry, pie just loved hard
with major constructions like the
D'Angelo Performing Arts Cen-
ter and repaired everything from
chairs, to doors, to steps. He will
also be remembered for his
smaller creations such as book
cases, picnic tables and podiums.
"I've walked around these past
couple of days and I've looked at
everything (in the cafeteria) from
to the dining room table, he got
the whole thing workingforus,"
said Lisa Gierszal, assistant di-
rector offood services. "His spirit
will live on through everything
everything that he did," she said.
action taken in the future if the
theft problem does not cease,"
said Sidun.
Additionally, there have been
cases of vandalism throughout
Old Main with people writing on
the walls with markers. Sidun also
said that he has had two police
patches stolenfromhis collection
which was encased for display
outside his office on the second
floor of Old Main. Sidun encour-
ages anyone who has any infor-
mation Which could lead to the
whereabouts of the stolen items
to leave a message on his voice
mail or place a letter under his
door. Informants may remain
anonymous and any assistance
will be greatly appreciated.
According to Sidun, Old Main
has been kept open on the week-
ends until 1 a.m. upon request of
the students. However, ifthe thefts
or vandalism continue, student
privileges may be jeopardized.
This may not be favorable for
those students who like to use the
computer lab on the weekends,
but the college must look out for
its interests as well, he said.
friend
Bill Kerbusch, head of mainte- would be at ease with you,"
nance described his late employee Billinglsey said.
as a perfectionist when it came to $ Buettner is survived by his wife,
his job. "He took a lot of pride in Jeanne, and three children, daugh-
his work, and in being associated ters Erin and Allison, and a son,
with the Mercyhurst name," said Bobby. "He was a great family
Kerbusch. "He had plentv rf op- man who was quite involved with
portunities to go to othei paces his kids. He would give them and
and work and make more money, his wife his frill concern at all
but he truly did like Mereyhurst tunes," Billingsley said.
and he wanted his children to be Buettner was also very active in
educated at Mercyhurst." die St John's parish and served
Kerbusch commented that it was
on several parish committees.
going to very difficult to replace a
Describing last Tuesday's funeral,
man of Buettner's skill and con-
Billingsley said that he had never
cern. seen so many people attend a fu-
Asidefromhis material contri- neral, "It was a testament to the
butions, Buettner will be remem- fondness "and appreciation that
bered for his jovial and energetic thousands of people hadforBob
spirit Buettner's contributions in life,"
"Bob was really a very whole said Billingsley.
person. He was a people person. "It's a verys^d day on
He just enjoyed die company of Mercyhurst campus. We're all
people. And he didn't dislike you, feeling a great loss. He * was a
rather, he was comfortable with goodfriendand colleague,*' sail?
you no matter who you were or Gierszal. 1
Robert Buettner 1956 -1997 what station vou were in, he
M § ( G N@wss Circle KReceives Money
tem and he also mentioned that all tenance technician, who recently
James Gorman died. The executive board an-
News Editor residence facilities will have e-
mail and internet access. nounced plans to meet with Dr.
Garvey to-discuss a variety of
On Monday, Mayl 12, the ^Later in the evening, the stu-
dent body passed a resolution to issues regarding die improvement
Mercyhurst Student Government
donate $250 to help die family of of the weight room, renovation of
concluded its yearly business.
Buettner, a Mercyhurst main- the library and computer access
Among the issues debated, MSG
appropriated $390 for the Circle
K sendee organization to help
defer costs so its members can
attend an international conference
in Chicago. The conference will
provide leadership skills for three
members of Circle K so that they
can make their organization more
effective. There will be a fund-
raiser in Garvey Park on Friday
where Circle K will be selling hot
dogs and lemonade for $1.
Melissa Lang, SAC Chairper-
son, said food for finals will be at
the Student Union Monday at 9
p.m., and quiet study in the caf-
eteria is scheduled for Monday
and Tuesday'from 11 p.m. to 3
a.m. Students are reminded to
bring their own cups/coffee mugs.
President Segedi discussed what
occurred at last week's Board of
Trustees meeting and the Budget
and Finance meeting. Also,
Segedi said the new East Briggs
apartments will be connected to Three newly elected MSG representatives Q. to r.) Resident reps Jen Houck and
the Mercyhurst phone line sys- Chris Fultz. Commuter representative Erin Lynch. Photo: Jessica Russell
 PAGE 2
N e w fresher class sets record high
By Chris Wloch
and Dan Hilfiker
hferciad Writers
For the second year in a row,
Mercyhurst is preparing to admit
a record size fresher class. Ac-
cording to Andrew Roth, dean of
enrollment services, next fall's
fresher class is estimated to be
around the 500 - 525 range. Roth
said that the previous record of
455 students, was set last year and
is expected to be topped by as
many as 75 students. The college
has received 1,779 applications
and 427 students Shave sent in
housing deposits as of Friday/
May 9, he said. <*
Library to close for summer i Circle KBBQ
By James Gorman
News Editor
Construction of an improved
library is underway. By May 22,
full construction will begin in the
main building and its use will be
a
suspended. Library services will
continue in a satellite library lo-
cated in Briggs Hall June 16
through Aug. 8. If you need ref-
erence service you can reach
Earleen Glaser at #2237. For
InterUbrary Loan service you can
reach Lynn Falk at #2236. For all
other Library services you can
'reach Barbara Wood at #2232.
Personal books or articles can
HPH
HairimenmUUbiaiyexpansionunderconstroctio Photo: Jessica Russell
. Of the students who have sent
in deposits, 85% are ranked in the
top half of their High School
graduating class. The average
SAT scores for those students is
1080, and their average QPA is
3.3, he said, *jj
f< Roth said that this record break-
ing enrollment can be attributed
to a number of different factors,
incl u d ing the relative a fford a bil ity
of the college. Mercyhurst is
ranked as one of the top 10 buys in
regional liberal {arts colleges in
the east in U.S. News and World
Report' Guide to American Col-
leges.
Another factor is the experi-
enced staff that the college has in
be returned to you by contacting
Darci Kress at #2236 before May
19. Any faculty member needing
library materials for summer re-
serve or summer research must
make arrangements prior to May
19 by contacting Darci Kress.
All books and materials must
be returned to the library by May
19. On that same day, all library
collections will become non-cir-
culating until the library re-opens
in the fall. After May 19, the book
drop box will be located in
Hammermill lobby.
TOW
• * ft •* 4- ** •* * ^ « i .- 4* *> * -
THE MERCIAD
ICoimtercultureClevelandTHp
its Financial Aid and Admissions
offices, Roth said. A final factor
is the ease and efficiency of the
admissions process because ofthe
implementation of the new Datatel
computer system.
Vice President for Academic
Affairs Dr. Joseph Gower said
that because of the large size of
the fresher class the administra-
tion wil 1 consider adding new sec-
tions and an additional class pe-
riod in the afternoon to accom-
modate the need for classroom
space. They are currently explor-
ing several options and no deci-
sions have been made at this point,
he said.
James Gorman
News Editor
The Mercyhurst College Circle
K club invites faculty, staff and
administration to a Friday after-
noon BBQ cookou L The event on
Friday, May 16 takes place be-
tween 2-4 p.m. in Garvey Park.
Hot dogs, snacks and lemonade
will be served, and the cost will
be $1. |£
£: The Circle K club is attempting
to raise $300 toward their sum-
mer trip to an International Circle
K club in Chicago.
*•/• ft
Hurst students pose infrontof Kesey's bus, (1. to r.) Alana Matochik,
Bill Melville, Ma rcia Farrell, Jim Hain, Dr. Kenneth Schiff, Stephanie
4l l1 .
Clarke, Amanda Brandthoover, Tom Wellington, Kim Thayer.
May 15,1997
By James Hain himself _ _ . ^^_^_
Merciad Writer other Pranksters. Kesey gave a
talk at the concert, which also
On Saturday, May 10, mem- featured performances by
bers of Or. Ken SchifFs Ameri- Donovan, Country Joe McDonald
can Counterculture class saw in and Big Brother and the Holding
person the people they have been Company. Kesey gave his
studying in class. Several mem- thoughts on such topics as Tom
bers of the class had the opportu- Wolfe (Kesey doesn't like him
nity to travel to Cleveland for the very much), Madonna (he doesn't
opening of "I Want to Take You like her very much, either) and
Higher:" The PsychedelicEra Rush Limbaugh (he led the audi-
ence in a cheer for Limbaugh be-
1965-1969," at the Rock V Roll
Hall of Fame and Museum. The cause "You should love your en-
exhibit runs through February emies"). )
1998 and ties directly in with the "It was a wonderful trip," said
class' current text, Tom Wolfe's Dr. Schiff, "The spirit of the six-
The Electric Kool- Aid Acid Test. ties is the spirit of rock V roll.
The book is a nonGction account And the spirit of rock 'n' roll is
celebration and transcendence and
of novelist Ken Kesey's adven-
tures as he and his band of follow- positive and loving social change.
ers \ (dubbed The Merry Prank- It's a healthy antidote to the mean-
sters) travelled the country in a spirited and politically correct
psychedelic Day-Glo school bus intolerance of the nineties.''
in the summer of 1964. "Coming face to face with the
Kesey, best known for his clas- Merry Pranksters, the men and
women who redefined American
sic novel One Flew Over the
Cuckoo's Nest, was at the Hall of culture, inspired a sense of awe in
me," said JuniortKim Thayer,
Fame with the surviving Prank-
sters in what he described as a "This awe seemed to exist in ev-
"descendant" of the original bus. eryone 'on the bus'fromthe time
Some members of the class had the Pranksters rolled in until our
the opportunity to meet Kesey own
• * m
• •
 PAGE 3
Half a million approved for campus automation
By Chris Wloch
Editor-in-Chief
On May 8, the board of trustees
approved an additional expendi-
ture of $575,000 to complete the
process of linking all student
rooms, apartments and other cam-
pus buildings jto the computer
network.
Sister Mary Mark Doubet, di-
rector o finformation systems, said
that the .data jacks and wiring
within many of the buildings al-
ready exist, but now they will all
Essay Contest Winners Announced
By Chris Wloch
Editor-in-Chief
This week winners were an-
nounced In the essay contest on
the topic of The Sense of Self
and the|SelPs Participation in
Public." Jp *
The contest was held as a re*
sponse to the presentation by the
same name held Monday, April
28 as a part of this year's Aca-
demic Celebration. About 23 stu-
dents, faculty and other commu-
nity members attended the event
and about half a dozen of them
participated in the essay contest
regarding the selPs involvement
and participation in community.
The funds for this contest were
provided by a 1997 Academic
Enrichment Grantfromthe o fflee
of the President
Junior Richard Costelloe won
first prize, which was a $100 gift lar American idea of "rugged in-
certificate at Barnes & Noble's
Bookstore. The second prizewin-
Minority Student Union, old officers and new: (1 to r.) LaSfcawna
Page (President, 1996/7), Maurice Profit (Pies., 97/8), Kathleen
Woodard (Vice President, *96-98), JaWale Roberts (Secretary 97/8),
Shawntae Howard (Treasurer, 97/8), Rhonda Bibbs (See., 96/7),
be connected to the computer cen-
ter via fiber optics.
At this point in time, the com-
puters in Egan, Preston, Old Ma in
and Zurn have all been linked to
the network, she said. The present
plans call for conduits to be laid
on the west end of the campus
which will contain the fiber optic
connections to the Student Union,
Baldwin Hall, Mercy Apartments,
Ice Rink and Athletic Center.
Conduits will also be laid on the
east sid e, extendingfromthe pa rk-
ing ramp on the main campus to
ner of a $50 gift certificate was
senior Amy Kovach. There was a
tie for third prize with sophomore
Joe Gregory and fresher Kris ten
Weigner each receiving $25 gift
certificates.
According to Keiko Miller, as-
sistant professor of Japanese and
French, 'The overall purpose of
the contest and presentation was
to bring some awareness to the
much taken-for-gTanted pronoun
T as used in American society.
The four-member panel which
led the discussion included Miller,
Dr. Theresa Upton, a licensed
clinical psychologist; Umeme
SababuJa history professor at
Edinboro University and Ray
Howard, director of the Institute
for Child a nd Family. Mercyhurst
professor ofsocial work and soci-
ology, Lee Shuster, served as the
moderator.
After Upton addressed the popu-
dividualism," Miller discussed
how communal identity is incor-
THE MERCIAD May 15,1997
Wa yne Street, which will provide
a direct connection to the library,
New MSG Reps
computer center and the Internet
for all Briggs Avenue apartments
as well as the McAuley-Wayne
division.
Additionally, computers in the
offices at the Mercyhurst-North
Eastwill be connected to the ma in
campus, she said.
jDoubet said work crews will
break ground by June 1 and that
the target date for completion is
September 1. *
porated into the concept of the
individual in Japanese society.
Sababu then explored the sense
of the "I" in the politically devas-
i
tated society of South Africa, and
Howard examined how many of Sophomore reps (I. to r.) Jenny Novak, Toni Lee Masters Back
the problems in the local Erie Megan DeAngio, Amy Kosmack, Megan Hale.
community stem from the sense
of isolation that individuals often
feel as die result of broken homes
and changing cultural values.
m Miller said that she hopes to
receive another grant next year to
develop this kindjof academic
presentation. She would like to
create a series called T h e Inter-
Cultural Series: Balancing Fac-
9
tors' to allow students to explore
and be exposed to different views
and evolve through this kind of
experience.
Psychology Postei
Session on Thursday |
By Richard Costelloe
Contributing Writer
On Thursday, i lay 15, the Junior reps (1. to r.) Michael Gratzmiller, Jody Polk, Tim Conway,
Mercyhurst College Psychology Sarah Lamont, Joe Sawyko, Tracy Bacik, Courtney Shores.
Department will hold its Fifth
Annual Psychology Research
Poster Session. Nine students,
both psychology majors and mi-
nors, will be presenting the re-
sults of their research conducted
this spring. The session will take
place on the secondfloorof Zurn
Hall at 7:30 p.m.
This occasion gives the students
an opportunity to share with the
Mercyhurst community what they
have studied in the experimental
psychology class sequence, and
then a pplied in their own research.
Presenting for the 5th Annual
Session will be Edmund Cieslak,
David Dausey, Kris ten McGill,
Carta McCutcheon, Chris Moigis,
Natalie Neumann, Sarah Rice,
Peter Russo and Misty Smith. Senior reps (1. to r.) Aaron Lauth, Jcnnye Vetter, Brian McCarthy,
Jim Gorman. Eric Wicks.
 PAGE 4 THE MERCIAD May 15,1997

Dance studio under construction Sci-fi & Comedy top charts

By Angela Harris
Merciad Writer
Mercyhurst College is chang-
ingrapidly.Next yearwhen school
resumes, the dance department
will have a new home. Two new
studios, both the size of the one in
Weber Hall, will be constructed
between Zurn Hall and the PAC.
The dance building will not only
hold the two studios, but also will
contain teacher offices, showers
and a locker room.
Besides the dance studios, the
dance department has other plans
in the making. The Erie Ballet
Theatre, a conjunction of Lake
Erie Ballet and the Mercyhurst
College Dance Department, had'
a performance pa eked season this
year, and next year's performance
season is setting out to be even
The Erie Youth Symphony Orchestra under its Maestro Frank Collura will
present its 10th Annual Spring Concert and Youth Festival on Saturday, May
17th at 1:30 p.m. at the D'Angelo Performing Arts Center.
more eventful.
Erie Ballet Theatre has five
events already on the table for
next year. The fa 11 performance's
theme is "Rock, Roll, and Re-
member." It will consist of sev-
eral pieces choreographed to 50 *s
rock and roll music Included in
the fall performance is one of the
highlights of next year's repertoire,
George Balanchine's "Serenade".
The dance department will per-
form this ballet, for it is a master-
piece choreographed by George
Balanchine.
After "Rock, Roll, and Remem-
ber," The Erie Ballet Theatre pre-
19
sents "The Nutcracker around
Christmas time, following that,
"The New Works Showcase,"
which is the annual student cho-
reography performance, will oc-
cur around the beginning of
March. Next year, the "New
Works Showcase" will be pre-
sented in the D'Angel o Perfor-
mance Arts Center, unlike the
previous years where it has taken
place in The Taylor Little The-
ater.
Finally, The Erie Ballet The-
atre is trying something new for
the spring performance. The Erie
Ballet Theatre will join the
D*Angel o School of Music to
present "Song of Norway," an
operetta that combines music with
dance. It is the story of Edward
Greig, a famous composer, and
his music. In this operetta, his
musicis visualized through dance.
This performance is an opportu-
nity for the dance department and
music department to interact
By Carrie Tappe
Merciad A & E Editor
In the mood for a good flick?
Sit back, relax and start die sum-
mer off right Check out one of
these hot movies now playing:
The Fifth Element is a two-
hour action packed sci-fi festival
of adventure and entertainment
A strange spaceship lands in the
Egyptian desert, delivering an
onslaught of alien sol diers. Oddly
enough, these soldiers are good
guys. Ij
The action takes place in 23rd
century New York City, rebuilt
and modernized to fit the time.
Flying cars and elevated side-
walks line the vertical and hori-
zontal grid of the city. It seems as
though a burning sphere, over a
thousand miles in diameter, is
headed towards the earth. This
burning sphere is a fervent ball of
evil.
An alien body part is cloned
into human form in a laboratory.
Milla Jovovich stars as the extra-
terrestrial "Fifth Element"tha tean
save the Earth. Soon after her
creation, she jumps into a flying
yellow taxi cab piloted by Bruce
Willis, who saves her from the
cops and leads us on a high speed
race through the potential layout
ofManhattan. The Fifth Element
uses great imagery and wit for
action packed entertainment
Grosse Point Blank stars John
Cusa ck as a laconic hitman who
decides to attend his 10-year high
school reunion in order to resolve
problems with his former girl-
friend (Minnie Driver), take care
of his persistent blues and whack
someone on| assignment. This
movie is hilarious, witty and a
make-you-feel-good kind o fflick.
'Tiz the season for comedy
and high school reunions. Romy
and Michele's High School Re-
union is a story about a pair of
best friends who try to make them-
selves appear more successful
than they feel they are at their 10-
year high school reunion. Lisa
Kudrow and Mira Sorvino team
up as a terrific stereotypical ditz
and blonde pair. JaneaneGa rofalo
adds a comic touch as the foul-
mouthed loner classmate.

\ ..f.'Vt:

\
Percussion Ensemble
JMMWJH&22
A *

s»
fV\i

* * - «
v* By Richard Costelloe
s».
m. ft? rV"*"
Contributing Writer
Felix- fT/r-TJ
*>*«

405-7647
On Tuesday, May 13, the D'Angelo
Dan e
° %6^
W
Percussion Ensemble presented a con*
Pickup it Your Door cert of diverse and avant-garde percus-
Drop Off at Your sion pieces at the Taylor Little Theatre
Door,
-•#•4
at 8:15 p.m. Following the recent per-
,,-rf*
formance by another percussion en-
semble "Ethos" a few weeks back, this
concert certainly demonstrated both

vgg& IIURS ^ ^ y
the difficulty and beauty of percussion
music.
The works performed rangedfroma;
t/lusic Bang Pickup; piece written specifically for wind
Uve 28oz chimes to a classic John Cage work
which employed a prepared piano,;
nesday brake drums and steel sheets. Also!
g-9#0 STUDENT NITS Import. $1 included was one voice piece written
by Tomas Tallis.
1 7 * up
Drink* 8 j [ ^ ^ ^ _ _
Covtr$1 26e Drafts NoCovcr The Ensemble consisted of students
I Student I.D.
K
Non-Aloohollo
w/Student I.D from the D 'Angelo School, directed by

MM $1
music professor Mark March ant The
Dance Party
pAl*#
X
KB
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\«11
students who performed the concert
0:00-2:00
Shuttle Plokup Retro 280Z
Bud
were Elena DeAngelis, James Foley,
Katrina Foltz, Randy Hetherington,
Pick MoCauly Drop ve mm
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Veronica Le Doux, Nic Maier, Todd

up Baldwin off I Drinks I W*£
Micrzwa./.Rique Pizarro, Tricia Six,
11100 1:46
Disco We Have It You Get It $1
Rebecca Styn, Tara Thomas, Jennifer
Vanell and Cynthia Wilson.
 PAGE 5
ft
Reservoir Dogs I Has Bite
By John Murphy
Former Merciad Editor
Bear with me here folks, the
following is a last minute review
ofa drama whose quality deserves
a much bigger treatise. Carrie is
doing her first issue as A&E edi-
tor and she was in a panic to find
a reviewer, so here goes.
I know for a fact that there are a
number of you out there who saw
the movie Reservoir Dogs. And
for those of you who didn't, you
will know what I am talking about
when I mention the song "Stuck
in the Middle With You." This
little 'ditty' has been a party an-
them on Briggs Avenue for the
past few years and it is just one
from a number of good songs
from the movie. The film is a cult
classic - it has got gangsters, a
veteran group of criminals as-
sembled to pull a jewel heist It
has got blood and guts and lots of
'f*#@ yous' and best of all, it has
some great lines, like the one that
has developed into a tough phra se,
"You gonna bark little doggy, or
are you gonna bite?"
Basically, it's a good bloody
movie, but now, forget about it
Instead, picture all the action and
dialogue transferred to a stage,
the Roa dhouse Theatre downtown
in fact, and envision an adapta-
YOU GONNA BAR.K ALL W\y L I T I U V06Gl£
H OR. AR£ VOU 60NNA BITS?"
battery arid.
1 If***
doesn't p*>
layout ears
back, noiW*)
r/
A*
ADAPTED FROM THE 1992 FILM OF THE SAME NAME
THURSDAY - SATURDAY • 8 PN • APRIL I O - NAT
SEATS
ROCKET
tion that will have fans of the
movie roaring with approval and
Resevoir newcomers open-
mouthed with awe.
The stage production is adapted
from the original screenplay, and
overall, the general sequence of
events is* pretty similarjjto the
movie. The story begins with a
restaurant scene in which all the
gangsters are sipping coffee. They
havebeen planning a robbery and
are about to go to work.
There is Joe, the crime boss
who has a voice so deep it makes
him sound like the white version
of James Earl Jones. There is son
"nice-guy'' Eddy, who like any
good son, is dutifully helping his
father in the family business. Then
there is the gang, none of whom
know each other and each with a
code name, Mr. Blonde, Mr. Pink,
Mr. Blue, Mr. White, Mr. Orange
and there might be another guy
but don't worry, he is not impor-
tant
The next scene in the play is in
a warehouse designated as the
meeting place after the robbery.
Things have gone horribly wrong. ^
Mr. Orange has been shot in the
stomach and is bleeding to death,
while Mr. White is trying to con-
vince him to hang in there. So far,
they are the only two at the ware-
house. White feels certain they,
have been set up by the cops,
somebody in the gang was a pig.
LIVE ON STAGE
THEATRE
M L PROCEEDS BENEFIT ROADHOUSE THEATRE DEBT REDUCTION FUND
THE MERCIAD May 15,1997
OK, that's it, that's all I am
telling you, except that the rest of
the production juxtaposes the
events leading up to the assem-
bling of the gang with the brutal
events that happen in the ware-
house after the robbery gets
screwed up. Maybe a few other
V* V
tantalizers, someone gets an ear
hacked off, loads get shot and the
movie version wasbanned in some
European countries for a few
years.
So, it is not the Waltons, but it is Jim Morrison 1943-1971
n 1943-1470
a very well-adapted and per-
j r J W i ^ i q r say^oneofthe surest ways to get your
formed piece of work. As far as I
know, most of die actors are local
and they do a goodjob. This drama
John Bclusbi l( River Phoenix 1970-L993
• is only being performed in Erie
and it has drawn]rave reviews
from people tin Cleveland and
Pittsburgh who have come to seel
it. You are | about Gve minutes!
awayfromthe Roa dhouse The-
ater, so get down there to see it
You have about a week left Also,
the cast are cool to hang out with
afterwards and the theatre direc-
** j
tor Scott McClelland teaches act-
Partnership for a Drug-Free America
ing classes here at the Hurst and Foundation for a Drug Free Pennsylvania
he is a sound bloke. I got a free
///»..•>
beer when I went Back stage.
What more could vou ask for?
Summer Rentals
By James Hain
Merciad Writer
I Su miner is coming, and if you don't feel like heading out
i to your local multiplex to sit through THX explosions that
will be on video by Christmas anyway, head down to your
local video store and rent some of last year'sfilmsthat you
missed. ••Ij
This week, Ron Howard's Ransom hits stores, featuring
somefineworkfromMel Gibson and Gary Sinise. Next
week, Sylvester Stallone stars as a monosyllabic rescue
worker in Daylight, which made lots of money overseas but
; brutal barely a dime in the U.S.
I t ' s -runny- June begins with the release of The People vs. Larry
and you Flynt, last year's bestfilm(at least as far as I'm concerned).
UXJr/r
See what all the fuss is about in the privacy of your own
ftr^ri" it.
home as Woody Harrelson stars as the nation's most infa-
Guaranteed!,!
.wA5tt. P05T
mous pornographer. June also brings Mars Attacks! (June
17), Scream (June 24) and GridlocWd (June 24).
July will bring some Oscar winners, including Sling
Blade (July 22) and Shine (July 15), as well as
some...uh...Iesser films like Eddie Murphy's Metro and
Fools Rush In with Matthew Perry. 1
A word about Scream. When it hits video, it may not;be I
called Scream. Sony Pictures has sued Miramax over the
use of the title. It seems about a year ago, Sony released a
movie called Screamers and sees Scream as unfair compe-
tition. Go figure. 1
 PAGE 6 THE MERCIAD May 15,1997

Protest the World

ByM.E.Pike Do we not know what is going administration. All you have to ROAST
and Allison Byrnes on outside that iron gate, or do we do is ptit their name on an enve-
Contibuting Writers just not care? It's hard to believe lope and drop it off at the
mail room- you don't even need a By Brad Rybczynski
the former, and we are appalled at Features Editor
This campus is so passive. We the thought of the latter. The stu- stamp. Show this place that you
had the opportunity to visit other dents here are just so sel ^ab- want to change it for the better-
schools recently, and we were ment of all. After all, die only This is really the end. No more * Ryb Roast* in The Merciad. I know
sorbed in their own existence most of you are not broken up over that fact
blown away by the sheer amount way to cause action is through
at Mercyworld that they neglect With only a week until I officially become an alumnus of this
of student involvement Then we action. -
the happenings of the world out- institution, I have taken part in a transitional period. All over campus new
came back to the Hurst and were side. And ifwe do hear something Maybe by showing a little con-
stunned by the lack of it here. We cern for these hallowed halls, people are stepping into new positions.
ofZaire or Rwandan refugees, we In my easel have stepped down as one of the weekend chairpersons of
take the blame as well. We just sadly shake our heads and think, some concern for what is outside
never realized how unendurably will follow. In four years or less, Student Activities and as features editor of the Merciad. As I hand over
"pity, but what can I do about it?" the reins, I have been apt to pass on advice and words of wisdom.
bland this place is. • you'll be out of here, entering the
Fine then- be concerned only In doing so I have recognized some of my failings as well as those of
We hear about it on the news, real world and it might be benefi-
with this school. The Merciadgtts the organizations I have been involved in. I have critiqued my perfor-
students rally in such and such a cial to you (and everyone else) if
letters-(sometimes) involving a mance and that of my organizations. I now plan on doing the same for this
school, protesting this or that about you learned something about it
student's concern about this place, college as a whole. -g
the world (not just their school). Get used to writing letters to those
but that seems to be where student Over four years I have seen Mercyhurst grow. This expansion has done
These kids- all ofwhom are in our in charge. Try out your senator or
involvement ends. The Merciad wonders to increase die size and prestige of the college.
age group* show remarkable care local representative or even the
staff isn't responsible for making The question lingers in my mind, what about what we already have?
about the conditions of this sorry president Show them all that we
news- the students are. Each ofus The apartments and dorms are in a sorry state. What is being done to
planet What do we moan about young people will take control of
has the responsibility to whine improve them?
here? Not die wretched condi- our world, that we are willing to
tions of Native South Americans until we make a better'life for I have been told that they are undergoing a complete overhaul and will
take five minutes out of our day
ourselves and a better place out of be fixed and ready to go in September. All I can say is, id about time.
in Peru, not the terror inflicted and do something that isn't con-
mis school. If you want to read Thank God someone has the initiative to do something for the students.
upon Chinese: students by their sidered vandalism. If you think
about something exciting in these What about classrooms? I In many of them the maps are insufficient,
government, not even the condi- about it, we are die ones who are
pages, then do something excit- blinds are broken and plastic is fallingfromthe walls. They are a far cry
tions of the homeless in down- really in charge anyway- use that
ing and we'll write about it Hey, from the beauty that graces the outside of the buildings.'
town Erie. No, we complain about power. '
you might even get your picture What about services offered for the health, both physical and mental,
increased, tuition, the library and taken as well. Protest your world, or die an
the food (or lack there of) in the unknown without a voice. If you of the student body? Health services is staffed by very wonderful nurses
Let your voice be heard at MSG who are always helpful. Nurses, however, are not doctors.
Cafe. Mary usually writes about meetings, or write letters to any don't, no one will ever mark your
the boredom of living in Egan passing, and then how will you They have their supply of antibiotics to dole out, but where is the
and all of the members of the doctor? Twice a week, for an hour at a time, the doctor comes in. Two
Hall. . get your picture in the paper?
hours a week for 2,700 students? Does that seem right? I do not think so.
When I came to orientation four years ago I was told about a counseling
service. One that could help with rape, incest, substance abuse and any
other problems one wanted to deal with. It was staffed with a full-time
VOL. 70 NO. 24 May 8,1997 counselor and at least another part-time sta ffer.
J What has happened since? The counseling department has been scaled
down to two part-time people available only 12 hours a week each.
Chris Wloch Editor-in-Chief Carrie Tappe A&E Editor Heaven forbid a crisis should hit campus.
Scott Vance Sports Editor Stephen Nolan Advertising As I have mentioned, we are getting more apartments. Has the staff
Jim Gorman News Editor Jim Hain : Copy Editor been increased in Residence Life? As far as I know it has not The three
BUI Melville; Features Editor Jessica Russell Graphics assistant directors will have more area to cover in the upcoming school
Emilio Colaiacovo Senior Writer Jerry Trambley Advisor year. With all of the disciplinary problems of late does it seem plausible
to add more responsibility to an already overtaxed staff?
Merciad Staff We have grown physically in many ways. The performing Arts Center
is the best in Erie. We get numerous performers and speakers (whom we
Kelly Gillig Maureen McMahon Rich Costelloe have to pay to see). They offer unique opportunities to be educated and
Michael J Opperman Marsha Farrell Mary Pike to experience culture and the * da nee and music departments get a
Joe Wong **. j Lauren Shreve Jody Washington wonderful area to perform in.
Todd Zielinski Angela Harris Jamz Porzio What about the theater department? Do we have one? Yes. Is it
flourishing with the addition of such a grand space? No. The department
gets little support and does not even have a major, only a minor. In a
The Merciad is the student-produced newspaper of Mercyfaurst College, Box 161, liberal arts institution we do not even have a theater major.
501E 38th St., Erie, Pa., 16546. Phone 824-2376. The addition of this major would add prestige to the college, help form
bridges to the community and enhance the cultural advancement of the
The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. student body. Part of the purpose of a liberal arts college is to make
people better rounded individuals. Without an active theater department
that goal cannot be fully realized. j
Lets stop building and expanding physically and focus on what will
make Mercyhurst better internally. Improve programs that will help
students be.happy and healthy physically and mentally as well as
The Mercian's editorial opinion is determined by the Editorial Boardwith the Editor-in-Chief intellectually and culturally. -^ , *
holdingfinalrcsponsibOity. The opinions expressed in The Merciad are not necessarily those of Good luck graduates, and even more luck to those staying.
The Merciad, its staff or Mercyhurst College. ____ _ _ _ _ _
 < * * »

PAGE? THE MERCIAD May 15,1997

Off the Ditch Letter to the Editor

By John Murphy
Captain Ireland
f
In Defense of Science
I am a scientist But, it is not the When a scientist stands before a
B.S. at the end of my name that committee on the environment,
Well the time has finally arrived, 24 issues later and I am about to vandalize these pages with my makes me a scientist, nor is it the comprised ofpoliticians with vary-
scribblings for the last time. As some guy who you hippy types like to quote once said, "what a long strange credits of chemistry, biology and
trip it has been." I think these words describe my experience as editor of this rag, although if tripping-out ing levels of scientific proGciency,
geology that I have accumulated in an attempt to qualify allega-
brings on the stress similar to what I have endured during the past year, then you can keep your mushrooms which make me a scientist Well,
and funny colored paper. i t tions of a "possible" impending
to be honest, I suppose it is the environmental crisis, due to>an
When I think back over the Wednesday nights spent pulling my hair out putting thistilingtogether I B.S. at the end of my name and
wonder how the hell I ever made it There were times when I almost didn't Like the very first issue, here enhanced Greenhouse Effect, he'll
the many thousands of dollars be most likely to begin his state-
I was, editor in chief, trying to act like I knew what I was doing and lead an inexperienced staff, when all spent on various science courses,
of a sudden, around midnight, I lost it Literally, I lost it inside my head. My brain was on its way to "la ment, "We have evidence to sug-
ultimately culminating in a piece gest . . . " or "We believe that this
la land." All I could think was, "Murphy, you've gone 'ga ga,' they are going to do some laughing when of paper I will presumably hang
you arrive home in a straight jacket" I went outside the office and sat down on the pavment believing my could happen..." or "Computer
from my bathroom wall, entitling models predict this . . .** Politi-
brain was not going to function normally again. me to a job paying more that $4.75 cians with oppos ing interests per-
Now although many of you who have read this column over the year will not agree, I did actually recover an hour, which make me a scien- ceive this as seemingly inept and
from this lapse of sanity, but it was scary. Now I'm a cynic myself, so I understand when some of you are tist, technically speaking. ineligible science. Please realize
sitting there going,"this guy is full of crap, the Merciad couldn't cause so much stress." But I am telling Now, wait a minute, I do have that this is not the case.
you, it does. Maybe it shouldn't, but it does, especially when you are the type who goes ballistic when a point At the core ofmy desire to To reiterate a point brought out
something small goes wrong. * legitimately establish myself as a in discussion by Dr. Kevin
Sometimes I worried that all the movie theatres in town would shut down and Hain would shoot himsel f, scientist and ultimately have ac- Sullivan, how long did the scien-
other times I prayed that Vance would actually witness a game he wrote about On occasion I dreamt of cess to millions of dollars of grant tific community propose a pos-
Brad becoming a features editor, and other times I just wished Wloch would move on campus, so he could money to do cool stuff with, is a sible link between tobacco smoke
know what was going on. I needn't have been concerned though, these guys area quality bunch and contrary most ardent and sincere respect and lung cancer, before enough
to all the journalistic experts out there, they have given you a decent newspaper every week. for the natural world, ilbelieve observations were made and
Just think, 24 issues in a year works out at eight per term, that means two weeks off, one of these just science \ is about understanding g enough conclusive evidence gath-
happens to be finals. One of the many critics who wrote letters defending the Freedom Zone suggested that and respecting the evermore ered in order to unequivocally put
it was simple to put out a- newspaper and that it was natural to expect one each week. Let me tell you elaborate and complex relation- * forth the assertion that, in fact,
something, that natural expectation you have stems from a group of students working their butts off at what ships which prevail in nature, as tobacco usage does cause cancer.
is easiest described as a full-time job. And another thing, those members of the "I love Kevin" fan club who elusive as they may be at times. All the while, tobacco companies
don't think I have anyrightto criticize him as an editor, you do not know what you are talking about As It is this notion of interconnec- used this cautious approach by
an editor who takes his job seriously and doesn't wait for writers and submissions. He goes hunting for tedness that people often ignore scientists as a means to discredit
them, asks for them, cajoles for them, flatters for them. I've told people who thought ABC was a chocolate and it is also this notion which scientific study in the public eye,
bar that they could write like Shakespeare just so they would submit something. intrigues me. It is simply a pas- and continue building a tobacco
I do regret, and sort of apologize that my columns were not more stimulating. Coming into the job I had sion ofmine, almost on a spiritual | empire worth billions of dol la rs. I
all sorts of plans to inspire readers with words ofwisdom. This just didn't pan out When a few people came level, to understand as best as I think we all know how the story
up and said they enjoyed my slap stick, irreverent column, which even made them laugh when I angered can the natural world around me ends.
somebody. I thought, "Well, since I am not going to inspire anybody, I might as well humor them by being and accept my place in it as not of We can use this folly by the
an idiot" Mind you, I didn't do this very well either. | p; ? ! one of dominance, but as one of a public and politicians alike and
I think the reason is that I did best when I was really ticked off about something. Trouble is, I am not the passive, harmonious existence. compile it to the proposed "envi-
radical type. I don't wake up with revolutionary ideas for change everyday. In fact, if I were honest I'd tell ' Scientific study is a very mod- ronmental crisis" and alfvof its
you there are more positive things around here than negative. However, I've never believed it was my job est discipline by nature. The very contributing components, such as
to sit here and praise when there is plenty to be criticized. base of scientific study revolves global warming, ozone depletion, I
However, now I am done, no more bitching. There will be a grateful graduate walking across the stage around remaining indecisive and water and soil pollution, acid rain,
in a week's time, one leady to admit that this place has given me more an education. But I didn't get it by objective, until enough evidence etc,,in an attempt to justify the
sitting around and soaking it up. Since everything else about my column has been average this year, I might can be gathered to produce a state- application ofstringent regulations
as well end with a cliche. My advice to those of you coming back next year, don't just sit around, it's fun ment which is established as fool-1 j? against continued environmental
when you get up and start kicking. > proof within the 1 im its of current degradation.
technological advances. If we also consider the greater
Science is also intended to be magnitude of scientific »niay
*—
an honest discipline. Scientists needed to establish a direct con-
simply present the facts and make 1 nection between human activity
predictions based on these facts. and environmental degradation,
As a 1 ittle aside, before forming a as well as the fact that we have \
conclusion after reading a re- only! begun to understand the
search-related article, particula rly complex na ture ofproblems such
one regarding the hot topics of as*global warming and ozone
environmental degradation and depletion, we should, at the very
our health with regard to environ- least be more willing to err on
mental pollution, be sure to check the side of caution than to simp! y
the source of funding for the par- ignore the very institu tion that is
ticular study and/or any political > genuinely concerned with the
party or business associations of well-being and progress of Earth
the study sponsors and partici-jjj and its inhabitants. £
pants. Disgraceful as it is, "bad Sincerely,
science" and faulty research inter-> Tricia Baugh
to*. OHm (L) cdetoU. »«> '<*» « * . ••**• V" C tel
"" 1 preta tion do occur.
 PAGE 8
Campus Question
Wendy Lampart, Junior
Chemistry
This summer, I'm planning on staying
on campus, getting a job and taking a sum-
mer school cl ass."
By BUI Melville
Merciad Features Editor
Before I get into myfirstcol-
umn, I suppose I should explain
the significance of the title
"Diogenes" for those who don't
already know. Diogenes was a
Greek cynic philosopher who
lived around the 4th century B.C.
He was known for living in pov-
erty as a rejection of worldly
items, and for his search to find
the good in humanity. During an
apocryphal encounter with
Alexander the Great, Alexander
asked Diogenes if he could do
anything for him, and Diogenes'
response was along the lines of,
"You can get out of my light" A
Through this column, I hope to
examine the world outside of
Mercyhurst, with my focus on
the collapse ofAmerican society.
Unfortunately, that will have to
wait for my next column, which
arrives next fall.
For now, I will simply look
ba ck upon events at Mercyhurst I
consider notable. After years of
T grand style on a fewSaturdays
promising, the renovations of the
Hammerm ill Library have begun
and will hopefully be completed
by the beginning of next year.
However nice the building may
look, I sincerely hope resources
are being spent on updating the
often dated books and augment-
ing the currently meager amount
ofjournals the library subscribes
to. If they aren't, it4 looks as
though I'll still be driving down
to use Gannon University's li-
brary for my research papers.
THE MERCIAD May 15,1997
What are your plans for
this summer? f
*
. •
-*«
*
Maggie Wells, Sophomore Angela Parkinson, Sophomore Mike Shiels, Junior
Biology International Business Anthropology
"I'm having two jobs over the summer so 'I'm going back home and hopefully to "Working in a factory and coaching soc
I'll be working very hard." Spain for a couple months before I get cer camps."
back." ^T ¥ 6 \
Buffalo Soldier: An American Victory
By Emilio Colaiacovo Since it was a budget with bal- ever, no one is declaring victory
anced views, President Clinton on the budget yet ^
Senior Writer -i
was able to secure $34 billion to Though many are cheering at
expand health care coverage for the prospects of this new agree-
Egan Hall, my home for the last Pop quiz: What happened in
poor children, partial restoration ment, many remain quite skepti-
two years, now has locks on the 1969? The United States was en-
of wel fare and disability for legal cal. Fiscal experts caution that this
main doors of both floors and a trenched in Vietnam, Richard
immigrants and importantly for agreement will do little once the
lock on the TV lounge. Since the Nixonwas inaugurated as the 37th
students, the passage of an edu- | ^baby-boom generation stops pay-
President, citizens in this country
courtesy phone disappeared from cational tax credit which is de- ing taxes and begins to receive
protested for peace and hippies at
outside the main door several ducted from one's income taxes. Medicare, Social Security and
Woodstock listened to the likes
weeks, the only recourse for Also, Medicare savings totaling other federal benefits which are
of Jimi Hendrix and Janis J op 1 in.
friends who decide to pop in on $115 billion would preserve the curre n tl yfinanciallystrapped. We
However, more pertinent to this
me is to pound on the main door stability of the program well into p must rema in ever cognizant of the
article, 1969 was the last year our
until someone becomes annoyed the next decade. However, the failed plans of the past, including
government balanced a budget
enough to open it for them. President was not allowed to raise Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, which
Recently, both Republican lead-
Next year, Egan Hall will be- spending as he desired. There was set limits on the deficit and learn
ers along with President Clinton
come a strictlyfreshmandorm, a slight increase in government from our mistakes as we set out to
reached a historic agreement that
which means tha t any uppercl a ss- spending towards domestic pro- improve ourfinancialstatus.
would balance the budget by
man looking for the solace of a grams. While President Clinton Though this new budget agree-
2002. This is something that
single room is out of luck. I count asked Congress to appropriate ment has its critics, many remain
my blessings that Egan did not should not be taken lightly, for
close to $90 billion for social confident that it is a positive step.
become the sole province of fresh- this occurrence means much not
spending, both ? Democratic and As Richard Jackson of the Con-
ma n last year, because I would only to every single family in
Republican negotiators reached a cord Coalition pointed out, This
have gotten stuck living on Briggs America, but every student as
compromise figure of $65 billion. is a small down payment on our
Avenue, when all I wanted was well. This budget is a victory for all
The agreement makes good on long-term fiscal problems." Sena-
some space to myself for a year. Americans.. As Senate Majority tor Phil Gramm once said, "Bal-
In the past year, students walk- promises made by both the Re-
publican congress and Presi- Leader Trent Lott said, Through ancing the budget is like going to
ing around Briggs on weekend this budget we will reach balance heaven. Everybody wants to do
dent Clinton. Though each side
nights have had the chance to run by cutting spending, not by rais-
ft
it, but nobody wants to do what
has reason to be proud, President
into authorities of greater power
than Mercyhurst Security* The Clinton summed it up best as he ing taxes." More importantly, the you have to do to get there." This
Pennsylvania LCB made appear- described this deal as a "balanced budget agreement reached will government, acting in a bi-parti-
ances on campus, and the Erie budget with balanced values." In eliminate the deficitby 2002. Once san fashion, is making the all
exploring the details of this bud- this was made public, stock prices important and critical decisions
Police Department arrived in soared to the 7200 point level for to balance the budget, hopefully
get, as a conservative, I was
the first time. Economists believe not to win political points, but to
ago. pleased with many sections of
the elimination of the deficit would do what is proper and right
I know good things occurred this very complex budget In par- Though we all may not be able to
ticular, the new budget contains free the federal government f till
on campus this year, but I am too go to heaven, I hope by 2002 we
$85 billion in tax cuts for the any deficitfinancing,allowing the
much ofa pessimist towrite about will all be able to enjoy the fruits
them. But, at least at the end of average family including a $500 government to decrease interest of the labor of this Congress and
per child tax credit, a reduction in rates to 5%. This decrease would of this President. A balanced
this year, I now have a column in
the capital gains tax and estates significantly help the average citi- budget agreement is a victory for
which my pessimism can be read
tax as well as an expansion of the zen when purchasing a home or all Americans.
(or, as I would expect, ignored)
tax benefits for Individual Re- paying mortgage installments. The
each week. * tirement Accounts. This amounts new budget deal could help propel
to a vindication of the principles the current stock market and the
contained in the 1994 Contract lives of millions of middle class
with America. Americans into prosperity, how-
 PAGE 9
Supina: Filed F r o m Mercyhurst, M o s c o w Bound
By Chris Wloch
Editor-in-Chief
At the end of this year,
Mercyhurst will lose one of its
most eccentric and unique pro-
fessors, an individual who is
known for his jokes, candid re-
marks, classroom theatrics land
the big furry cap that he is seen
wearing around campus on cold
winter da ys. After seven years at
Mercyhurst, Dr. Philip Supina,
adjunct professor of history and
political science, is finally being
let go.
Senior history maj or Meredith
Toback said, "Dr. Supina is one
of the most intelligent, interest-
ing and well-rounded teachers in
the history department I think
it's a travesty that he's being
fired."
Tom Wellington, a senior ma-
jor in psychology added, "It's re-
ally a shame because he has been
known to occasionally show up
to class sober."
Three years ago, Supina was
denied tenure and demoted to
a dj u net fa cu 1 ty status. "Normally, Supina, and he's smarter|than
professors receive only a one year
contract after failing to acquire
tenure. But I was allowed to hang
around for awhile and pick up the
si a ck," he said.
Supina said that this is nothing
new since he has been fired six
times before Mercyhurst He at-
tributes thesefrequentfirings to a
"singular inability to get along
with college administrations. »
Next year, Supina will be teach-
ing law in Moscow. He has been
accepted by the* J. William
Fulbright Foreign Scholarship
Board for a teaching position in
the Russian capital. This position
is Supina' s 12th teaching endow-
ment sin ce a rriving at Mercyhurst tory, political science, interna-;]
In the past, lhe has received
Fulbright scholarships for a year
in China and summer programs
in Egypt, Jordan and Hungary.
About a month ago, Supina re-
ceived a callfromthe Council for
International Exchange of Schol-
ars confirming his placement in
Russia for the 1997-98 school
year. Supina said that he has been
to Moscow twice before and that
he hopes this time will be as sig- tice, had Supina in class and su-
nificant a learning experience.
"I hope to learn morefromthe which focused on the increasing
Russians than I will be able to
teach them. We tend to denigrate
the Russians and their accom-
plishments. They have one of the
great intellectual traditions|of
Europe in literature and science.
The Fulbright is more about edu-
cating American teachers about
the world than trying to teach
something to people of other cul-
tures," he said. I
While at Mercyhurst, Supina
spent several years studying Rus-
sian language and culture with
Father Steven Simon, instructor
ofRussian Studies. "After the first
class I had with him, he andfl
became quite close friends,"
Simon sa id. "The more I came to
know him, the more in awe I
became of his knowledge of al-
most any subject 11
"I never spoke to a student who
took one of h is classes who wasn' t
amazed by his exceptional schol-
arship. In fact, I remember a stu-
dent of mine who was so proud of
herself in my Russian Culture
class when she learned that she
had a higher gradej than Dr.
Supina. Her gleeful statement
was, 1 got a higher grade than Dr.
God!' she said."
Presently, Supina and Simon
are entering a joint project of theirs
in the Rolex competition which
Supina described as a contest "de-
signed to encourage individual
enterprise." The two are working
on the idea of a world-wide "cul-
tural bank," which would try to
preserve peopleVlanguage, lit-
erature, religion and music, so
that the cultural heritage ofperse-
cuted minorities can be handed
down to the next generation.
Although he is leaving, Supina
will graduate on Sunday, May 25
with h»s fifth college diploma. In
addition to degrees In law, his- ]
tional relations and economics,
he will add a master's degree in
the administration and science of
criminal justice. Supina was able |
to complete the requirements in
one year after transferring the
credits for a few classes. He fin-
ished his last paper earlier this
week.
iDr. Frank Hagan, chair of the
graduate program in criminal jus-
pervised the writing of his thesis,
crime rates in Russia, particularly
in the area of drug trafficking.
THE MERCIAD May 15,1997
Dr. Philip Supina Photo: Jessica Russell
"The unusual nature ofthis project soup to eat every day. For every Simon described Supina's de-
was supervising a Ph.D. on writ-
piece of meat they put in they parture as an immense loss to the
ing a master's thesis. It made my
charge you extra," he said. college. 'I'm very sorry to see
job easier and I wasn't sure if I
Supina is a firm believer in the him leave Mercyhurst I suppose
was a supervisor, mentor or col- educa tional benefits ofseeing the that some people may have found
laborator at times," he said. I world. In 1993, he went abroad his teaching methods to be 'out-
"Given Phil's background and & with Semester at Sea, a program rageous,' but I think mat he saw
travel experiences, he was able to affiliated with the University of himself an actor on a stage in his
provide a unique perspective by Pittsburgh, which takes a voyage class, trying hard to keep the at*
combining history and the hu- around the world in* 110 days. tention ofhis students. This school
manities and this enhanced what Throughout his life, Supina has has lost a scholar and a very unique
he had to say." visited more than 20 countries on man-perhaps simply because he
"I think in the future, you're every continent except Australia. was bold enough to do whatever
going to see more people going According to his philosophy of
it takes to teach his students."
back and pursuing another degree life, which he includes on the
in a different Geld," Hagan added. syllabus for his history courses,
According to Supina, the twin travel is one of "the six greatest
themes in education for the 21st educators in life." The other five
century will be the technological include "the military, physical
revolution produced by computer pain, a bad marriage and prison."
networks and new information As an ex -convict, Supina sa id
systems and an increasing appre- that he regards his experience in
ciation for the reality of prison as "a much greater honor
global iza don. The day will come than the Fulbright" In 1968, he
when every student will be re- was sentenced to four years for^
refusing induction into the armed
quired to travel overseas before
forces of the U.S. During his 18
graduating from college," he said.
months in prison, Supina spent
When asked where his favorite
time in five different correctional
spot on earth is, Supina said that
institutions. *
he spent the happiest year of his
Depression is a suppression of brain
life in China. "It was a beautiful Supina will be leaving Brie a I activity that can strike anyone. It's
country with serious students, non« couple of days after graduation. powerful, it's constant and it makes
stop things to do and places to see He plans to spend the summer In life unbearable. It's also readily.
and a maddening bureaucracy. ft medically treatable. And that's
the American Southwest before
something everyone should know.
"I think that most Americans flying to Paris in August From
would find it difficult to live in there, he hopes to visit Rome, #1 Cause of Suicide
China," he added. "It's very un- Venice and Budapest as stops on t UNTREATED
comfortable and you're basically the train to Moscow at the begin-
given a bowl ofriceand a bowl of ning of autumn. pEPRESSlON
http://www.save.org
 PAGE 10 THE MERCIAD May 15,1997

: Leaving Hurst for Chicago *..— *> . - • . . — - ' . : ^ v . ? , . . : , v . . , , .

By Bill Melville he made the most of those experi-

Freshman Stephanie Snyder,
Features Editor ences. In his Religious Person
who also took Honors Religious
classes, trips were taken to the
Person, said, "He really encour-
* \ * 1

fWhen the 1996-97 school year synagogue and demonstrations of

aged us to think for ourselves- not
ends in May, the religious studies Buddhist meditations were given
just about religion, but about ev-
department will lose one of its by Dr. Kenneth Schiff, associate
erything. "I think that is what's
finest, Dr. Michael O'Keeffe, as- professor ofEnglish. In his Catho-
important in a college setting."
sistant professor of religion. At lic Values class, he would invite
O'Keeffe reflects positively on
the end of the summer, O'Keeffe, the entire class to his house for
his time at Mercyhurst, even
his wife Robin, adjunct professor dinner, and everyone would bring
though he says, "I didn't do most
of English at both Mercy hurst and a food item. O'Keeffe describes
things as much as I should have."
Penn State Behrend, and their the dinner as "a good bonding
"What makes Mercyhurst a rich
three children will relocate to experience." M
place is the students, though, like
southwest Chicago, where, in the Kari Wells, a sophomore politi-
many other Catholic schools, it
fall, he will begin teaching at St cal science major, who took
lacks diversity. I think, however,
Xavier University. O'Keeffe's Honors Religious
that there is a lack of diversity in
Dr. Mary Hembrow Snyder, Person class in the fall, said, "Dr.
Erie as well."
director of philosophy and reli- O'Keeffe is amazingly energeticO'Keeffe is not lacking in
gious studies, said that O'Keeffe and open-minded in class. I gained
pra ise and respectfromstudents
will be greatly missed. more from his Religious Person
and faculty. Senior religious stud-
"His decision to jleave class than I havefromalmost all
ies major Chris Wloch described
Mercyhurst is a great loss not of my other core classes. He is an
Dr. O'Keeffe as "a supportive,
only to the department, but to the incredible person and professor.r>
attentive friend who is easy to
college as a whole. He's a won- In addition, O'Keeffe also
talk to and always ready to pro-
derful example of someone who taught classes at the Northeast
vide exceptionally astute and can-
is deeply committed to teaching campus, summer classes and
did criticism of my work." Dr. Michael O'Keeffe Gives His Speech "The Truth
excellence, to being a genuine classes for the Adult College. He
TC "Dr. O'Keeffe truly exempli- is Out There" at the Phi Eta Sigma Banquet.
scholar in his field, and to servingconsiders teaching at Northeast
fies the best of Christian teach- I
the community.
"He also really embodies the
an interesting experience, even
ings in his own life because of his
though it is different from the
commitment to an approach which
Full Year For CampusfMinistry
college's mission statement and main Mercyhurst* campus.is life-affirming, compassionate,
is unapologetically devoted to Kathleen Woodard, a sophomore
engaged and egalitarian. His By Marcia Farrell ciation for their work with Christ-
everything the Sisters of Mercy voice major who has worked with
classes challenge us to take a criti- Contributing Writer mas on Campus. In addition to the
stand for," she said. O'Keeffe as a tutor at the North
cal look at unexamined assump- presentation of the Sr. Rita
On his new position, O'Keeffe East campus, said that his classes
tions about religious beliefs in For Campus Ministry the past Panciera award, the Campus Min-
are "fast paced and full of energy.
said, "I'll have the chance to teach hopes that we will develop a year has been very busy, but en- istry team is preparing for the end
more Catholic theology atXavier. My interest was captured because
deeper perspective and more ma- thusiastic for all members in- ofthe year food and clothing drive.
of his passion for what be was
It's a strong pastoral institute and ture .understanding of our own volved in the various retreats, lit- Rather than throwing out canned
Chicago offers a more academic teaching.»
faith traditions. It's good to know urgies and activities. "Once again, goods, clothes,blankets and other
environment than Erie." "I cannot say how much it has
that he will be responsible for this year has been really exciting H | items that will not be taken home,
O'Keeffe came to Mercyhurst meant to me for Dr. O'Keeffe to
revitalizing the Catholic studies and Campus Ministry has contin- students are urged to drop these
in 1993, after completing a mas- provide me with the opportunity
program at Xavier," Wloch said. ued to grow and help others grow things off at the Campus Ministry
ter's degree in theology at Notre to tutor with him. I can only say
"Michael is basically an upbeat as they continue to discover God room. All items will be taken to
Dame University, because, as he thank you and you will be missed,"
person. He thinks and acts posi- in their lives," says College Chap- the St Martin's Center and dis-
she said.
said, "It was a job, but I was also tively in every phase of his life, at lain, Fr. Steve Anderson, tributed to the poor.
attracted by the campus and the O'Keeffe is also proud of the
home, in the classroom and in Until 15 years ago, Campus Besides the food and clothing
religion department" work which he and his students
society. As a colleague I found Ministry was solely responsible drive, Campus Ministry, which is
In 1994, he finished his doc- have done at the Mercy Center for
him extraordinarily cooperative, for service activities for the now comprised of 35 peer minis-
toral work at Notre Dame in the- Women, including painting,
as a teacher I found him enthusi- Mercyhurst community. Five ters, will be losing seven of its
ology. While at Mercyhurst, cleaning rooms and gardening.
astic and constantly, willing to years ago, when the members of members after graduation. Se-
O'Keeffe mainly taught two At the annual Mercyhurst Col-
learn," said Dr. George Garrelts, Campus Ministry saw all of the nior Courtney Nicolai said that
classes: Religious Person'and lege Honors Program banquet, on
a close friend of the O'Keeffe volunteer work that other organi- being a peer minister was an im-
Catholic Values. O'Keeffe said Monday, May 5, Dr. O'Keeffe
family. ze Uons were doing, they decided portant part of .her time at
Ithat he enjoyed teaching those "As afriend,I found Michael to to award a campus organization
received an award for work be Mercyhurst I t has been my life
classes, but added, "Because we has done and the honors classes
be warm, supportive and gener- that is the best example of the for the past four years. It is sad to
have so few religion majors and I ous. Together with Robin, he has values of Mercy with the Sr. Rita
he has taught O'Keeffe also re- think that come next school year
only taught the two courses, I raised a very active, alert family. Panciera Award. Panciera was the
cently gave a speech at the induc- I won't be able to have the com-
rarely saw a student in class more Their departure represents a seri- original campus minister at
tionforPhi Eta Sigma, a national fort of knowing I have a home in
than once or twice." honors society, entitled 'The
ous loss in my life," he said. Mercyhurst She now lives at the Campus Ministry.
According to O'Keeffe, though, Truth is Out There." House of Prayer in Erie and re- All students are welcome into
turns to the 'Hurst each year to the Campus Ministry room for
present the award. free coffee and conversation, an
1997 Philosophy Essav Contest Results This year the award will be given act of hospitality encouraged by
to the Mercyhurst Business Asso- Sr. Catherine McAuley, the
First Prizewinner of $100 in cash: founder of the Sisters of Mercy.
11
Mike Kisiel, for "Justifying America !
 PAGE 11
Baseball T e a m H o p e s T o Continue Its Impressive F o r m Into Playoffs
By: Kel|y Gillig
Merciad Sports Writer
The baseball team earned itself
a berth in the post-sea son this
weekend, as it won its conference
with a.19-5 record. The Lakers
won all of their last five games
and eight of their last nine to se-
cure the first place ahead of Oak-
land University. They)clinched
the conference as they beat Wayne
State twice in convincing fash-
ion.
C r e w T e a m S e n d s S i x B o a t s To S e m i - F i n a l s
By: Todd Zielinski
Merciad Sports Writer
This year's crew teams finished
strong as they headed into the end
of tine season, but more impor-
tantly their performance in-the
59th Annual Dad Vail Regatta
was a continuation ofthe same. In
competition with 99 different,
schools, -Mercyhurst went up
against schools like North Caro-
lina State, William & Mary,
Canisius, Villanova,Florida State,
and Ohio State. Five out of the six
teams Mercyhurst fielded advanc-
ed as far as the semi final round of
competition.
Head coach of the crew teams,
Sea n Tobin pointed out the teams,
men's pair, men's varsity four,
men's freshman eight, women's
varsity eight, and the women's JV
eight did extremely well as they
were the teams that lead
Mercyhurst in its quest for the
Interesting Weekend For Rafters
By: Scott Vance
Merciad Sports Editor
Having arrived two hours late
on a cold and wet Friday night, I
knew it was going to be a interest-
ing weekend and I wasn't' let
down.
The trip that was with the wil-
derness club to Ohiopyle to battle
a white water rafting course.
Upon arrival at 11 p.m., I was
accompanied by equally ignorant
people in the arts of setting up a
tent Eventually, we did to set up
the tent in a semi-upright posi-
tion, 'However, it was 3 a.m.
when Angela Parkinson discov-
ered that we put up the wet sheet
incorrectly and by that time our
In game one, Wayne state
played even against Mercyhurst
getting 10 hits off Laker pitchers
Brian Lopez and Adam Tills. The
Lakers edged out the victory 8-6,
but reasserted their dominance in
game two. f out that they would not only be
Game two saw a resurgence of
Laker pitching as Bob Balazentis
and Clay "Boomer" Wood com-
bined to shut out Wayne State.
The pitching staff had more sup-
port than they needed as Laker
hitters shelled the Wayne State
pitching for 18 runs on 19 hits.
grandfinalshowdown.
Exactly how dose did r they
come? According to Tobin the
mens varsity four set the pace as
the head of the pack for the first
1,200 meters of the 2,000 meter
semi-final. They ended up with
the fourth fastest time out of the
18 schools, only to take a third
place finish which did not put
them into the grand final.
Tobin explained, "Mercyhurst
put in a strong showing overa 11, as
The Women's
the bulk of our teams was in the
semi-finals.''
This year's season ending re-
gatta also marks the end of ca-
reers for some of Mercyhurst's
f Mercyhurst crew is ranked as one
finest growers.J Kevin Kosco,
Michael Coco, and Don Leclair
will all be graduating and "I want race as Lakers.
to thank them for giving us their
blood, sweat and tears and giving cerned Tobin feels the program is depth as the years move on gradu-
us a solid foundation," coach
tent looked like a river.
The following morning, we did
manage to get down to the river
with no other apparent hiccups.
Angela Parkinson was the first
to fall in and although she may
say that she was not frightened, it
was not so evident in her face.
Upon arrival at the end of the
trail, we were greeted with the
news that we had to wait a half an
hour before the bus came. This
would have been fine under any
other conditions, however, many
of the ra fters seemed to be dying
of hypothermia.
The real adventure was to come
later on that evening, as we en-
tered the Tailing Water" State
Park. There was, however, one
MERCIAD
Jeff Benedict and Rob Mucha led
Mercyhurst's offense, each hav-
ing four hits and one home run
contributing to the 18-0 win.
On Monday, the team's effort
came to fruition when they found
playing in the post-season, but
were given a number one seed in
the North Central Region. They
will be playing in a round robin
style tournament and will see their
first action aga ins t the loser ofthe
Southern Illinois University
(EdwardsvilleVQuincy Univer-
Freshmen eight have gained
Tobin added.
1995's varsity champion
Mercyhurst rowers, "Kelly
McLeskey, Jean McFeely and
Gretchen Storm will also be
missed from the lineup, as they
gave a valiant effort in their last
As far as next season is con-
maturing. He explained that a
problem and that was that we en-
tered after hours. We were warned
about 20 times on the way down
that it was illegal to enter the area
after hours, but we were forced
down the hill by a very persistent
and determined Amy Connolly
As luck would have it, we were
caught red handed by a power-
driven security guard and he in-
formed us that we were about to
get arrested at thefrontgates. It
was here where the "gift of the
gab" (bullshit) took over.
We were able to talk our way ?\
out of things, in true Irish fashion
a nd we even had the security guard
getting us brochures and waving
us goodbye upon our departure.
* * **"
May 15,1997
sity Game on Friday. The Lakers to vote for their ownf players.
enter the tournament with a 40-6 Mercyhurst freshman Jose Alicea
record and come from winning is the GLIAC Freshman-Of-The-
theirsecond straight GLIAC title. Year. Senior captain Pat Cutshall
Baseball coach Joe Jordano and became die 1997 GLIAC Player-
the team were unavailable for Of-The-Year. Finally, head coach
comment on their success, hav- Joe Jordano was voted the GLIAC
ing left earlytoattend the tourna- Coach-Of-The-Year for the sec-
ment in Edwardsville, Illinois. ond straight year, leading
Wednesday saw the release of Mercyhurst to a ninth ranking in
the all-GLIAC baseball votes with NCAA division two. Bob
three honors going to Mercyhurst Balazentis and Jeff Benedict made
students and coaches. The honors the first team while Rob Mucha
were determined by a panel of and Brian Lopez made the second
nine coaches who weren'tallowed team all-GLIAC. 2
*
e&Xjbgvt-
«*fc
i*w— -a&t*<
vital experience this year that will help them in the years to come
I mature program has the charac- rowers saying "The seniors have
teristic that, as graduates leave, set a strong example for the young
the underclassmen take over their people."!
This is why Tobin said new roles and responsibilities.
This whole cycle over and over
of the top 12 overall programs out again, reproducing the level of
of the field of 99 that show up* performance each time, is what
each year at the Dad Vail Regatta. Mercyhurst crew is all about
Tobin also added their expanding
ally increasing the caliber of the
#
Angela "Charlie" Parkinson and her twin Sheila Battle the White Water
_ _ _ __ J
# * «
V '•^"•'.^W > *'}
* - » • • • rft. • * • • • •
* * • • • 9
 PAGE 12
t
Hoop Seniors Ready To Take On The World
t
By: Scott Vance
Merciad Sports Editor
This week was my last inter-
view with seniors and what better
way to end it than with the men's
basketball team. The interesting
and unique aspect of these men, is
that two of them started playing
basketball at an older age-than
most college athletes. Will
Stinson started playing when he
was 14. He transferred high
schools and upon entering the reg-
istration office*the head coach
asked him ifhe played basketball
and when he said he didn't, the
coach replied 'Veil you do now."
On the opposite end ofthe spec-
trum is Craig Young who started
playing at the age of two. He still
looks at the video tapes that his
parents have of him playing at
such a young age, but he claims,
"I never made any shots then and
I still can't, so I guess I haven't
improved too much."
1 Memories
However, the one thing that they I
do have in common is*all the
memories that they will take with
them from Mercyhurst:
"I have a bunch of funny memo-
ries. My first couple of years'
here, we used to travel on vans
and the starters got the good vans
and the rest of the team got the
horrible one. I used to sit with the
sports equipment I also remem-
ber when Will (Stinson) got
caught trying to take alcohol into
a hotel room," Darryl VanCleave
said.
"My biggest memory in basket-
ball is probably losing to Salem
by 49 or so burfreshmanyear.
We beat them at home and then
we lost to them at their place. I
also remember playing in
Cedarville, when I was shooting
free throws and the whole crowd
started whistling the Mayberry
tune while I was shooting. 'They
thought tha 11 looked liked Opie.
I thought that it was hilarious, 19
Young said.
RegretsWM
However, college life is not all
ongratulations to Baseball H e a d Coach, Joe Jordano a n d player PatCutshall, w h o
^awards a s t h e G L I A C c o a c h of t h e y e a r a n d theGLIAC p l a y e r of t h e y e a r r e s p e c t i v e l y
rosy and these athletes along with
every other athlete have experi-
enced the not-so-good times here
at the Hurst.
"I have two regrets. I regret not
getting along with coach Morris
and I didn't get enough playing
time myfirsttw o yea rs and I th ink
that could have helped me in the
long run. I also regret not making
it to the NCAA tournament," said
VanCleave.
"I regret*that we didn't beat
Cannon this year. Personally, I
regret'not picking my major
sooner so I could get out of here
on time," Young said.
"We beat some of the top teams
but we just couldn't quite make
the playoffs," Stinson said.
On the program
The one thing that separates
these seniors from most of the
seniors that I have interviewed,
was their positive attitude toward
the future of their basketball pro-
gram.
"The best thing about the pro-
gram for me was in i the winter
during Christmas they would take
us to the grocery store and let us
fill up our carts with whatever we
wanted. They used to give us nice
warm-ups, but this year they re-
ally sucked," Young said.
"The only thing that everybody
complained about was our shoes.
Nobody on the team wanted
Reeboks except for Craig," Van
Cleave said.
"The program here is pretty
solid and it is going in the right
direction," Stinson said.
Miss
With less than a week left, these
seniors are almost packed up and
ready to leave the place that has
been so good to them over the last
four years. I had the chance to ask
them what they were going to
miss about the college.
"I'm going to definitely miss
some of the guys on the team. I
already miss some of my old team-
mates that I will probably never
see again. I hope that me and this
>-m
group of guys can keep in touch
somewhat, because I want to see
THE MERCIAD May 15,1997
how these guys are doing down
the road. However, Van Cleave
stressed that what he will miss
most of air would have to be,
"Will Stinson long size 17 feet
and Craig Young's crooked toe.
Every time that he takes his shoe
off I start giggjing because his toe
is so crooked. •*'
[I "The thing that I'll miss most
about here is probably fishing (th is
sent 1 Van Cleave into a laughing
Frenzy), there is pretty good fish-
ing here," said Young.
"I'll miss all of the good times I
had on the road with the team,"
Stinson said and when he was
asked who was the biggest joker
on the team, he admitted that he
was.
Coaching Staff
These seniors had to adjust to
two different coaches while play-
ing basketball at the Hurst and
some of them adjusted to the
coaching styles better than oth-
ers.
"Matt Nesser helped me out a
lot He is a good players' coach.
The*transition between the two
coaches was very difficult because
they both had different styles.
When I asked Stinson to com-
ment on current Head Coach Carl
Fogal, he replied, "no comment"
"All four years I have been the
coaching staffs Whipping Puppy. 7
rom left-right: Craig Young and Darryl
I have always been the one that
gets screamed at the most and I eady to leave the Hurst after four Years
kind off think that I took a lot for "I love coach Nesser, because
die team. In a way I'm going to he is the only coach tha t has been "I have a job in Fort Lauderdale
miss some of that I'm going to with me my four years. He al- with a restaurant company. *In
miss coach Nesser trying to be ways understood the players and regard to basketball, I cant see it
cool and coach Gaffhey trying to what we were going through. He playing a big role in my future. It
coach us on everything that we was really the only one that was served my purpose and that was
do, whether it's eating lunch or there for the players. Coach Fogal to get me through college. I have
lifting weights. ^ loved basketball and he wanted to never had any dreams of playing
I remember the very tough win, but I think that sometimes in the NBA," Stinson said.
MT»
shoot-a rounds that we used to the coaches didn't understand that I 'm going to be a police officer
have. They were definitely not I liked to do other things. A think down south hope fully. lalsowant
one of my favorite things, be- that this .might be why I didn't to do a lot of hunting and fishing,"
cause that was when I got play that so well this past year," said young.
screamed at the most I realize said Young. "I plan on attending law school.
that coach Fogal screamed at me I got my degree from Mercyhurst
because he thought that I could be Future in sports organizational manage-
good,' Anytime that anybody ment and I hope one day to be-
screamed at you it was because There is life outside the bound- come a sports'-agent and show
they ca red. I will miss him (Fogal) aries of Mercyworld and I asked somebody the mone^," Van
and I thank him for that," Van these seniors what they have in Cleave said. . i—
Cleave said. I mind for the upcoming years.
received
\