ROTC conducts orientation lab at Behrend

Free newspapers removed from campus

Opinion: College should provide condoms

Football makes point to take away cancer

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falo native and senior at Mercyhurst College, is the Cadet Battalion Commander of the Pride of PA ROTC Battalion and captain of ROTCs Ranger Challenge team. This means Marrocco is the highest-ranking cadet in the battalion, and his responsibilities involve everything the battalion does or fails to do, said Marrocco. As the cadet Battalion Commander, I oversee all cadet leadership and give guidance and instructions to fellow cadets to ensure all ROTC events and training are completed and successful. These responsibilities included last Fridays orientation lab. The lab, which consisted of three displays for new cadets, included the Battalions Ranger Challenge teams demonstration of using a rope bridge and the proper techniques for entering and clearing a room in a Close Quarters Battle environment. Next was the color guard teams demonstration of the correct manner and uniforms in which a four-man team post the American Flag and Army Flag at special events. Following was a Stryker demonstration provided by the 1-112th Stryker Battalion in Cambridge Springs, Pa. in order to familiarize the Cadets, with military vehicles. We nished the event with relay races between schools and several tug-of-war matches in order to build esprit de corps. Before dismissing all cadets, we conducted an awards ceremony to recognize all cadets who demonstrate excellent prociency in summer training, academics and physical tness, said Marrocco. Overall, the orientation was very successful and ran smoothly. Cadets who attended commented that the event was a fun learning experience, with the events success resulting from the hard work and dedication of senior cadets and cadre. The event was only the rst among many future Pride of PA Battalion training events focused on transforming successful students and athletes into Army ofcers and

September 14, 2011

ROTC conducts orientation lab at Behrend

By Mike Gallagher
Staff writer
trained leaders in the greatest military in the world, Marrocco said. Mike Gallagher is a member of the Pride of PA Battalion. The Pride of Pennsylvania Army ROTC Battalion conducted an Orientation Lab and Award/Recognition Ceremony at Penn State Behrend on Friday, Sept. 9. The lab was conducted to introduce the Battalion Cadre and Cadet Leadership, welcome new cadets, conduct team-building activities, build esprit de corps (morale) among cadets, recognize spring 2011 GPA and Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) performances and acknowledge summer 2011 cadet training accomplishments. The battalion consists of Gannon University, Penn State Behrend and Mercyhurst College. Gannon is the host school and Penn State Behrend and Mercyhurst are the satellite schools attached to Gannon. Cadet Steven Marrocco, a Buf-

Students from Gannon, Behrend and Mercyhurst were at Behrend on Friday, Sept. 9, for an ROTC orientation lab.

Photo contributed by Catherine Felder

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NEWS
cant trash impact on our environment. Over 600 ECOboxes were distributed to the incoming freshmen and RAs, and we are typically exchanging 75 boxes each day, which is a lower number of to-go containers out of Egan compared to last year, Novak said. The boxes are also sold at the door for a one-time fee of $2.50, which covers the production cost, she added. Payments can be made in cash, credit, dining dollars or bonus bucks. Freshmen and RAs received the boxes for free. As the school year progresses, I anticipate more ECOboxes will be purchased by the upperclassmen, staff and faculty, Novak said. Sustainability Ofcer Brittany Prischak said, Our ofce helped to submit a proposal to the Student Green Energy Fund for partial funding of the initial purchase,

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ECOboxes replace to-go containers at Egan

By Mike Gallagher
Staff writer
Egan Dining Hall has replaced its standard disposable plastic to-go boxes with green reusable containers called ECOboxes as part of a pilot program initiated by Parkhurst Dining Services and the Student Sustainability Fund. ECOboxes are expected to create an immediate positive impact on the environment by lessening trash generated by the Mercyhurst College campus while still offering the food to-go program that so many students utilize and appreciate. According to Kim Novak, the general manager of dining services, the change was made because Egan Dining Hall was handing out an average of 200 plastic togo containers each dayabout 1,400 a weekand that is a signiwhich included 1,500 containers. As for the benets, Prischak added that using the ECOboxes saves landll waste every year. Even though the to-go containers that were being used at the Egan Dining Hall (and still used at the Laker Inn) are recyclable, not many people actually recycled them. So, with the start of the ECObox program, we are able to save thousands of plastic containers from the trash. Senior Andrew Mayher said, I think its a fantastic idea, except I do not believe RAs and freshman should be the only ones to receive the ECOboxes for free. Yet students seem to be very satised with the program. Novak said, There are no foreseeable disadvantages at this time. Parkhurst Dining Services and the Green Team are excited about the success and acceptance of the program at Egan Dining Hall.

Parkhurst Dining Services and the Student Sustainability Fund teamed up to replace Egans to-go boxes with ECOboxes.

Jill Barrile photo

Bookstore launches new websites for book buying

By Chris Gaertner
Contributing writer
The beginning of the fall term marks the start of two new websites that are intended to help students in the process of buying or renting books. Students can go to mercyh u r s t b o o k s t o r e . r e n t s b o o k s. com and mercyhurst.bkstr.com to obtain the necessary materials needed for a specic class, with a few clicks of a mouse. Dan Cullen, the general manager of the Mercyhurst Bookstore, offered some insight to the new websites and the purpose he hopes they come to serve. One of the main reasons the websites were so necessary for the system were because the bookstore wanted to be more readily available and more user friendly for the students, he said. Accessible to students through WebAdvisor after registering for classes, the site offers students a safe, easy and reliable way to order or rent books. Freshman Zainab Javed talked about how the easy maneuverability of the site was the most appealing feature. The best part was that you just had to nd your section and class and everything was already there for you. You can select what you want (used or unused) and what you dont want and then checkout, she said. Cullen said that the usage of these sites will make the purchasing of books easier for students. According to Cullen, the sites have had no major glitches so far. Cullen stressed to students the importance of reading the ne print of all of Terms and Agreements of the sites. There is a clause that students who have rented their books need to read.

Memorial for Evann Parker nalized

The memorial for sophomore Evann Parker, who died Aug. 15 due to complications from leukemia, has been set. It will take place Thursday, Sept. 29, at 8:30 p.m. in the Great Room of the Herrmann Student Union.

In the clause, it states that students need to return their books by a certain time or else they will be charged a late fee. This is because students rent from the company Follett Higher Education Group, not Mercyhurst. If students have questions about the websites, the sites contain a variety of different help pages that clearly answer frequently asked questions. There is also the 100 percent Satisfaction Guarantee that Follett promises, saying that if a customer is not fully satised with their product, the purchase can be returned for the full amount. If we put our name on something, we want the same attention that we would give to the students here, and these sites were implemented to give the students of Mercyhurst an easier time in obtaining the necessary materials for their classes, Cullen said.

Controlled substance/ paraphernalia Friday, Sept. 2 Liquor law violation Friday, Sept. 2 Defiant trespass Saturday, Sept. 3 Disorderly conduct Saturday, Sept. 3 Liquor law violation Friday, Sept. 9

Warde Hall College discipline Lot #22 College discipline Tullio Field Criminal charges filed Mercy Walkway College discipline Mercy Walkway College discipline

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chair and PDE representative. We requested the team chair, who will be JoAnne Boyle from Seton Hill University, but PDE chose the rest of the team, Belore said. From Oct. 3-5, President Thomas Gamble, Ph.D., will welcome the team, present the application and represent the institution throughout the teams stay. The team will spend one day at the North East and main campuses and present its ndings to the administration prior to its departure. They will visit Mercyhurst, talk to people and look around, said Gamble. Theyll make some recommendations to us. According to Belore, in order to help the team make recommendations, they will be given college catalogs from Erie, the graduate school and North East, faculty handbooks for Erie and North East, nancial records, board minutes and research conducted by the college. The teams ndings will be posed in the form of a letter in which the team could deny the college university status, grant it pending certain conditions are met or approve university status. Depending on what happens during their visit, there is a process that goes on in Harrisburg before Mercyhurst will be ofcially granted that status, Belore said. Assuming the approval for university status, the changes that will take place in terms of operation

September 14, 2011

University status expected by March 2012

By Joseph Pudlick
Staff writer
Mercyhurst College ofcially submitted the application for university status in November 2010 with the expectation that the 2011-12 school year would begin with the introduction of Mercyhurst University. With the school year already back in session, Mercyhurst did not see the expected change and may not until March 2012. The college properly submitted the documents, but the political changes in Harrisburg resulted in a delay of them reading it and getting a team together, said Vice President of Academic Affairs Phil Belore, Ph.D. The college heard back from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) in May and spent the summer making corrections to its application, which was over 200 pages. All through the summer we nished two addendums, said Belore. Those addendums revised the document so that the PDE is now ready to form a team to come. The site team is a group of higher education professionals with experience in various areas of the university structure, including graduate and undergraduate education, nance and facilities, library and technology and student services. The team will also include a team thing we can to address whatever those concerns are. Director of Marketing and Public Relations Meghan Corbin said it is possible for the class of 2012 to graduate from Mercyhurst University. Though we are hopeful we will receive university designation in time to grant the class of 2012 university diplomas, it is too premature to ofcially announce that it is certain, said Corbin. If we receive university designation prior to early March, which will allow enough time for ordering diplomas and planning for the change, it is feasible that the class of 2012 will graduate from Mercyhurst University. Gamble told The Merciad early in September, Its very possible... that you will graduate from Mercyhurst University. When asked about the possibility of being the rst class of the university, senior EJ Klawender was excited. Its something that makes your rsum look better, Klawender said. Ill probably be upset if were not the rst, but Ill call and get my diploma updated if thats the case. The college has announced that it will release additional information in the spring regarding how alumni can receive a Mercyhurst University diploma. University status updates can be found on the Application for University Status page on the portal.

After submitting an application in November 2010, Mercyhurst is expected to attain university status by March 2012.
will not affect the day to day work of the school. We are now structuring ourselves to look more like we really are, Belore said. Weve always had an associates college, graduate programs and a very strong baccalaureate college. Now were just recognizing the fact that these three groups are somewhat autonomous. The college will begin introducing a graduate school student government, which will also have its place on the board, and the College Board will be renamed the University Board. If all things go according to plan,

Jill Barrile photo

Belfoire expects university status will be granted by March 2012. We anticipate that it will go well, Belore said. The college timeline calls for the ofcial implementation of the university name to take place June 1, which calls to question whether the class of 2012 would really be the rst graduating class of Mercyhurst University. If we are granted university status in March, I dont see why not, said Belore. I think its something that the student government should bring to the board meeting in September. If there are concerns, we are going to do every-

Free newspapers removed from campus

By Stacy Skiavo
Staff writer
Students at Mercyhurst College have had the luxury of free access to the New York Times, the Erie Times-News and the USA Today. However, after looking over the budget, the free papers were cut and can no longer be found on campus. In the winter term of the 201011 school year, a survey was given by Mercyhurst Student Government to see what programs were being accessed and used regularly and which were not. Results showed that students were barely picking up a copy of the newspapers on campus. I want to responsibly use the money we have for the students, Vice President for Student Life Gerard Tobin said. The survey showed the amount of students who read the newspapers daily was less than 5 percent out of 544 survey participants. When students were asked if they picked up a copy weekly, results showed that 13 percent read the New York Times, 15 percent read the USA Today and about 18 percent read the Erie Times-News. When asked if students rarely or never read the papers, results showed that 60 percent fell into this category. By making these cuts, Mercyhurst will save roughly $20,000 to $25,000 annually. This money will then be used for programs around campus that more students favor. Even if we were not in the position to make cuts, we still would examine that most students are not using the service and possibly cut it anyway, Tobin said. No longer having the convenience of the free newspapers, students and faculty will have to resort to online papers to get a free read. Most papers will allow up to 10 free reads; however, without a paper subscription, a fee will have to be paid for further access of full articles. Having free access to the newspapers was a nice convenience, although I rarely picked up a copy so I dont think the cut should be a big issue, junior Megan OPolka said. Although the papers were taken away, if there is a great desire for their return, the program would be reconsidered. Ive noticed that in the last three years the papers didnt seem to be getting picked up, except for maybe the New York Times, said Bill Welch, director of Cirat and adviser for The Merciad. Ive talked to students about the media, and print isnt high on their choices anymore. So with that in mind, it doesnt make sense to spend money on it.

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FEATURES

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Alex Stacey photo

A huge One for One banner was being signed with students footprints at Wednesdays event.

TOMS Campus Club promotes giving back

By Liz Zurasky
Features editor
Mercyhurst students are known for their devotion to community service, and students partcipating in TOMS Mercyhurst Campus Club are no exception. On Wednesday, Sept. 7, students were invited to learn more about the One for One Movement and the TOMS Mercyhurst Campus Club in the Herrmann Student Union. Two documentaries were shown featuring Blake Mycoskie, the founder of the TOMS Company and the One for One Movement. This company is avid about giving back to those in need. The documentaries included stories about how the company got its start and the stories of other companies, such as the FEED charity and Falling Whistles, that are giving back to people around the world. Focused mainly around shoes, the TOMS Company, in exchange for every pair of shoes purchased, will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. One year ago this month, TOMS gave away its 1 millionth pair of shoes to an underprivileged child. Mycoskies motto says, Giving is what fuels us. Giving is our future. Many Mercyhurst students are inspired by this motto, so they created the TOMS Mercyhurst Campus Club. President of the club Adrianne LaGruth is really excited about what the TOMS Company is about. TOMS stands for tomorrow, said LaGruth. We want to give money today so that it can be used for good tomorrow. Along with giving out free catalogs of products to interested students, the TOMS Mercyhurst Campus Club was selling t-shirts, making a banner for the One for One Movement and talking about Mycoskies new book that was recently released. Our mission is to raise awareness and work in conjunction with the TOMS Shoes organization in its One for One movement. This means to spread the word, host documentaries, educate students and of course engage them in charitable service, LaGruth said. LaGruth is looking forward to expanding the club on campus so that more charitable work can be done in the Erie area. We have ideas about expanding to incorporate other One for One ideas. Id like to see the Mercyhurst students show their passion for our world and our community. The relatively new campus club was started three years ago and its popularity has increased since. LaGruth is hoping with the rush of new members that the club will be able to host a book drive or shoe drive for a local area in need sometime in the near future. Blakes concept of giving doesnt just apply to children in third world countries, it applies to the United States, in Erie and in our home towns. We can educate everyone, but it doesnt make a difference unless we put our words into actions, LaGruth said. If you are interested in learning about TOMS, or would like to purchase Mycoskies new book, email the club at TOMSmercyhurst@ gmail.com.

Students had the opportunity to buy t-shirts and other items to support the TOMS One for One Movement.

Alex Stacey photo

Leadership organization honored for community service

The Leadership Certication Program (LCP) has received recognition for its outstanding community service in Erie and other communities for the third year in a row. The Mercyhurst College chapter of the LCP was honored with the title of Most Dedicated Chapter to Community Service by the National Society of Leadership and Success. Mercyhursts chapter of the LCP began in the fall of 2005. According to the program denition, the LCP is designed to recognize and develop the leadership potential of undergraduate students. This is done through speakers, workshops, activities and breakout sessions. Annually 100-140 students participate in LCP. The Mercyhurst chapter of LCP completed the application needed to be considered for the award and fullled the societys criteria for the award. At least 10 percent of the chapters members must participate in at least one type of service during the year. According to Darcey Kemp, Mercyhurst North Easts dean of students and former adviser for LCP, Mercyhurst had 100 percent participation in community service, including Christmas on Campus and Martin Luther King Jr. Day events. According to the Mercyhurst website, There are 257 chapters and more than 130,000 members eligible to compete for this award, which includes a $500 check for the student chapter. In addition to this award, 11 members of LCP received the organizations National Excellence in Leadership Award for 201011. Receiving this award for three consecutive years is an excellent demonstration of our students commitment to living the mission of Mercyhurst College and embracing our core value as ambassadors of service, Kemp said. The students and recent graduates from the program include Whitly Breakey, Edana Depto, Dania-Janeil Dixon, Felicia Guerra, Adrianne LaGruth, Eileen McDonnell, Tanna Mezacapa, Abigail Robinson, Carmen Urrutia, Anthony Wanner and Ellen Wilson. Forty student members were also awarded presidential status for achieving a GPA of 3.3 or higher, according to the Mercyhurst website. Abigail Robinson, a recent graduate of the program said, LCP is a wonderful opportunity on campus for students to learn vital leadership skills, and I am so grateful for all of the knowledge I have gained being a member of the association. Staff writer Alicia Cagle contributed to this article.

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educational setting. One example he gives of a serious but educational game is Free Rice. This is an online game that asks simple questions, like, What is cloth? A) a fabric B) a metal C) an animal or D) a mineral? Every correct answer donates 10 grains of rice to the hungry. Wheaton says that these types of games are created to make a positive change in the world. Other games of this type include ones for charity, obesity, smoking and education. Games, such as icebreakers and crossword puzzles, have been used in the classroom for decades. They help students learn material in a different manner. Wheaton believes that these games bring something new to the classroom and are an incredible power to this new generation. Wheaton is a strong believer in the advantages a video game has to offer. According to him, every video game has something to learn from. In his classes, he encourages his students to connect and see the deep pattern in the game and apply it to facts. He says that every video game has underlying patterns. These patterns are the parts of games that a person can learn from and may teach a person positive or negative qualities. According to Wheaton, both kinds of video games are out there, however he believes despite the good and bad games, a person can learn good from all of them. Wheaton decided to attend this conference to connect with a broader variety of people with that interest. Wheaton talked to many people and compared teaching philosophies. He wanted to know what other people in the country are doing with video games in their classrooms. He found that many people are using them in a similar way, and some are using them for different purposes. When asked what he would like Mercyhurst students to learn and understand from video games he responded with the following: Play the games primarily for enjoyment, but question what youre getting out of it.

September 14, 2011

What have you done for community service at Mercyhurst?

Professor uses games to teach

By Brianna Carle
Contributing writer
Associate Professor of Intelligence Studies, Kristan Wheaton, is one professor who wants his students to play video games, unlike others who think its a waste of time. This summer Wheaton attended the Games for Change conference at New York University. This conference was to promote the use of video games in the classroom. Wheaton says the conference is about, serious games that tend to have a serious purpose behind them. There are many different types of games that can be used in an

Fundraiser combines campus effort

By Alicia Cagle
Staff writer
This October, ghost stories and history combine at Ghosts Aoat, a fundrasier that is going to be held on Eries Brig Niagara. The Brig Niagara is one of the last surviving ships from the War of 1812 that was used by Oliver Hazard Perry in the Battle of Lake Erie. Erie Maritime Museum has teamed up with Mercyhurst College to create this fundraiser that will benet both the Museum and the Brig Niagara. It will be a haunted ship that is open to the public the last three weekends of October: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15 and 16, 22 and 23 and 29 and 30, respectively. This event has been revived from the 1990s and it is the rst time Mercyhurst has been invited to be a lead sponsor. It is a collaborative effort led by Director of Service Learning Colin Hurley. Hurley said he could not pass up this unique opportunity, but he could not do it alone. He credits Stephanie Heher, an interior design instructor, for all her help and hard work. As well as a fundraiser and community event, Ghosts Aoat is a creative display of many Mercyhurst programs. Some of the programs involved include interior design, history, music, dance, communication, sustainability and hospitality. The music department is creating original compositions to be played during the haunted ship, the history department is looking up folklore and checking historical accuracy, HRIM will be selling fall themed foods and beverages, the communication department is writing press releases and briefs and the dance department is creating original choreography for the dancers to perform. The dance department is so excited about the exposure this event gives through service and performances by students and faculty; not to mention how much fun we will have creating projects around this theme, Dance Department Chair Tauna Hunter said. Ghosts Aoat highlights experiential learning in a unique and memorable way, Hurley said. Were hoping for a great collaborative event. There will also be surprises such as a deranged cook, a mad surgeon, ghostly women singing, a demented captain and many others popping up. For example, they are planning to have people crawl up onto the ship from the water through the ports where the cannons usually go. There will also be smoke created by the wood burning stove, which will set the sights and smells for the event. The cost of the event is to be announced soon. Any students wishing to get involved can email Colin Hurley at churley@mercyhurst.edu. For more information go to ghostsaoat.org.

I remember my service learning project for my religious studies class, which was visiting the nuns at the Sisters of Mercy. I really enjoyed my time talking with them and learning how to play dominos--which was all they wanted to do. -Marie Karbacka, senior

Im planning on going to the Multicultural Community Resource Center to help people from other countries with whatever they need to do. Considering the fact that I love meeting new people and the fact that I speak two languages, I think it will be a great experience for me. -Fabian Polo, sophomore

Ive done Christmas on Campus for the past three years and helped at the Erie Maritime Museum for service learning my sophomore year. -Anne Marie McKinney, senior

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Patriotism felt at Tintypes

By Mathew Anderson
Contributing writer
The After Dinner Opera Company (ADO) performed Tintypes, a patriotic musical revue conceived by Mary Kyte with Mel Marvin and Gary Pearle this past Sunday at Mercyhursts Walker Recital Hall. Tintypes was originally scheduled to be performed in New York City at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on Aug. 27, but the destructive forces of Hurricane Irene had other plans. Just as ADO was ready to leave for the city, The Big Apple was virtually shut down by high winds and subway closings, which caused the cancellation of the long-awaited performance. The shows new performance date falling on Sept. 11 was thought to be very appropriate. We are hoping that it will rekindle patriotism and hope for the future of this country even as we remember the terrible events of Sept. 11, 2001, said Louisa Jonason, when asked about her choice to perform the show on that particular date. Richard Flusser founded ADO in 1950, and since then the company has been regularly performing quality productions, most of them being American operas. In 2004, after the death of Flusser, Jonason was asked to become the artistic director for ADO. Jonason is the chair of the DAngelo Department of Music at Mercyhurst and was once the leading soprano at The New York City introduces the characters of the show that includes both common citizens and also more famous characters such as Emma Goldman, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Teddy Roosevelt. Even without seeing the show before, audiences are still familiar with a variety of the shows musical numbers such as The Yankee Doodle Dandy and Stars and Stripes Forever. Along with these more popular numbers, the show features a captivating combination of patriotic and romantic tunes that are true to this time period. The show featured a plethora of talents that Mercyhurst and the community had to offer. Performers included Robert Frankenberry as an immigrant, Matthew Tolbert playing the role of Teddy Roosevelt, Kirstan Orgel as Anna Held, Krista Lamb as a factory worker and former Mercyhurst student Natalie Pertz as Emma Goldman. One thing is denite: The show was a huge success judging by the reactions of all who witnessed the performance. After the show, post-baccalaureate student Lynn Dula commented, Tintypes was the perfect way to remember 9/11. The show reminded us all of the values America was built upon and still holds dear: patriotism, hard work and equal rights for all, she said. The success of Tintypes at Mercyhurst was apparent as the audience left the theatre with smiles on their faces and a rekindled sense of patriotism.

JIll Barille photo

Kirstan Orgel, Natalie Pertz, Matt Tolbert and Rob Frankenberry perform a scene in Tintypes.
Opera. Since she accepted the job of artistic director, Mercyhurst and ADO have been working together as one. Tintypes is a musical revue set between the turn of the 20th century and the beginning of World War I. In this period of time the population of America doubled, expanded by increased immigration. During this time, the country was undergoing visible changes that would forever alter the way Americans lived. The transcontinental railroad and Carnegie Hall were constructed along with the introduction of electricity and telephones to almost every American home. Theodore Roosevelt became our president, and gas-powered cars joined horse-drawn carriages on the city streets. The show opens with an immigrant who, throughout the show,

Mass of the Holy Spirit unites prayer, performance

By Emma Rishel
Staff writer
Last Thursday the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit was celebrated in the Christ the King Chapel. This was a special day not only in the religious community, but in the arts as well, as Mercyhurst utilized several forms of art to honor the birthday of the Virgin Mary. Those who attended received a card with an image of the Virgin Mary with the Holy Spirit oating above her. Father William Hart McNichols painted this picture, which has roots as far back as the First Pentecost. As Sister Lisa Mary McCartney described, this picture of the Mother of God symbolizes all worshipers praying for the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Pentecost Sequence, as interpreted by members of the Mercyhurst community into their respective languages was an interesting addition, showcasing the many talents within the college, while embracing the diverse cultures of faculty and students. The Concert Choir added to the musical component of the mass. The choir led worshippers in song and performed selections such as Palestrinas Adoramus te and Giuseppe Pitonis Cantate Domino. The choir also collaborated with the Mercyhurst Liturgical Dance Ensemble, who performed as a preparation of the gifts. The singers and dancers brought a new aspect to the Mass, displaying how we can all use our talents to worship. Junior Tess Sinke appreciated the additions to the Mass. It was nice to see different forms of art used in a very spiritual way. It helped me feel more connected and in tune to what the message was, she said. The arts are an integral part of Mercyhurst College. Incorporating the many talents students and faculty have to offer into the Mass made it personal and special. Some feel its easier to connect with their spiritual side when they can witness a live performance as

opposed to just sitting there and listening to someone speak. I felt the different forms of art really made the mass more interesting, junior Rachel Gnatowski said. Sophomore Andrea Lankaster performed with the Liturgical Dance Ensemble. She believes prayer and the arts go hand in hand. Having a visual interpretation gives the congregation a new perspective and shows that prayer can be experienced in forms other than words, such as music and dance, she said.

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September 14, 2011

Exhibition highlights faculty artists works

By Ashley Cook
Contributing writer
Last Thursday, Sept. 8, teachers, students and art enthusiasts of the local community gathered in the Cummings Art Gallery for a reception in honor of the artists whose combined talents helped create the Annual Art Faculty Exhibition. The showcase, which opened Aug. 23 and continues through Sept. 18, includes works by faculty members Daniel Burke, Gary Cardot, Tom Hubert, Jodi Staniunas-Hopper, Robert Tavani and Jamie Borowicz, as well as graduates Kristen Letts Kovak 02 and Emily Campbell 08. At this event, guests had the opportunity to observe the works in the gallery, as well as meet the artists who created them. A series of works which draw ones focus immediately upon entering the gallery are Jodi Staniunas-Hoppers Luchadora masks. Titled Fury, Papillion, Mascara and Luchadora, the masks, which are made from wedding gowns, are modeled after Spanish wrestling masks and are slightly different from one another. According to the artist, they represent different aspects of femininity, including how women often try to hide who they truly are, how women can be erce and strong and how women are all unique. In addition, behind the masks are photographs of a model wearing them. Other pieces that caught spectators attention were Daniel Burkes Repurposed, a giant tree made from upside-down trousers, zippers and construction paper birds, as well as Clothesline Fly By, which depicts dozens of construction paper birds ying through a large multicolored quilt. In discussion of the artist, alumni Kristen Letts Kovak, said, When I came to visit Mercyhurst and saw Mr. Burkes work, I immediately knew that was what I wanted to learn how to do, she said. Talking to her about the three

Alex Stacey photo

Daniel Burkes piece Repurposed is made of materials such as cloth, paint and zippers.

still lifes she contributed, the intricate and colorful oil paintings of various objects, Letts Kovak said, The more you look at something, the more you can actually see. According to freshman art major Muna Nehme, The Annual Art Faculty Exhibition provides art students with a unique opportunity to talk to their teachers about their artwork, which is not something we normally get to do in class. It is an excellent way to support the teachers and the local art community, she said. Other faculty members were present at the event as well including dance department chair, Tauna Hunter. She said that the Cummings Art Gallery is quite meditative and that it helps her nd peace with the ner things in life. The Cummings Art Gallery is located in the lobby of the Mary DAngelo Performing Arts Center (PAC) and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. For information, call Heather Dana at 814-824-2092.

The Tree of Life a story of memories, innocence

By Liz Zurasky
Features editor
This weeks lm in the Guelcher Film Series is an incredible story about family and the loss of childhood innocence, that is sure to keep audiences captivated. The Tree of Life is written and directed by Terrence Malick, and the 2011 lm has thus far received positive feedback from critics. Viewers are enthralled with its artistic views and creative directive style. Accompanied by beautiful animation envisioning dinosaurs and the creation of Earth, this story is a beautiful work of art that focuses on a childs innocence. With underlying Christian values, this lm centers around Jack OBriens (Sean Penn) life as he tries to reconcile a relationship with his father while having ashbacks from his childhood. In the opening scene, Jacks family learns of his brothers death at the age of 19. This event throws the family into grief that priovides the central theme of the lm. An adult Jack admits to his father that he thinks about his dead brother almost every day. From this scene, the current day adult Jack ashes back to his childhood. The OBrien family lives in Waco, Texas, in the 1950s, and the story begins when Jack is born. When he is young, he is seen as a soul who does not see evil in the world, much like his mothers (Jessica Chastain) demeanor childlike and accommodating. Jacks father (Brad Pitt), is a harsh man who struggles with the love he feels for his sons and the tug of paternal duty. He struggles at work and rather unsuccessfully tries to sell patents to his inventions. Eventually, Jacks world becomes darker and less innocent when he experiences a feeling of rebelliousness in his teenage years. He commits acts of vandalism and animal abuse, but is left confused about his actions. This lm deals with the hardship of losing a loved one, while losing the wild innocence of a young child. The Tree of Life evokes the wonderment of lifes experience. It created within me a spiritual awareness, making me more alert to the awe of existence, said lm critic Roger Ebert from the Chicago Sun Times. Without a doubt, this remarkable story paired with an outstanding cast and the artistic qualities of this lm will leave audiences feeling the same way. This lm shows Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. at the Mary DAngelo Performing Arts Center. The cost is free to Mercyhurst students with ID.

Moviewiseguys.com photo

Brad Pitt plays the role of the father in this weeks lm in the Guelcher Film Series, The Tree of Life.

September 14, 2011

OPINION

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.

September 3,Page 9 2008

US foreign policy leaves much to be desired

By Jaslyne Halter
Contributing writer
I know, up on top you are seeing great sights, but down here at the bottom we, too, should have rights. We were all children once that read the Dr. Seuss classic, Yertle the Turtle, but have we ever considered those words on a more global focus? Do we as a society currently sit on top, over-watching such great sights while others suffer? You better believe we do, and one instance of this is in Bahrain, a country comprised of 33 small islands off of the Persian Gulf coast. At the moment in Bahrain, the Shiite minority is being oppressed. The abuses here are worse than Libya at the moment, but the United States, Western powers and other organizations are silent on the crimes under way because of their own interests in the region rather than of true democracy. We as a nation will not act, unless it is in our own interest, because that is how foreign policy works. The U.S. has intervened with Libya and Bosnia, which were committed similar human rights violation, but why not Bahrain? The answer is plain and simple: The Fifth Fleet of the United States Navy is stationed in Bahrain, and government ofcials would hate to break a few ties in the name of morality. Syed Ali Wasif, Ph.D., a professor from Trinity University located in San Antonio, Texas declares, Basically, I am very much disappointed with the role of the international human rights organizations; be that the Human Rights Watch, or the Genocides Watch, or Amnesty International or whatever; they are not playing their due role and due share in removing those regimes or in bringing to light those atrocities being committed by that brutal regime in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Does Dr. Syed Sli Wasif realize that the non-governmental organizations that he stated are legally constituted organizations created by natural or legal persons that operate independently from any government? Sure they pursue some wider social aims that have political components, but they are not overtly political organizations such as political parties. Essentially what that means is that while the previously listed organizations can help to aid the people of Bahrain, they technically do not hold the power to make real changes. I feel like it all comes back down to the issue of morality vs. convenience when it comes to the federal government. We have a history of only intervening when it seems convenient, but are we not a nation that was founded by those eeing their oppressive rulers? Was the Constitution of the United States of America not created to prevent tyranny? Are we not a generally successful democracy? What bothers me the most is that the United States has substantial leverage in Bahrain, through the Fifth Fleet of the Navy, military aid programs and a free-trade agree-

ment. However, both political parties have been timid here. Earlier this year President Obama made a strong statement about Bahrain during a speech on the Middle East in which he promised to support the cause of democratic change across the region. Where is the follow-up and true support of this claim? There are plenty of missing pieces in this situation; no senior U.S. ofcials have visited Bahrain in months, and the administration has had nothing to say about the deteriorating situation. The point is, if Bahrain blows up, vital U.S. interests will be at risk. The administration should use its inuence now before the crisis resumes and leaves everyone scrambling to put the pieces back together.

Tea Party politics illogical

By Caitlin Handerhan
Opinion editor
I have always been quite passionate about politics. From my rst time on the campaign trail at age four to my rst American government class, I was hooked. Being active in politics became an outlet through which to articulate social, moral and political concerns that were important to me and has become a part of who I am today. When engaging in a debate or political discussion, I always strive to do so in an intellectual and educated manner. As any good academic will agree, full consideration of both sides of an intelligible argument is key to having a discussion, whether on topics of political nature or otherwise. Perhaps this is why the Tea Party movement is so upsetting to me. While it may be no surprise that I am liberal in tone, I try to temper my love of liberal politics and remove emotion from any given political issue so that logic and factual evidence may be considered, which I fear is more than could be said for the Tea Party. Yes, I may be tempted to let my emotions get the best of me and name the Tea Party as a bunch of right-wing extremists. Yet, since their stage-right emergence into the realm of national discourse, I have genuinely tried to understand the movements platform and methods. As someone with an interest in political behavior, I am fascinated by what can only be determined as an illogical faction of our political spectrum. After witnessing my fair share of Tea Party rallies, I nd myself forced to deem much of their message to be contradictory to their platform. That is, whatever concrete platform you are able to discern from among a plethora of bumper-sticker slogans. For example, the Tea Party is known for frequent references to the founding fathers and constitutional ideals. Yet, obtuse references to God, religion and the status of our Christian nation clearly juxtaposed with policy seem to violate our constitutional protection against the mixing of church and state. Another line of thinking within the Tea Party that seems invalid is their conceptualization of the term which has become the backbone of the movement: patriotism. Loyalty to ones country inherently places the best interest of the country as the top priority, yet I fail to see how the movements staunch inability to compromise is in the best interest of the American people. The divisiveness that has permeated the 112th Congress, which came into ofce on a swell of Tea Party support, cost the United States this August during the debt ceiling crisis. Those in ofce who were elected on the Tea Party vote vowed not to work with President Obama, and we now see how dearly that cost the American people. Clearly, once many of the slogans of the Tea Party platform face even the most modest dissections, it becomes evident that the Tea Party movement is incapable of entering into credible political discussion. While their goals are admirable, they are not politically productive. The movements seeming inability to remove passion from their discourse, coupled with their illogical line of thought, renders this a political movement that should be widely discredited.

If you dont want it printed . . . dont 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.

Page 10

OPINION

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.

September 14, 2011 September 3, 2008

Providing condoms doesnt College rebuttal violate Catholic tradition

By Mark Fuhry
Mercyhurst made it into the U.S. News and World Reports top 50 of Americas Best Colleges, rising 36 spots in three years.
Contributing writer
When I arrived at Mercyhurst College as a freshman in 2008, I had no idea what to expect from the school in regards to its Catholic afliation. I soon learned that the school had implemented a visitation policy for the freshman area. I became used to the policy as it only lasts through freshman year. I did nd that it served no true importance other than to make the school seem like it was following Catholic tradition. We all know that there is a lot you can do to entertain your guest of the opposite sex between 8 a.m. and midnight. So for me, the visitation policy is not the issue, because if thats what Mercyhurst has to do to make it feel Catholic, so be it. The issue I have, however, arises when you are ready to entertain your guest during these established times and you nd yourself unequipped with protection. As a Catholic institution, Mercyhurst does not provide free condoms at its health center or in its residence halls, and it does not provide STD testing. This is an issue for me seeing as our recent pope has come clean in stating that condoms are good for protecting women from getting HIV/AIDS. Hiding behind a Catholic veil is not a proper argument for putting its student population at the risk of transmitting an STD and then not having the ability to nd out if you even have one. Mercyhurst must be unaware of the Vaticans new opinion on condom usage. In an article published by the New York Daily News on Nov. 23, 2010, the Vatican claried using a condom is a less evil than transmitting HIV to a sexual partner even it means a woman could avoid a possible pregnancy. Personally, I dont believe providing free condoms in residences would be that big of a deal and wouldnt be a violation of any Catholic tradition, especially since we are not all Catholic on this campus. Of course on the other hand, we must not degrade sexuality in this argument. We must be responsible young adults and realize that sex is the highest expression of love. I say this knowing that as young adults we might not comprehend the understanding of true love quite yet and may make mistakes and some of us may have sex before we are ready. Hopefully Mercyhurst will realize its 2011 and protection is very important these days, especially as college students. Let the Lakers lead the way of a new Catholic generation that uses condoms.

By Sister Lisa Mary McCartney, VP of Mission Integration

If you are satised with snatches of a discussion gleaned from the New York News, you might be thinking like Mark. But context still counts if you want truth. Pope Benedict has rejected condoms as he rejects the whole array of contraceptives--clearly and publicly--and has pointed out how faulty and misleading they can be. Saying that using condoms in the face of HIV is like saying robbery is not so bad as killing someone. More important is Pope Benedicts clear call to Catholics and students who will listen: sex is a source of great human happiness and well worth waiting for the commitment of marriage.

Its time for another eballot from MSG to vote for freshman senators and the 2011 Homecoming King and Queen. Too bad it went to everyones junk mail.

9/11 anniversary allows retrospection

By Brian Lombardo
Contributing writer
Ten years have passed since the tragedy of Sept. 11, yet is it even possible that so much time has passed so quickly? Is it possible that Mercyhursts senior class was in 6th grade, or that the class of 2015 was only in 3rd grade? Do you remember where you were and what you were doing on the moment you learned our country was under attack? Did you even completely understand what was happening? Weve all changed and grown in the past 10 years and have experienced the awkward stages of puberty, the memorable (or what some of us wish was forgettable) high school life and now what should be some of the best days of our lives. And though we may not notice it because it is all weve known, the country and larger global society has changed dramatically since that crisp September morning when 2,977 victims perished. We are ghting two wars, we have nally killed the most wanted man on earth and the worlds focus has turned to preventing atrocious acts like these from ever occurring again. We can see the change in longer lines at the airport or more security when entering ofce buildings or historical landmarks. One over-arching change within the government is the growth of our intelligence community, which has become arguably more capable than before of protecting our homeland. As one of my Intelligence professors pointed out last week, How many of you [in the class] would be sitting in this program today if it were not for 9/11? If not for the attacks, intelligence may not be the challenging, everchanging and vitally important profession it is now. This serves as just a microscopic example of how 9/11 inuenced each of our futures by changing the world in which we live. This was clearly a dening moment for our generation. After this moment, we must all remember to never become complacent. We must always remember and honor those who perished and to reunite as one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. We must not turn on each other because of ones race, religion or political ideology. Instead, we must embrace differences and show the world that our country remains committed to its ideals of freedom, equality and the belief that each person should be given the opportunity to succeed. On Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, we paused to remember the innocent victims who died during their daily routines, their families who will never fully heal, the heroes who saved countless people that day and the troops still ghting to protect our country ten years later.

Online

The Erie Police Department will be stepping up patrols in the areas around campus during the coming weeks after things got a little out of hand at a party on East 38th Street last week. Tipping over an officers patrol motorcycle while running away from a party is never a great idea.

What is good music?

By Larae Tymochko Contributing writer

Sept. 11 remembered
By Katie Vogtle Sta writer

Foreign language crucial

2012 election di erent

By Faye Clark Sta writer

By Nikki Sherretts Contributing writer

September 14, 2011

through in games, Coach Ryan Patton said. Quite a few of our players have been starting since freshman year, and their time to use that experience is now. Playing together has led to a deeper connectiveness within the team. The relationships off the court have led to success on the court. Discipline has been our biggest key, a lot of hard work in the offseason transferred into being prepared for preseason, Balasko said. After losing two four-year starters to graduation in 2010, and two other players who saw a lot of playing time, the team dynamic has barely changed. On the surface it could look that the team is different, but those roles have quickly been lled by other players, Patton said. He added that key contributors to this years roster are senior Chelsea Hennigan, and juniors Becky Smith, Kiera Rebert and Gretta Freyermuth.

Sports

Page 11
Clarion and Gannon will be the teams toughest competition this year in the PSAC, but both Balasko and Patton know the keys to winning. Strong serving and defense. We need to keep the ball off the oor. We might have less repower on attacks, but we can beat opponents on defense, Patton said. Success is the only option. Eleven out of the 20 players on this years team are upperclassmen. This experience will power the team to reach their goal of being at the top of the PSAC. PSAC play will open with Slippery Rock, Sept. 23 at 7:05 p.m. in the MAC.

Volleyball hopes experience leads to PSAC title

By Lindsey Burke
Contributing writer
The Mercyhurst Athletic Centers (MAC) doors do not open until Sept. 23 for PSAC competition, but the womens volleyball team already has their eyes on the prize: The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) title. Finishing sixth in 2010, the Lakers are looking to radically change that number and come out on top. With only three freshmen on this years roster, experience will play a huge role in fullling PSAC dreams. Experience has already taken the team to a 5-3 start. Junior captains Amanda Balasko and Katie Powell will lead the veteran squad into their conference play. Experience is going to be big in this years season, Balasko said. Weve been young in the past, but our experience will show

The Mercyhurst volleyball team is hoping experience pays dividends this season in the PSAC. So far it has shown, with a 5-3 start to the year for the team.

Jill Barrile photo

The mens soccer team is climbing the rankings up 10 spots to No. 5 in the latest NSCAA poll. The Lakers are 4-0 and begin conference play Sept 22.

Men ranked No. 5

Womens hockey welcomes Penn State to CHA

By Spencer Hunt
Sports editor
Realignment is a term that has invaded the vocabulary of sports fans everywhere. It took over the airwaves during the NFL lockout, beginning with all of the movement in college football in the past few months, and continues on into the season. Now it has invaded womens hockey. Mercyhurst College may be a smaller school, but realignment is everywhere, including Erie. The womens hockey program has had a summer more interesting than usual. First, they welcomed in a new batch of freshmen to reload after losing three of the top forwards in program history: Olympian Meghan Agosta, Patty Kazmaier award winner Vicki Bendus and No. 4 overall draft pick in the Canadian womens league Jesse Scanzano. Second, they said farewell to conference foe, Wayne State, which discontinued its womens hockey program. The school cited a loss in state funds as the reason for the cut. Wayne State never truly matched up well against the Lakers, but the loss of Wayne State meant College Hockey America (CHA) was down to only four teams. With only four teams, the CHA is even further away from meeting the NCAA minimum of six teams to qualify for an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament. Mercyhurst has been fortunate over the last few seasons in earning an at-large bid, but an automatic bid would make life considerably easier for the Lakers. The biggest news of all came when Penn State ofcially announced they were joining the ranks of Division I womens hockey. Geographically, Penn State is a perfect t for the CHA. Mercyhurst and the rest of the CHA accepted Penn States petition into the conference after a unanimous vote by the CHA board. The CHA is now back to ve members but is looking for more.

File photo by Ethan Magoc

With the arrival of Penn State to the CHA, Coach Michael Sisti will have a whole new challenge awaiting the Lakers in the 2012-13 season.

CHA Commissioner Robert DeGregorio has been adamant about getting the conference up to the six-team mark. He has said on record that he would like the conference to eventually get to 10 teams. With the addition of Penn State, Mercyhurst could face a stiffer conference schedule beginning in the 2012 season. To this point, Mercyhurst has dominated the conference, going undefeated last season, and has won nine straight conference titles. With more than 42,000 undergraduate students and a propensity for having quality athletic teams, Penn State will likely surprise some in its inaugural season. Mercyhurst has already lost two mens players who joined the new mens team at Penn State; the question is whether they are only the beginning. The womens hockey team may have some new challenges to face ahead, but for now they are focused on the 2011-12 season, which begins with an exhibition against Wilfrid Laurier on Sept. 17.

Page 12

Sports

September 14 , 2011
team. The more good things we do as a team on the eld, there is a carryover. We hope we can get more people involved and raise even more money, Schaetzle said. Schaetzle estimated more than $3,000 was donated overall. We want to nd places that will put all of the money towards research. We want to get the money we raise to the experts, Schaetzle added. This season, the hope is that with more people now aware of the campaign, the numbers will steadily grow. After the week one victory over Notre Dame College, $170 had already been raised for the campaign. Donations can be made by going to hurstathletics.com. Under the football heading look for Make a point to take away cancer on the right-side menu. Donations can be made retroactive, and any donation is greatly appreciated.

Football makes a point to take away cancer

By Spencer Hunt
Sports editor
In a world where technology and medicine changes daily, cancer is a continuing illness that seems to escape the grasp of modern medicine. Cancer affects millions of people in some form or another. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1.6 million new cases of cancer are expected this year alone. However, some places seem to be affected more directly than others. In an effort to help combat cancer, Head Coach Marty Schaetzle has created a campaign called Make a point to take away cancer. Schaetzle will donate $1 for every point and $5 for every takeaway the Lakers get during the season. This will be the second season for the campaign. The Mercyhurst football program has seen three players diagnosed with testicular cancer in the last ve years. Redshirt junior Jeff

File photo by Ethan Magoc

Coach Marty Schaetzle and the Lakers look to have another outstanding year and add to the donation totals. The Lakers hope to add more when they take on C.W. Post Saturday, Sept 17.
Pollard beat testicular cancer and has since returned to the eld for the Lakers. This season, offensive lineman Cameron Turner was diagnosed with testicular cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. This year, 8,290 people have been diagnosed with testicular cancer. With the help of Schaetzles campaign, those numbers can begin to go down. In 2010, the Lakers recorded their best season in program history. Their best season came at an excellent time. With a potent offense and one of the best defenses in the conference, the Lakers amassed 354 points, 21 interceptions and recovered nine fumbles. Those totals were good enough for a donation of $504 and the college program matching coach Schaetzle for a grand total of $1,008 just from the