THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MERCYHURST COLLEGE SINCE 1929

MSG elections Campus Living A&E

Students explored Senior art exhibit
alternative spring at Cummings Art
See page 2
NEWS

breaks Gallery
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Vol. 80 No. 17 Mercyhurst College 501 E. 38th St. Erie Pa. 16546 March 22, 2007

Committee rejects 4x1x4

Document cites student needs, size of core curriculum
By Joshua Wilwohl
Editor-in-chief
After three months of deliberations,
the Academic Affairs Committee
decided Tuesday to reject the possible
switch from the current trimester calen-
dar to a 4x1x4 semester calendar.
According to a report from the
committee, it will forward the recom-
mendation not to implement the 4x1x4
calendar to the board of trustees for the
April 25-26 meeting.
Mercyhurst College President Dr.
Thomas Gamble said the committee
made the best choice.
“On reading the results of the analysis
conducted by the study committee, it is
clear to me that the committee made the
best decision on behalf of Mercyhurst
and its very diverse student body,” he
said.
The report states the reasoning for
rejection was primarily because the
calendar failed to meet the needs of
the students at the four Mercyhurst
campuses.
“(The committee recommends) that
it (the board of trustees) reject the
proposed implementation of a 4-1-4-
calendar on the basis that it does not
meet the needs of the diverse student
population at Mercyhurst College on
its Erie, North East, West and Corry
campuses citing that one-half of the
1,600 new students admitted to Mercy-
hurst in fall 2007 will not be traditional
Erie four-year degree students,” states
the report.
The report goes on to state that
further investigation is needed into the
core liberal arts courses.
“…Before any other calendar recom-
mendation is brought before the board
of trustees or its standing Committee
on Academic Affairs, the administra-
tion must first reduce, refresh, and
possibly overhaul the Core, currently at
an unprecedented high of 18 required
Core courses – more than is required at
any other college,” it states.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
and chair of the calendar’s Special Study
Team, Dr. Barbara Behan, said the team
investigated the calendar to the best of
their abilities.
“We produced much data and in-
depth analysis with all the aspects we
were asked to investigate from the
Academic Affairs Committee,” she said.
“We produced analyses and conclu-
sions, and the committee accepted the
conclusions…”
The committee’s document states that
“…any further requests for a change
in calendar be part of a college-wide
constituency-approved initiative before
being brought to the board and that it
be included as part of a Strategic Plan-
ning document which would guide the
administration and board on such deci-
sion-making matters of concern to the
total college community.”
According to the report, the com-
mittee recommends to the board of
trustees that the current trimester
calendar continue until a new calendar
proposal is made that meets their rec-
ommendation.
The report, however, also states the
study team found there is no agreeing
alternative to another calendar other
than the trimester.
“There is no clear consensus among
college constituencies on a specific
alternative academic calendar due to
the unique mix of student populations
served,” states the document.
“An alternate calendar to the 4-3-3
calendar currently in place must accom-
modate non-traditional students at all
campuses of Mercyhurst College: i.e.,
Erie , North East, West County and
in Corry.”
The study team also discovered that
the “…January Intersession may not
work well at Mercyhurst because of its
diverse student population.”
Gamble said he appreciates the com-
mittee’s hard work during the process.
“I am grateful to both the trustee
committee and the internal study com-
mittee for their very thorough work on
the review of the 4-1-4,” he said.
“Mary Ellen Dahlkemper, chair of the
trustee committee on academic affairs,
and Dr. Barbara Behan, chair of the
4-1-4 study committee deserve special
recognition for very fine work that
should make Mercyhurst proud.”
Behan said the college will most likely
take a break from pursuing any more
calendars.
“We’re pleased to know that we have
thoroughly investigated the calendar and
I believe we will have a brief rest before
we pursue any others,” she said.
“And whatever we do next, we will
make sure it is in the interest of the
diverse student population that was
evident in this process.”

Proposal calls for $3.3M expansion

of Carolynn Hermann Student Union
By Joshua Wilwohl
Editor-in-chief

The Carolynn Hermann Student

Union may soon become a student
center.
According to Mercyhurst Student
Government President Dan Schuler,
plans are under way to add a more than
14,000-square foot addition to the cur-
rent union.
Schuler said the initial proposal calls
for an addition that will extend north
toward the Grotto and east toward
Garvey Park.
According to the plans, the north
addition will cover 7,000 square feet and
the east addition will cover 6,250 feet.
Executive Vice President for Admin-
istration Tom Billingsley said the plans Photo courtesy of BSI

for the $3.3 million project are still in
the initial stages.
Financing the construction is still
under consideration by administration
and MSG. One possibility is an added
fee to students’ annual bill.
“The plan is developed,” said Billing-
sley. “What still is under deliberation
is the interior design space (of the
building).”
Billingsley said the Division of Stu-
dent Life is developing plans to desig-
nate what student organizations will be
given space in the new addition.
“Student Life is looking into how it
will be designed and how to respond to
the functional needs of the ideas that
would go in there,” he said.
Assistant Vice President of Student
Life Laura Zirkle said the division is
working to decide how to use the space
for student organizations.
“We’ll work mostly on how space
itself will be used,” she said. “We
will then offer suggestions to student
government.”
According to Associate Vice Presi-
dent of Administration Tyrone Moore,
MSG led the proposal to incorporate a
number of student-run organizations.
“Student government is promoting a
Above: A rendering of the
expanded union shows the north
and east additions.
Right: Marking stakes are in place
where the north addition of the
union would expand. The area
currently has a wooden walkway
and gazebo.
student center versus a student union
with a conglomerate of offices,” he
said. “The thrust is to add areas that
will incorporate needs of such groups
as an international student center,
Diversity 101, the ROTC program, and
approved clubs and organizations area
where lockers will be available so they
can store supplies.”
The plans reserve a total area of 3,950
square feet on the first and second
floors in the east addition for Registered
Student Clubs and Organizations.
Moore also said the current plans
include “…reserved space for the Mer-
ciad, a commuter lounge, the yearbook,
the mailroom, and a lounge area and
stage for a wide variety of things like
plays, debates, and social activities.”
Please see Union on page 3
PAGE 2 THE MERCIAD March 22, 2007

NEWS To contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Students are encouraged to learn about candidates running in the Mercyhurst Student
Government Executive Board election. Each candidate is profiled below, and additional
information can be found at the MSG Web site at msg.mercyhurst.edu. The election
begins at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday morning and concludes at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday. To
vote, visit the MSG Web site at the address above, and follow instructions to vote online.
All full-time undergraduate students are encouraged to vote, including seniors. Because
the treasurer position is uncontested, candidate Christina Coovert is not profiled below.
Presidential candidates
Marissa Starin Martin
Year: Junior
Wallenhorst
Year: Junior
Major: Sports Medicine
Major: Intel. Studies
“I feel very comfortable
“My knowledge of the
talking to people, listen-
workings of this organiza-
ing to new ideas, and can
tion is integral, as are my es-
relate to all the students
tablished relationships with
in some way.”
various faculty and staff.”

Vice Presidential candidates

Jeff Allen Chris Davis
Year: Junior Year: Junior
Major: Intel. Studies Major: Sports Business
“I would encourage any “I love the people at this
student, faculty member, or school and feel that I can
citizen of Erie to approach help to make improve-
me and ask me about MSG ments based on what the
and just what it is that we students want.”
do.”

Mihailo Jovanovic Zach Pekor

Year: Sophomore
Year: Sophomore
Major: Intel. Studies
Major: Business “I feel that with the vice
“I believe that everyone president position I can reach
and everything can always a greater number of students
reach improvement, and and hear what they have to
that is my goal for student say in order to get a clear and
life at Mercyhurst.” balanced opinion.”

Secretarial candidates Andrew Schuler

Jacquelinne Year: Freshman
Brown Major: Undeclared
Year: Freshman “I want to serve as the vice
Major: Business president because I want to
“I want to be a growing be able to take a greater
part of past traditions part in the workings of
and a keystone in the student government.”
development of future
ones.” Secretarial candidate
Alexandra Miniri Erik Penn
Year: Sophomore
Year: Freshman Major: Fashion
Major: Intel. Studies Merchandising
“I’m willing to do what- “I feel that my service will
ever the student body or be a fresh and inspiring addi-
whatever MSG asks of tion that can help bring about
me because I truly believe important changes to help
in the betterment of the better suit the campus to the
college.” student needs.”
March 22, 2007 THE MERCIAD PAGE 3

To contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu News

World Briefs
International news
Compiled by
Jessica Kocent
From BBC News
Ahmadinejad has never
addressed the UN Security
Council before.
Cricket mourns the death of Woolmer
Tributes from the cricketing world have poured in for Pakistan
coach and ex-England Test player Bob Woolmer.
Woolmer was found unconscious on Sunday in his hotel room
during the World Cup and later died in hospital.
“It’s a sad day for the sport and the cricketing fraternity,” said ex-
West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding.
Taliban free Italian
journalist
An Italian journalist kidnapped
by the Taliban in Afghanistan two
weeks ago has been released.
Italian Prime Minister Romano
Prodi said Daniele Mastrogiaco-
mo was in good health in hospital
in Afghanistan.
Mastrogiacomo, who works
for the La Repubblica daily,
was seized with two Afghans in
southern Helmand province.
He was trying to interview
senior Taleban officials at the
time.
Reports that the Taliban killed
one of the Afghans have not
been confirmed.
The fate of the other is still
unclear.
Ramadan has maintained
his innocence throughout
the legal proceedings.
US approves Iranian
leader’s UN trip
The US has approved a visa
for Iranian President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad to address the UN
Security Council when it votes on
extra sanctions against Iran.
The vote follows Iran’s refusal
to give up uranium enrichment,
which Western countries fear
is aimed at producing nuclear
weapons.
Iran says its nuclear programme
is for peaceful purposes only.
The 15-member Security Coun-
cil is to meet on Wednesday to
discuss the sanctions.
Washington and Tehran do not
have diplomatic relations, but the
US, as host country of the UN, is
obliged to allow foreign leaders
to speak at the Council.
Mastrogiacomo was re-
leased after being held
captive for two weeks.
Taha Yassin
Ramadand hanged
Taha Yassin Ramadan was a
member of Saddam Hussein’s
inner circle and was known as
one of the Iraqi president’s “en-
forcers”.
He held numerous senior posts
during the party’s 35-year rule.
His style was as hardline as
Saddam Hussein’s. When made
industry minister in the 1970s,
he reportedly told colleagues: “I
don’t know anything about in-
dustry. All I know is that anyone
who doesn’t work hard will be
executed.”
Three decades later, as a judge
at Iraq’s High Tribunal sentenced
him to death for his role in the
killing of 148 Shias in 1982,
Ramadan defiantly protested his
innocence.
Bergen gives Police and Safety Log
insight on Osama March 13
March 17
As a CNN reporter, Bergen met with bin Laden in 1997.
By Allison Moore
Opinion editor
Peter Bergen, author of “Holy
War Inc.: Inside the Secret World
of Bin Laden” and terrorism
analyst for CNN, visited Mer-
cyhurst College Tuesday night
as part of the McHale Distin-
guished Speaker Series.
He spoke to an audience of 310
people in the PAC.
Bergen met with Osama Bin
Laden, the mastermind behind
several terrorist attacks including
9/11, in Afghanistan in March
1997.
At the time, Bergen questioned
Bin Laden’s capability to carry
out large scale attacks. With his
low-key demeanor, Bin Laden
seemed nothing more than a
“blow-hard” motivated by a ha-
tred of American foreign policy
in the Middle East.
His doubt was soon proven
premature when in 1998 al-
Qaeda was responsible for two
simultaneous bombings of U.S.
embassies in Africa and later
the USS Cole off the coast of
Yemen.
As America is well aware, this
string of successful terrorist
attacks culminated on a sunny
Tuesday morning in September
in Manhattan.
During his lecture, Bergen
Possible
changes
could open
as early as
fall 2007
Continued from page 1
According to the plans, the
offices for student organizations
will be located on the first and
second floors of the north addi-
tion, while the lounge and stage
will be located on the ground
level of the east addition.
According to Moore, the gal-
ley in the Laker will also expand
to accommodate more student
needs such as stations where
food is prepared fresh.
“The intent is to develop some
semblance of a food court type
Larceny/Theft Criminal Mischief
Baldwin Hall 3924 Briggs Ave.
Closed Open
Pending Investigation
March 16
Liquor Law Violation March 18
3937 Briggs Ave. Liquor Law Violation
Closed 3810 Briggs Ave.
State Citation Closed
State Citation
March 16
Liquor Law Violation March 18
Briggs Ave. Sex offenses
Andy Finkel photo Closed 3810 Briggs Ave.
State Citation Closed
Referred to Erie Police
explored both of the wars in March 16
Afghanistan and Iraq as well as Controlled Substance
the strength of al-Qaeda today. 3829 Lewis Ave.
Bergen asserted that groups Closed
such as al-Qaeda aim to carry State Citation
out high impact attacks such as
9/11 and are, in his estimation,
currently unable to replicate such
an attack. Campus news briefs
While he is optimistic for the Compiled by editorial staff/from mercyhurst.edu
next five years or so, Bergen also
Sign up for healthy food and beverages,
pointed out that there are several
WalkAmerica meditation/relaxation exer-
signs that al-Qaeda is regaining
There will be a sign-up table cises, massages, glucose screen-
strength.
in the Student Union from April ing, diet analysis, bone density
Comparing jihadist groups
16-20 from 10 a.m-4 p.m. The screening, and information on
to an ideology like Commu-
walk itself is Sunday, April 29 to nutrition, breast self exams,
nism, Bergen explained that such
benefit March of Dimes. Stu- blood pressure, physical assess-
movements will ultimately fail
dents are required to get at least ments and a number of health
under the weight of their own
$10 in pledges and will receive related topics. The first 100
bad policies. Jihadist groups have
a Mercyhurst t-shirt! guests will receive a free gift bag
several “internal weaknesses.”
Bergen also laid out key points
with goodies.
regarding the role of the United SAC’s 5 on 5
Basketball 80s Dance party
States in the war on terror. He
Tournament planned
emphasized the fact that the
Friday March 23, in the Rec Saturday, March 24, starting
U.S. is the “800-pound gorilla”
Center from 8p.m. until mid- at 10 p.m., will be time to
whose actions will have seen and
night. It’s March Madness! take it back to the generation
unforeseen consequences.
Sign-up your team in the 5-on-5 of video games, aerobics,
Bergen concluded his lecture
basketball tournament! Prizes minivans, camcorders and
by taking several questions from
will be given to the first and talk shows. Come on out for
audience members. The main
second place teams. some totally awesome fun,
theme was undoubtedly Iraq.
as SAC hosts an 80s Dance
Bergen stated repeatedly that
Annual Wellness Fair Party. With prizes for the
he is not a military analyst, but
Mercyhurst’s third Annual top three best-dressed 80s
was adamant in saying that Iraq
Wellness Fair will take place dancers, everyone is sure to
must not be allowed to become a
Friday in the Student Union have a neat-o time! And hey,
mini-Afghanistan where terrorist
from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. who doesn’t love Spandex and
organizations can regroup and
The event will have delicious big hair?
regain influence.
Laker Spring Term I n n
Galley Grill
Now Featuring “Over the Top” Combos!
Try New: Crispy Onion-Steak Burger or Pineapple Teriyaki Burger
New Items:
Spinach Salad
Antipasta salad
Hours of Operation:
For Lent: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. -1 a.m.
Seafood Salad Saturday 1 p.m. -1 a.m.
Sunday 5 p.m. -1 a.m.

U.S. questions detainee’s ‘sedated’ claim

arena where there will be a cook-
ing station that could have a wide Laker Express New Items:
variety of options for healthy
Spinach Salad
The U.S. Pentagon is examining allegations that David Hicks, the eating,” he said. “The idea is to Look for Laker Express
Australian detainee at Guantanamo Bay, was forcibly sedated last quickly produce food for stu- Antipasta Salad
month. dents right there for them.”
The Pentagon has argued that past claims have often been exag- Moore said the creation of a Minute Meals! New For Lent:
gerated. student center brings students Seafood Salad
David Hicks is due to appear before a US military commission next together to better the college.
week on a charge of providing military support for terrorism. “You have a lot of great minds Hours of Operation:
The allegation that David Hicks was forcibly sedated has come working in basically the same area
from his US military defense lawyer, Major Michael Mori. supporting one another,” he said. Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m.- 8 p.m.
He claims the Australian was given medicine last month just before “It makes for a bigger and better Board Equivalency Available: Friday 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
being informed about the new charge levelled against him. community.” Saturday & Sunday: Closed
According to Moore, the pro- 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
USS Cole suspect posal must go to the president
‘admits guilt’ for approval.
“If the plan is passed within
Subconnection Let Us Entertain You!
A suspect in the bombing of the month, then construction Look for a chance to win
the USS Cole warship in Yemen of the additions should be com- the following games at registers:
has confessed to the attack. pleted by October or Novem- 6” Sub $3.50 Scene It!
Walid Mohammad bin Attash is ber,” he said. Domino’s
said to have made his confession 12” Sub $5.50 Checkers
in a hearing in Cuba.
Seventeen sailors died when
MATH LAB Poker game
the Cole was rammed by suicide Running until April 27!
bombers in the port of Aden Library Special this Week:
in 2000. 304 A & B Hours of Operation:
Attash also said he helped plan Sesame Ginger
the 1998 bomb attacks on the US Sundays-Thursdays Chicken Sub Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
The 2000 bombing took
embassies in Kenya and Tanzania place on the Port of Aden Saturday 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
that killed 213. in southern Yemen. CALL:2078 Sunday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
For exact hours
PAGE 4 THE MERCIAD March 22, 2007

CAMPUS
Living To contact: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Students,
faculty awed
by alternate
educations
By Chelsea Boothe
Photo contributed by Dr. Richard O’Dell

Above, the group

that went to the
Campus living editor
Navajo reserva-
tion.
What does it mean to have a liberal arts educa-
tion? The alternative spring options, while not
solely unique to Mercyhurst, is one advantage
to attending a college that supports the holistic
learning process.
This past spring break there were three op-
tions: Sister Michele’s Navajo Reservation group,
Paul Macosko’s Habitat for Humanity group and
Dr. Pete Benekos’ Honors Border Awareness
class.
Each site proved to be an eye-opening experi-
ence, which immersed both students and faculty
into varying situations that helped all achieve a
better understanding of real life situations and
issues. Left, the group
The first group, led by Sister Michele, who is during their hike
in charge of service learning, went to a Navajo at Willow Rock in
reservation in Fort Defiance, Arizona. Arizona.
Eight students, Sister Michele and Dr. Richard
O’Dell all attended the trip, and it was the first
time for an education faculty member to partici-
pate in one of these opportunities.
Sister Michele said that it was a holistic experi- Photo contributed by Dr.
Richard O’Dell
ence because it connected service, community,
simplicity and spirituality.
The group spent time in a classroom at
SMASE, St. Michael’s Association for Special was building in is called a Habitat neighborhood,
Education, participating in various activities. where the organization tears down slum housing
O’Dell had a very positive observation about and puts up the Habitat homes.
SMASE. Since they were building the house in a Habitat
“St. Michael’s is a school and residential facility area, other families in the neighborhood came to
for children and young adults with moderate help the building process.
to profound disabilities. In many cases, these Everyday the group was awake by 6:30 a.m. and
children and young adults also have significant worked until 4:30 p.m.
health issues. They started with the foundation of the house
“Although I have had contact with such popu- and did everything from roofing to windows.
lations in my career as a special education teacher Fortunately, their biggest problem was having so
and school psychologist, what I observed at St. many volunteers that everyone was not working
Michael’s was nothing short of remarkable. In at the same time.
all of my experiences in education, I have never After cleaning up, they went to host parishes,
seen a more positive, supportive and caring where they were fed authentic southern cuisine
group of service providers. What we observed and participated in evening activities.
and the work we were allowed to do are lessons At one parish they listened to an African mis-
that cannot be taught in the classroom,” he said. sionary discuss his experience. At a Southern
Participants learned about the Navajo culture Baptist church they heard an African American
with visits to a museum and through a pictorial gospel choir.
history, and they went to cultural workshops Macosko believed these evening programs
where they learned about Navajo dress, houses, helped immerse the group in southern culture Photo contributed by Paul Macosko

ceremonies and food, including trying Navajo
tacos.
They went to a language workshop where they
learned about code talkers in World War II.
Outside of the school and group home, the
Mercyhurst students enjoyed hiking at Window
Rock and Canon De Chelly. They also went to
Sky City and saw pueblos from the 1600s.
Charlotte Kartik, a junior education major,
said, “It wasn’t that different of a culture, they
were very friendly and accepting. I really enjoyed
working with the students because I learned a lot
about the different learning disabilities and how
to work with special needs students.”
Kartik said that it was a different environment
from the work she has done in Erie schools,
because the Navajo reservation was not inclu-
sive, but had a separate facility for students with
special needs.
Dina Cegelka, a sophomore education major,
talked about the cultural experience.
“The Navajo have a saying ‘Walk in Beauty,’
and they live their lives trying to always be aware
and make the experience more enriching. The Habitat for Humanity home when it is still in the beginning foundation stage.
At the end of the day there were student led
reflections.
This break opportunity was a truly hands-on
experience. Everyday it was hard, but also very
rewarding, because the students were able to
actually see their work becoming something.
Macosko said, “Work in college is preparation
for the real world, but students don’t often get to
see the results. When you build something you
receive immediate gratification, and you are able
to give a gift that lasts generations.
“This house will forever be known as the Mer-
cyhurst Habitat for Humanity house, signified
by an engraved brick that is to be placed into the
finished driveway. This house will then be given
to a qualified Habitat for Humanity candidate.”
Senior Jessica Watson said, “It was a really
good experience. We got to build from the foun-
dation, do the wiring, siding, doors and see the
finished project.
“It was phenomenal to think of the experience,
because you work to build a house, which then Photo contributed by Paul Macosko

that true beauty is all around us. One of the
prayers I found there really spoke to me, ‘There
is beauty above you, there is beauty below you,
there is beauty all around you. May you always
walk in beauty (Navajo Prayer).’
“Standing at the top of Window Rock Moun-
tain, the Navajo capital, I could see miles and
miles of rock formation and green trees and
brush. I was amazed at the beauty that sur-
rounded me, and that God could create such a
magnificent environment that thrived on love
and compassion. I live my life like I am late for
something, forever rushing from one event to
the next. At the top of that mountain it was like
the world stood still and I was able to capture the
true spirit of the Navajo,” she said.
The next break option was through the Habitat
for Humanity club. The Habitat group was led
by Paul Macosko, the campus minister, and a
board group of five students who are members
of the club.
This group went down to Valdosta, Ga., and
built a house from the ground all the way to
completion.
The nationwide organization, Habitat for Hu-
manity, has a standard house that they build: It
has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen and
living room. The area that the Mercyhurst group
becomes someone’s home. It is touching to put
in the work and see such amazing effects.”
The last group was led by Dr. Pete Benekos,
who is the dean of the school of social sciences
and teaches criminal justice and sociology.
This was a part of the honors contemporary
social problems class, which is currently taking
place.
It was the first time an honors class has done
an alternative spring break, but Benekos believed
it was very beneficial.
The Border Awareness break took place in An-
thony, N.M., Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas.
The class began to look at issues of immigra-
tion and boarder control in the fall. They also
learned about the history between Mexico and
the United States to gain some understanding of
the continual conflict between the countries.
They learned of the economic push and pull
– Mexico which was pushing them out and the
United States which pulled them.
They were also learning the effects of NAFTA.
After all of their education they were able to
see.
In Anthony, they went to a women’s intercul-
tural center, which facilitated their experience.
Next, they walked into Mexico, and stayed with
host families.
The completion of the Habitat house shows the hard work of the Mercyhurst team.
Benekos mentioned the language barrier, but
said that it didn’t inhibit them or their experience;
it was especially easy with the children when they
played games together, such as soccer.
“The language made us humble about the dif-
ficulties when you do not speak the language of
those around you,” said Benekos.
The class not only saw the experience and
perspective of the border control but also of the
legal and illegal immigrants.
They went into the Annunciation House in El
Paso, which is a shelter for its “guests.”
They visited the Diocesan Refuge and Immi-
gration center that provides legal assistance for
detained illegal immigrants.
This experience allowed the class to understand
the separation between mother and child and put
a face to the national turbulent issue. Benekos
said it provided, “a context to better understand
immigration.”
It gave Benekos a better appreciation for the
workers, and it humanized the issue of border
control and human rights.
This sort of spring break opportunity opens
up the global world and helps students become
aware of its issues. It also shows just how com-
plex the issue of immigration has become.
Freshman Nadine Beres said, “The class and
experience provides a face for the issues. I think
of the family I stayed with and wish they could
have a better life. It provided a personal value to
me.”
Another freshman, Adam Olszewski, said, “I
think that I was able to see the issues first hand,
as opposed to looking at them through a filter.”
To learn more about the students’ experience
interested people can attend a panel presentation
during Academic Celebration.
Each alternative break opportunity took
students out of the classroom and into the real
world, which is what a liberal arts education
should strive to provide.
There is so much that cannot be understood
or grasped in a classroom. However, being on a
reservation, building someone a home or being
face-to-face with an illegal immigrant helps stu-
dents broaden their perspectives and truly grasp
a holistic education.
March 22, 2007 THE MERCIAD PAGE 5

CAMPUS
Living To contact: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Soul-warming recipes Romero Award

On Thursday, March 22 at 8:00 of Bread for the World, and co-

During Lent a lot of us are
scrounging to try and think of
what to eat on a Friday night that
does not have meat in it.
There are always the old stand-
bys, like macaroni and cheese or
spaghetti, but who wants to eat
the same food every Friday? Why
not make an easy dish that could
feed about five people and that
only takes about 30 minutes?
Well here is the solution for you:
tuna noodle casserole. My room-
mate Shelley taught me how to
make it last Friday and I thought
it was a great solution to the same
Lenten Friday meal.
You can make it healthier by
using low fat, low sodium soup,
which really the only unhealthy
ingredient in the dish.
But be careful with how much
tuna and other seafood you are
eating because, while it might be
tasty and have health benefits,
eating too much could cause
Mercury poisoning. If you do
not like tuna, try it with another
kind of seafood or, if you are not
Catholic and eat meat on Fridays,
With Meg
pm the Religious Studies de-
By Sarah Sheehan
Contributing writer
and Kyle partment will be presenting the
put some chicken in it instead. 2007 Archbishop Oscar Romero
Award to Bishop Thomas J.
Gumbleton in the Walker Recital
Hall. This award is a unique
opportunity for Mercyhurst Col-
founder of the Michigan Coali-
tion for Human Rights.
He has also been a board mem-
ber for a variety of organizations
including the Ghandi Institute
of Non-Violence, Witness for
Peace, and the Fellowship of
Reconciliation.
Awards that have recognized
Bishop Gumbleton’s actions
towards peace and justice include
the University of Notre Dame’s

Tuna Noodle
lege to recognize an individual in
the community who withholds
the same beliefs that the found-
Peacemakers award and the Na-
tional Peace Foundation award
in 1997. He has also traveled to
ers of Mercyhurst held. Iran, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Ka-
Ingredients Equipment The Oscar Romero Award was zakhstan, Jordan, Haiti, Colom-
1 box pasta Oven established in memory of Oscar bia, Peru, Iraq, and Afghanistan
3 cans tuna Large baking dish (9 x13 in.) Romero who as Dr. Forsthoefel, to advocate peace.
chair of the Religious Studies Bishop Gumbleton is a retired
1½ cans cream of mushroom soup Medium sized pot
Department, described, “He auxiliary bishop who served 23
½ Onion (diced) Large skillet spoke the truth about the dignity years of service to his parish
½ bag of peas Spoon of the human person that the of St. Leo in Detroit, Chicago.
½ cup bread crumbs Spatula gospel demands for justice and Although retired he will con-
½ cup of cheese (any kind) Large bowl integrity amid the chaos and ter- tinue his advocacy for peace
Olive oil ror of war-torn El Salvador and and justice and remain as a key
was assassinated for speaking the figure within St. Leo’s parish
truth to the powerful.” community.
Every year for about the last Dr. Forsthoefel will be pre-
Directions fifteen years, the Religious Stud- senting the award to Bishop
ies department discusses several Gumbleton. After the presen-
1. Begin boiling the water for the pasta while you gather the rest of your ingredients. people within the community tation, Bishop Gumbleton will
who as Forsthoefel stated, “re- discuss the call for social change
This is a good time also to open all your cans while you have the time.
ally have given themselves to in a world marked by poverty,
2. While waiting for the water to boil, coat the skillet with olive oil and add the onions to the gospel values of faith and injustice, and scarce resources.
caramelize. When the water is boiling add the pasta. justice and that seek to change This award is an opportu-
not only the person but also the nity for the Religious Stud-
3. When the onions are done, add all 3 cans of tuna to the skillet, as well as the mush-
society.” ies department as well as the
room soup. Stir everything together while on medium heat. This award can be received by school to emphasize key values
4. When the pasta is done boiling, drain and place in a large bowl. In the skillet add the anyone within the larger com- of Mercyhurst, reflect on the
munity including the city, the Mission Statement, and bring
peas, or corn, whichever you prefer or have around.
state, or the country. This year forward a person to recognize
5. When tuna mixture is hot add to the bowl with the pasta in it. Mix everything together Bishop Gumbleton is being their excellence. This is also an
and then place in the baking dish. honored and recognized for his opportunity for the Mercyhurst
charitable deeds. community to remember where
6. Sprinkle the cheese and the breadcrumbs on the top and place in the oven at 325
Bishop Gumbleton is the they have come from and the
degrees for about 20 minutes. founding president of Pax original mission of the Sister’s

I
Christi USA, former president of Mercy.

The
Zodiac Dinor
is a fab

ERI
place with a
funky
atmosphere
Photo contributed by Meghan O’Hara

The Unionville Senior Center, shown here, is where Meghan O’Hara volunteers.
By Adam Hicks
Contributing writer
Seniors leaving legacies
Based on a recommendation
from post-graduate student to help young children. in,” Schneck said. “The last three
By Amy Zielinski
Michael Mancinelli, this week “I felt called to do something years have gone by … it just
Contributing writer
showcases the Zodiac Dinor, about it,” O’Hara said. sneaks up on you.”
located at 2516 State Street, O’Hara is excited that she does One particular thing that Sch-
down the road from Collegiate Many seniors are ready to grad- not have to get a job right away, neck will miss about Mercyhurst
Academy. uate and leave behind what they but sad that she will be leaving is the dorm rooms. She feels it
This uniquely decorated Di- called home for the past four many memories. was easy to become acquainted
nor was purchased by Mike Photo contributed by Adam Hicks years. With only two months She remembers taking late and people become much closer
Incandela and officially opened The Zodiac dinor’s interior is creatively decorated. left, students are saying good- night walks, going to hockey knit.
in July 2006. Although fairly bye to their textbooks, friends games and just having fun with Schneck’s favorite memory
day. Anyone who enjoys pizza ton.”
new to the Erie dining market, and activities at Mercyhurst her friends. during her freshman year was
should stop by on a Wednesday Breakfast combinations in-
this restaurant makes up in its College. “Being a freshman, we did not when she went on the Student
when the deal is spend $6.95 or clude the Little Dipper which
juvenility with a well decorated As seniors exit the Mercyhurst have a lot of responsibilities,” Activities Council trip to New
more on an entrée and receive offers one egg, bacon and toast
atmosphere and affordable College gates one last time, O’Hara said. “And now that I York City. Her adventure led her
a pizza for free. for $3.99, along with the big-
home cooked meals. they will remember all of the am older, we do.” to get lost on a subway, see the
The restaurant eve caters to ger options of the Big Dipper
The Zodiac Dinor is decorat- memories they had. For some Besides studying all the time, Statue of Liberty, Grand Central
the “late nighters,” remain- which is double the food for
ed in a 1950’s to 1960’s theme it may be the activities in which O’Hara is committed to various Station and many other sites.
ing open 24 hours on Fridays $4.99 and the Orion, which is
with bright, colorful walls, they were involved, for others it clubs, including Ambassadors, When Schneck and her friend
and Saturdays, in addition to triple the food for $5.75. The
upholstered period chairs and might be the weekends in down- Ophelia project and Peace and got lost on the subway, they were
holidays. In addition to the dinner entrees include chicken
a working jukebox for added town Erie. Justice. very nervous. Neither of them
aforementioned specials, ac- “made any way you want,” for
effect. Although a popular mis- Students also realize they will One that she will not miss is had their cell phones on them
cording to manager Julie, “We $8.25, and a generous portion
conception, the name Zodiac have to find a job. the cold Erie weather. With a so they could not call anyone
try to do what we can to help of homemade pot roast with
has nothing to do with the psy- Senior Meghan O’Hara is grin on her face, O’Hara de- for help.
college students.” vegetables for $8.75. If these
chic genre, the owner named doing just the opposite. O’Hara scribed her obsession of wearing “A nice guy told us how to get
They have recently contacted options do not sound like
the establishment based on an would like to offer her time to long underwear. back to the other stop and we
Mercyhurst College and are in- enough food the Zodiac Dinor
old movie from the period. young children and complete a Her roommates would also finally found everyone else after
terested in beginning operation recommends the “Special,”
According to Zodiac Dinor’s year of service. She has applied dress in long underwear to face five minutes,” Schneck said. As
of the One Card, in addition to which comes with a beverage,
manager, Julie, who has had to the Mercy Volunteer Corps the freezing temperatures. she was giggling she continued
planning student ID specials in soup or salad, entrée, dessert
18 years of experience in the and the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. When they came back inside, to say, “But it was pretty scary to
the near future. and coffee for just $9.99.
restaurant industry, “We had a If she is accepted, O’Hara would they did not want to change out be lost in NYC.”
In order to show their sup- For any student looking for
sewing machine in the corner, like to work in a soup kitchen of their long underwear outfits, On the trip, she was able to
port for the growing body of an affordable home cooked
others were painting and it was or in a medical setting, such as so they would just stay in them. meet new people and make new
faithful customers, the Zodiac meal, the Zodiac Dinor is the
really nice to see how it all came a hospital for the underprivi- O’Hara chuckled. friends.
is planning a customer appre- place to go. Julie proudly stated
together. I am proud to say it leged. After O’Hara completes her Some of her friends are in the
ciation party with free food that, “I love it here; it has been
was totally redone by us.” As a dietetics major, O’Hara year of service with the Mercy same activities that Schneck is in
and prizes in the near future. a tremendous experience. I
In addition to the well deco- has been involved in various Volunteer Corps or the Jesuit including Ambassadors, Math-
All patrons are invited to sign sometimes spend 17 hours a
rated interior, Zodiac Dinor community placements. Some Volunteer Corps, she plans on letes, Residence Life, Mercyhurst
up for an invitation to the event day working, but there are no
offers specials everyday of the of her placements include Head getting a job, but is not sure Student Government and the
after they finish their meals. complaints. It is a fantastic
week, for example Sundays are Start, Shriners Hospitals for where. Math Lab.
Following in the tradition job.”
an “all you can eat buffet” for Children, Hamot Medical Center She is not the only one who is Schneck would like to find a
of unique Erie foods, they of- With a wonderful staff, a
$8.95. and the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber unsure of where she will find a teaching position in her home-
fer “Greek” fries smothered uniquely decorated interior
For those students looking Center. job. Senior Katie Schneck also town, Cleveland, or in the Pitts-
in the spicy sauce, along with and specials every day of the
for a better deal, they offer One placement, Kids Café, feels overwhelmed by the whole burgh area. If this does not
hamburgers and hot dogs that week, the Zodiac Dinor is one
reduced prices on the menu ev- made her realize the amount of idea of graduating. work out, she plans to substitute
according to the menu have restaurant every student should
ery Monday, Thursday and Fr- poverty there was in Erie. Since “I remember walking all the teach for a year.
“more taste then Paris Hil- visit before they graduate.
this placement, she has wanted way to the top of Egan to move
Page 6
This I believe:
Carpe Diem for others
Sister Michele Schroeck, RSM
Mercyhurst’s Ethical Reflection Committee has initiated
“This I Believe” to foster reflection within the entire college
community on the values by which we live. We hope that
these essays will inspire further introspection, thoughtful
discussion, and innovative ways of integrating holistically
some of the ideas and values expressed here into our personal,
academic, social, spiritual, professional and communal life.
For example, faculty might introduce appropriate essays into
class discussion; students might initiate conversations in class
and beyond; administrators and staff might explore these
with colleagues. Responses may be directed to the Merciad
at editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu or to committee chair,
Rev. Lyta Seddig at lseddig@mercyhurst.edu. Share how
these thoughts have had an impact in your life!
I believe in service. Well, of course, I am the Di-
rector of Service Learning! But, the real question is
what do I believe and why do I believe in service.
Before I came to Mercyhurst College I worked
in a mobile migrant school.
I remember frequently visiting Daniela’s family
in Fremont, Ohio, to relay a communication about
school or to address basic needs.
They lived in a cabin about the size of my bath-
room. The first thing they did was to offer me a
chair. Often they would stand, even after a hard
day of work bending over to harvest cucumbers.
Then, they would give me a soda, while they had
nothing themselves. I felt so uncomfortable, but it
seemed disrespectful not to accept. We would talk
for a few minutes about their family in my broken
Spanish or through their efforts to try English.
Lastly, I might offer clothes or food, which was
graciously accepted.
I would leave feeling I received more than I
gave.
I believe that service is about relationships. It is
a one-on-one connection that is fostered through
mentoring that focuses on listening, encouraging,
and supporting.
There is a mutuality in true service.
Although we bring skills and talents to meeting
individual and organizational need, we gain experi-
ence and develop values and character through ser-
vice. Often I hear people say, “I didn’t do anything!
How can we help?” We need to understand the
Six hundred seventy days and counting
Six hundred and seventy: As of Wednesday, this
is the countdown that appears on Mozilla Firefox
Web browser that marks the number of days left
in the current presidential administration.
In many ways, the time left will be patiently waited
out as most Americans are preparing for the 2008
presidential campaigns.
While America has had worse leadership in
government,
the line draws
pretty thin.
Of course we Ellen
cannot blame
the country’s
Koenig
current status
on one per-
son or on one
set group of
Contributing writer
people. Along
with those who work in the White House, the
American people must also hold the Congressmen
and women accountable.
Over the past six years, they have passed legisla-
tion giving the executive branch additional powers,
effectively throwing off the system of checks and
balances that is supposed to regulate our govern-
ment.
With the Democratic majority in Congress, the
amount of power obtained by the executive branch
and the problems caused by their decisions will take
years to reverse, if even possible.
It is obvious that the majority of the American
people are disappointed in the current state of
the union.
This past weekend, students from Mercyhurst
THE MERCIAD
complexity of the
issues underlying
the needs before we
respond.
The North Amer-
ican way tends to
focus on results.
However, relation-
ships are the key.
Indeed, people do
service for a variety File Photo
of reasons includ- Sr. Michele Schroeck
ing civic responsi-
bility and religious
conviction. For me, my faith calls me to follow
Jesus, in the Gospel. That is what motivates my
service. I want to be where Jesus is. And, I find him
most in the poor and suffering. Living and being
with Jesus, in those I serve, is as equally important
as worshipping God in church.
Where do you find Jesus?
It is great to clean up a park on a Saturday af-
ternoon. It is better to explore where the trash is
coming from and work to stop it before it gets
into the water. Service must lead to continuity and
systemic change.
I believe that it is critical to work for sustainability
in service.
Service has always been a part of my life.
After graduating from Mercyhurst College in
1988, I gave a year of service as a Mercy Volunteer
on the Acoma and Laguna Reservation. It changed
me so much that I decided to give a life of service
as a Sister of Mercy.
I am grateful for all the ways that service experi-
ences have influenced my values and beliefs and
hope that you will incorporate the value of service
into your life and work.
Sr. Michele Schroeck is the Director of Service Learning
at Mercyhurst College. She graduated from Mercyhurst in
1988 with a B.S. in Elementary Education and again in
1996 with a M.S. in Special Education. She is a Sister
of Mercy and has been affiliated with service learning at the
College for six years. What she enjoys most about Mercy-
hurst are the students and their interest in service.
College joined close to a thousand people from the
Erie community to rally in support of the troops
and against the war in Perry’s Square downtown.
The march proceeded to the National Guard
Armory where a temporary memorial was set up to
commemorate the soldiers, specifically those from
Pennsylvania, who have given their lives in service.
Various veterans from Vietnam and Iraq were at
the rally to give speeches and give support for the
crowds that had gathered.
On our own campus, Peace and Justice set-up
sticks in the lawn between Old Main and Zurn
Hall to dramatize the number of soldiers and
personnel killed or wounded in the last four years
of the Iraq war.
The sticks simply resemble the numbers of
Americans injured or killed; the numbers do not
nearly represent the estimated 600,000 Iraqi civil-
ians that have been killed in the conflict.
Realistically, this war is not likely to end within
this next 670 days.
However, with evidence from Valerie Plame’s tes-
timony and the conviction of former chief of staff
to Dick Cheney, Scooter Libby, it is now obvious
that the invasion of Iraq was based on false claims
and Americans were misled, to say the least.
It will be interesting to see what other secrets
are revealed when documents become declassified,
memoirs are written and leaks are revealed in the
post George W. Bush era.
I have a feeling there will be plenty to be shared
with the American public that we have not been
told thus far.
Unfortunately, we shall have to wait and see.
MCT
March 22, 2007
To contact: opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
OPINION
The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
By Editorial Staff
The Good
The Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute played a vital role in the making of the documentary
“Prehistoric Americans” for the National Geographic Channel’s program, “Naked Science” which
aired this past weekend.
The Bad
With the melting of snow comes flooding, and we all know how efficient the draining system is
here on campus. Currently, there is flooding in front of Warde Townhouses; however, with more
warm weather on the way, the problem is likely to spread and worsen.
The Ugly
Quiznos on 38th Street is temporarily not participating in the One Card program because,
we are told by workers there, Mercyhurst has only paid a portion of its bill over the past three
months. Yikes!
SportsCenter for women: Leap of faith
Congratulations seniors, we made it. We now tioned “itch,” other seniors are trying to figure out
rule the school, we’re finally on top. what to do with a new relationship. The Senior Itch
After surviving 11 arduous terms, we’re finally on is fairly well-known among the co-eds in America,
the home stretch. After gaining a few pounds our but not enough thought is put into the opposite
freshman year, we finally realized we should stop situation: What if you meet someone now?
eating at the cafeteria. After many optimistic first In our last term at Mercyhurst, it would only
days, we final- figure to meet a really great person. But how are we
ly gave in and supposed to know when to draw the line on a new
admitted to relationship? How attached is too attached? Then
ourselves that Jessica we ask ourselves: How could it have taken me four
we really had Lamb years to find him? How could I have not met him
no intentions before? But most of all, we think, “Now what?”
of reading Are we supposed to just shut off our feelings
for class over and pretend he doesn’t exist in order to decrease
the next 10 Contributing writer our chances of becoming too attached? Or are we
weeks. And supposed to live in the moment, not think about the
after growing future, and just see what happens after graduation?
and maturing over the last four years, we finally Let me tell you, one of those options is a recipe
have a right to call ourselves adults. for disaster. Saying goodbye to someone you care
A desire for independence is likely to come with about is never an easy thing.
seniors’ newfound sense of purpose and confi- “Better to have loved and lost than never loved at
dence. After all, circumstances surrounding the all” is not always the best policy. Neither is honesty.
very life of a senior call for more self-reliance: mov- Sometimes we have to lie to ourselves to protect
ing to a new city after graduation, starting a new our hearts. Sometimes we have to tell ourselves to
job, and being financially independent – essentially, shut off the emotions and not get involved.
starting life in the “real world” – can prove to be a
very liberating experience for some.
Unfortunately, however, this isn’t a perfect world.
We can try our best to build nice (but protective)
As fate would have it, the new mature and inde- picket fences around our hearts, but someone can
pendent spirit also creeps its way into our relation- still get in. But maybe, in this case, failure is actu-
ships. More and more we’re hearing stories about ally a good thing. After all, if we tried so hard to
how a couple broke up because one person needed protect ourselves from vulnerability and, at some
to “find themselves” or “date other people” in point, someone still convinced us to let our guard
order to find out if the other was really “the one.” down, doesn’t that mean he’s something special?
As an underclassman, I used to think these were all Our very being makes it virtually impossible for
just generic excuses people used to get out of a bad us to ward off potential feelings for someone. May-
relationship. Now I realize that these are serious be we should stop trying to defy human nature and
concerns. How do I really know if he’s “the one” give in to temptation. Over the next eight weeks,
if he’s been my only one? perhaps we should enjoy one another’s company,
This feeling – the Senior Itch – is not b.s., nor is it have fun and just see what happens.
a personal problem (as its name might imply). It’s a While I was never fond of uncertainty, I’m be-
serious situation that affects a significant number of
ginning to realize that life’s too short to become
college students (although, of course, not all); the preoccupied with every single detail. If we get
Senior Itch exists as a real and impending concern. hurt in the end, so be it. If we say goodbye, fine.
We want to be free: free from parental control, free If not, even better.
from paper deadlines and, for some of us, free from But overall, we should look back on this last
the constraints of a relationship. term and remember one single thing: that we have
But while some of us are feeling the effects of no regrets.
a broken relationship as a result of the aforemen-
Letter to the editor:
Allison Moore:
My husband and I picked up a copy the paper after a recent concert at Walker. Your opinion piece
on Anna Nicole and the American Media really was great---I could not understand any of the pub-
licity over this “event” and think that you are smarter than most of the media. Keep up the good
work; I am sending your column to my granddaughter in Iowa who wants to be a journalist.
Betsy Guelcher, Class of 1958
The
Joshua Wilwohl
MERCIAD Editor-in-Chief editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Jessica Kocent News Editor newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Chelsea Boothe Campus Life Editor featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Allison Moore Opinion Editor opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Ryan Palm & Matt Jackson Sports Editors sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Melissa Brandt A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Andrew Finkel Photographer photomerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Katie Diley Production Editor prodmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Melissa Brandt Advertising Manager admerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Noelle Lelakus Copy Editor copymerciad@mercyhurst.edu
The Merciad is the student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. It is
published throughout the school year, with the exception of midterms week
and finals week. Our office is in the Old Main, Room 314. Our telephone
number is 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 the
Thursday before publication and may not be longer than 300 words. Submit
letters to box PH 485.
PAGE 7
ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT
Comedic Karamazovs fly into the PAC
Check out the juggling antics of the Brothers Karamazov March 23 at the MDPAC.
Cummings Gallery showcases senior art
Andy Lapiska’s ‘Salon Danielle’ featured in the gallery.
Bethany Krowsoski’s red female featured in the gallery.
Megan Sauer’s postcard for Miss. featured in the gallery.
Liz Lindsay’s ‘The Strings’ featured in the gallery.
Dixie Chicks ‘Shut Up and Sing’
By Megan O’Hare
Contributing writer
“Shut Up and Sing” is a perfect
example of how freedom of
speech may not exactly be free.
The results of one comment can
have severe consequences and
can alter a person’s life.
How many people at the top of
their career would speak out for
their personal beliefs? It would
be so much easier to simply con-
form to the views of the peers
around us.
In 2003, The Dixie Chicks,
comprised of Martie Maguire,
Natalie Maines and Emily Robi-
son, were the best female group
at this time and their record sales
proved this.
The Dixie Chicks began in
1989 with a different lead singer
than Natalie Maines. To the
women, singing and performing
is more of a way of life rather
then a job. It is something they
are extremely passionate about
Film Preview
and truly enjoy.
Their career would take an
interesting turn, however, when
they performed in London in
2003.
At this time, the United States
was about to enter war in Iraq
because they were believed to
have weapons of mass destruc-
tion that not only posed a threat
to America, but to the whole
world.
At the performance in London,
Natalie Maines expressed her
view on the war to the packed
audience. She said, “Just so you
know, we’re on the good side
with y’all. We do not want this
war, this violence. And we’re
ashamed that the president of the
United States is from Texas.”
The day after the comment
was made, stories were printed
in newspapers all over the United
States and radio stations received
numerous phone calls asking
THE MERCIAD
To contact: entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Photo Coutesy of the PAC
By Melissa Brandt
A & E Editor
Photography, sculpture, digital
imagery, ink drawings, watercol-
ors and more fill the Cummings
Art Gallery this March, thanks
to the talents of seven senior
artists.
After completing the art thesis
seminar, in which the seniors
studied contemporary artists
and how they work, the students
choose faculty mentors and proj-
ects designed to showcase their
personal interests and talents.
The result is the Senior Art
Exhibit which will be on display
until April 14.
Featured to the above left, An-
drew Lapiska’s works were shot
over a period of four months
and were narrowed down from
literally hundreds of frames shot
over that interval varying in loca-
tion from Las Vegas, to the South
Side of Pittsburgh, Zelienople,
and Erie.
His piece “Salon Danielle,”
(shown to the left) demonstrates
the main focus of his art.
“I chose to photograph neon
signs following a recent trip
to Las Vegas where, propelled
by the mighty glow of a neon
landscape, daylight perseveres 24
hours each day. Although outside
of Vegas, this light exists on a
much smaller scale, it still defines
how we view the world after the
sun has set. These lights cast hues
across our cityscapes and affect
the persona of any specific street
corner.
“By reducing these hues to
their sources, it is possible to see
the fundamental shapes, forms,
and structures from which they
are created,” said Lapiska.
He adds that “photography al-
lows the viewer to look at things
from the perspective of another
and perhaps turn something
everyday and ordinary into some-
thing that will hereafter be a glar-
ing landmark in the landscape.”
Lapiska is one of four students
to experiment with some type of
photography. Gina Christoffer-
DJ’s to stop playing The Dixie
Chicks’ music.
Some Americans felt Natalie’s
comment was disrespectful and a
“slap in the face.” Since country
radio is primarily conservative,
they stopped playing The Dixie
Chicks’ song entirely; DJ’s felt
it would be financial suicide to
continue to play them.
The weeks following the infa-
mous statement were disastrous
for The Dixie Chicks’ career
as their hit single, “Traveling
Soldier,” fell 42% from the top
of the charts compared with the
previous week.
Formerly on the top of the
charts, their album dropped to
number 56 on the Billboard Top
200. President Bush gave his
opinion on the comment made
about him saying that The Dixie
Chicks do have the freedom to
say what they want, but shouldn’t
be surprised when people do not
want to buy their albums.
It was evident that a portion of
Americans did not take Maines’
By Mason Lorek
Contributing writer
In 1972, Howard Patterson
contracted mononucleosis at
the end of his first quarter at
the University of California at
Santa Cruz.
He spent winter break at his
parents’ house in LA eating,
sleeping and juggling. He re-
turned the next quarter with a
small vocabulary of tricks, which
encouraged his friend, Paul
Magid, to start working up his
juggling skills as well.
The two became quickly ob-
sessed with their new skills,
spending their spring break
hitchhiking to Michigan, using
son also works in this media.
“I knew I wanted to do pho-
tography because it is something
I like to do. I am constantly
looking around and saying to
myself ‘That would make a great
picture,’” said Christofferson.
Christofferson’s pieces boast
some very unusual subject mat-
ter.
“All of the objects in my pho-
tos are what most people would
consider ugly. Most were taken
on trash day, in fact. The objects
don’t necessarily have meaning to
me, but the idea of my project
makes them more important
to me. The color and compo-
sition…turn the objects into
some(thing) more beautiful, not
trash,” said Christofferson.
Also utilizing a photographic
medium with a twist, Art Edu-
cation major Elizabeth Lindsay
printed black and white photo-
graphs directly onto ceramic slab
sculptures.
“The project is based on ‘Pho-
to-associations,” she said. “Each
piece is associated with a number.
The numeric unifying theme
associates with the amount of
slabs and the nature of the pho-
tographic material in each art
work,” said Lindsay.
Digital imagery, which incorpo-
rates the skill of photo manipula-
tion into the realm of electronic
media, is the medium explored
by Meghan Sauer.
Sauer’s works, based on vintage
travel postcards, use reality-based
images that are not necessarily
positive. The result is political
commentary about societal prob-
lems like corruption and gang vi-
olence that she feels are brushed
over by those in power.
“It has just been recently that
politics has become important to
me. I have grown up in a politi-
cally split household (one parent
Republican, one Democrat), so
needless to say, politics were
never discussed. In fact, I didn’t
even know what party Bush was
until four years ago. I was apa-
thetic most of my life, but in the
past two to three years I’ve really
paid attention and made firm
comment lightly and would do
anything for retribution.
In 2005, The Dixie Chicks
began to record a new album in
which Maines wrote a song about
the whole ordeal. During this
time, the group struggled to re-
define their image and find a way
to have a top-selling album.
The women realized that they
would have to find another way
to promote their album instead
of country radio.
In 2006 The Dixie Chicks went
on various talk shows and their
appearances paid off, as The
Dixie Chicks album appeared #1
on the Billboard Top 200 and the
country charts.
After President Bush addressed
the nation explaining that the war
may have been a mistake, The
Dixie Chicks received immense
support and their concert sold
out in London in 2006.
“Shut Up and Sing” will be
shown on Wednesday, March 28,
at 2 and 8 p.m. at the PAC.
their juggling to attract rides (it
worked).
Adding friends Mark Ettinger
and Roderick Kimball to the act,
they became known as the Fly-
ing Karamazov Brothers, getting
their name from Dostoevsky’s
The Brothers Karamazov whose
character’s traits, Howard be-
lieved, were similar to their
own.
The Flying K’s have shared
the stage with such people as
Frank Sinatra, The Grateful
Dead, Dolly Parton, The Who,
Robin Williams and with Peter
Schickele (P.D.Q. Bach) at Carn-
egie Hall.
They have also performed with
numerous symphony orchestras
around the country, including
stances. I wanted this piece to
express the suppressed political
side of me,” said Sauer.
Other students explored some-
what traditional medium in any-
thing but traditional ways.
Bethany Krowosoki, for ex-
ample, chose ink and watercolor
to showcase her intriguing figure
drawings.
“I’ve always been better at
drawing than anything else and
I don’t think that any type of
paint has the same honesty as
watercolor does and I feel that
these pieces needed the purity
of hue and honesty that you can
only get using watercolor paints,”
she said.
Krowosoki even used herself
as a model for the work.
“In some of the paintings the
figures are actually self portraits
and even autobiographical in
nature. I tried to use myself to
elicit a visceral response in the
viewer as well as show strong
design, especially in the negative
spaces that are filled with the
color auras,” said Krowosoki.
In a similar medium, Art Edu-
cation major J.J. Zanetta’s project
includes architectural renderings
of studies of potential future
development in Erie.
Finally, examining women in
popular culture, Elizabeth Pola-
kowski’s art showcases regular,
everyday women’s personal items
glamorized with rhinestones.
Polakowski glued the rhine-
stones individually by hand to
such items as a detergent bottle
(pictured to the left), dental floss
and deodorant.
“I wanted to take these private
March 22, 2007
The National Symphony, The
Boston Pops, The Cleveland
Orchestra and, in 2003, with
The Cincinnati Pops at Carnegie
Hall.
“Life, A Guide for the Per-
plexed,” the Flying Karamazovs’
newest and perhaps most ambi-
tious show ever, is a spectacle
of hilarity and silliness that is
bound to tickle your eyes as well
as your sides.
The Flying Karamazov Broth-
ers will perform at the PAC on
Friday, March 23 at 8 p.m. Tick-
ets are $12.50 for Mercyhurst
College students with ID (one
ticket per ID).
items and bring attention to them
in a glamorized way. My intention
was to make the everyday woman
feel important and noticed in
society,” said Polakowski.
Most of the seniors agree that
the show is not merely the ac-
complishment of one term, but
illustrates skills that took four
years to perfect.
“This is definitely the work
of four years accomplishment.
There is no way that I would have
been able to learn everything I
needed to know in order to do
this project in only a year or a
trimester,” said Krowsoski.
Lapiska agrees.
“Although it can be said that
anyone can pick up a camera and
take a photograph, I have used
the information gained in classes
in photography, art history, and
graphic design to push my pho-
tographic work further than the
standard snapshot,” he said.
The artists will be honored at a
reception on Saturday, March 24,
from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free
and open to the public.
Gallery hours are 2 to 5 p.m.
Tuesday through Sunday and 7
to 9 p.m. on Thursday.
Johnson & Johnson
Properties
Houses
for
Rent
Details:
860-8817
 S AKER Page 8 March 22, 2007

PORTS
Laker Sports ‘Quick Hits’ M e n ’s v o l l e y b a l l
coach, Ryan Patton,
talks to his play-
ers during a game
This weeks results... against Medaille
Tuesday at the Mer-
cyhurst Athletic
Men’s volleyball....................................Mar. 17, St. Francis (PA) 3-0 Center. The Lak-
Women’s water polo....................................Mar. 16, L 7-4, Gannon ers reversed a loss
Mar. 17, L 10-6, Cal Luthern against Medaille ear-
Mar. 17, W 8-4, Grove City lier this season with
Baseball.............................Mar. 17, cancelled, Davis & Elkins (DH) a come-from-behind
Mar. 18, cancelled, Grand Valley State (DH) 3-2 win.
Softball.......................................Mar. 17, cancelled, Seton Hill (DH)
Mar. 18, cancelled, Wheeling Jesuit (DH)
Men’s lacrosse...............................Mar. 17, postponed, Dominican
Women’s lacrosse....................Mar. 19, postponed, Slippery Rock
Men’s tennis............................................Mar. 18, L 8-1, Northwood
Men’s golf..............................Mar. 17-18, 8 of 9, N. Kentucky Invtl.

Andy Finkel/Photo editor

In the news...

Mother Nature wreaking havoc

Men’s volleyball shows promise
In a weekend full of scheduled athletic events, Mother Nature
decided that those athletes deserved a break and sent a strong
with recent win over Medaille
weather front that resulted in cancellation of many Laker
By Matt Jackson
athletic events.
Sports Co-editor
The baseball, softball, men’s lacrosse and women’s lacrosse all
had their games cancelled, and as a result, this week’s sports It’s been a rough year for the
section is reduced to just one page. Hopefully, the weather Mercyhurst men’s volleyball team
will be kinder this week, and we can go back to our regular but the team isn’t ready to give
coverage next week. up yet.
The Lakers, who dress only one
senior and no juniors, opened
the season with 11 straight losses
Men’s golf finishes eighth before getting their first win at
Central State on Feb. 22.
In their first match of the spring season, the men’s golf
The inexperienced squad then
team finished eighth of nine teams in the Northern Kentucky
lost another six straight matches,
Invitational this weekend.
five of which were lost in straight
games.
The University of Cincinnati won the event with a score of
“Coach (Ryan) Patton just
653 and Mercyhurst finished with 606. Leading scorer for
Mercyhurst was Tyler Bidwell with a final score of eight-over
148.
Water polo finishes 1-2 in tournament
Agosta named All American By Andy Tait
Contributing writer
In the latest of many postseason awards, women’s hockey
freshman forward Meghan Agosta was named First Team All The Mercyhurst women’s water
American by the American Hockey Coaches Association (ACHA) polo team was faced with the
last week. Earlier this month she was named to the USCHO. prospect of returning home
com First Team, and was named the CHA Rookie and Player of from Ann Harbor, Mich. without
the Year as well. a single win from the three-game
road trip.
She is the lone freshman on either First Team squads, and was However, a superb individual
named Rookie of the Year by both the ACHA and the USCHO. performance from junior Car-
com voters as well. She led the team and the conference in rie Willison helped the Lakers
scoring, scoring 74 points on the season, a new Mercyhurst pick up a vital 8-4 victory over
record. Grove City.
Willison had four goals, an as-
sist and five drawn ejections. “I
Lorsell, Soikkanen make national teams was thrilled with the performance
of our game against Grove City
This week two players from the women’s hockey team were for me personally, and also for
named to their respective national teams. Freshman forward the team,” said Willison.
Angelica Lorsell was named to Sweden’s team for the Women’s Despite the team’s emphatic win
World Hockey Championships set for early April. She played in and Willison’s superb individual
every game for Mercyhurst, scoring seven goals and adding 12 performance, no one seems to be
assists for 19 points on the season. getting carried away.
“It is important to take it one
Soikkanen was named to Finland’s team for the same game at a time and try to per-
tournament, which is held in Winnipeg, Canada. She is a form at the best level we can
freshman defender that tallied one assist in 28 games on the each game,” said an encouraged
season. She also saw action at the 2007 European Air Canada
Cup.
keeps reminding us that we are a
young team and that if we keep
playing hard, good things will
happen,” said Dave Newman,
one of eight sophomores for
the Lakers.
The Lakers proved they weren’t
ready to throw in the towel
Tuesday in a 3-2 comeback win
over Medaille at the Mercyhurst
Athletic Center.
Mercyhurst (2-17) fell behind
two games to none before win-
ning the nest three games by
scores of 30-19, 30-27 and
15-11.
“It felt pretty good to get that
win.” Newman said. “It was
Willison.
Christine Somera added a
helping hand to Willison as she
registered the 100th goal of her
career, along with two assists,
seven steals and two drawn ejec-
tions.
Willison’s 100th career goal
made her only the third player in
school history to achieve such an
incredible feat.
“She is an outstanding player
and teammate. Her hard work
and dedication in practice over
the past three years has led up
to this moment in her career,”
said Willison.
The Lakers bounced back su-
perbly following earlier defeats
to Gannon and Cal Lutheran
by recording a season high 29
steals.
The win improved the Lakers
record to 5-7 on the season so
far.
On Friday, Mercyhurst went
head-to-head with cross-town
rivals Gannon in the first game
for both teams at the Wolverine
about time we won a close match.
We have had a lot of them this
season and finally got one.”
Newman played a large role
in the victory for the Lakers,
contributing 13 kills, eight block
assists and an ace.
But it was Tim Wagner who
was the star of the show with
16 kills, seven block assists and
two aces.
Sophomore Marcus Dos San-
tos had 15 kills for the Lakers.
Jeff Hartman and Jordan Pier-
son had 11 digs each.
The Lakers will try to carry
their momentum into Saturday’s
home match against Loyola
Invitational.
The Golden Knights proved to
be too strong for the Lakers, as
they quickly established control
of the contest with a 4-0 first
quarter lead.
The Lakers battled back to
make it 6-4 by the end of the
third period and they appeared
to have all the momentum going
into the final quarter.
However, this momentum was
to be short lived when the Gold-
en Knights killed any hopes the
Lakers had by notching a seventh
goal to conclude matters.
Somera chipped with two of
the Lakers’ goals and Chrissy
Genian and Willison added a goal
apiece in the defeat.
On Saturday, the Lakers began
the day’s play with a tough loss
to Cal Lutheran by a score of
10-6.
Jena Jefferds and Somera added
a pair of goals each, while Rhon-
da Marable and Willison added a
goal each but it wasn’t enough as
Cal Lutheran ran rampant at the
Chicago.
Loyola took the first match
from the Lakers 3-0, but New-
man is confident the Lakers
will be a better team this time
around.
Newman believes the win over
Medaille was just what his team
needed to turn their season
around.
“We have had a pretty slow
season and we were waiting for
something to happen,” New-
man said. “Now that it did, it
relieved a lot of stress from the
players and we will be able to
play better.”
other end.
The Lakers only trailed by one
goal after the first quarter but by
halftime Cal Lutheran was firmly
in command as they led 6-3.
They added an additional four
goals in the final two quarters
to ensure the Lakers finished
second best.
Despite the two opening losses
the Lakers displayed signs of
improvement and reasons for op-
timism and the team’s convincing
win over Grove City added fur-
ther weight to these claims.
The Lakers are out for revenge
on Wednesday when they will
make the short trip across town
to Gannon University for a cru-
cial conference match up that
will hopefully see Mercyhurst
settle the score following the 7-
4 reverse they suffered this past
weekend. The game is scheduled
for 7.30 p.m.
Mercyhurst then entertains
Indiana at 9 a.m. on Saturday be-
fore dashing off to play Slippery
Rock at 4 p.m. the same day.

Athletes of the Week

Sanctioned Gluttony: The American Way
By Kyle Linehan
The Mercyhurst Athletic Department named Mariano Fava and
Lee Michael Marnik the Male Athletes of the Week along with
Contributing writer
Rhonda Marable as the Female Athlete of the Week.
The other day I was flipping
Fava and Marnik pulled a huge upset this weekend when they through the channels, obviously
beat the No. 4-ranked doubles team from Northwood University. bored with nothing else to do,
The pair defeated Teddy Mebounou and Marius Broek 9-7 to win and I came across a program on
their ninth consecutive match at first doubles. ESPN 2.
It grabbed my attention imme-
Marable is a junior on the women’s water polo team, and had diately. There was excitement in
a huge game against Grove City in this weekend’s Wolverine the air and cheers of hundreds
Invitational. She tallied three assists and notched 10 steals in of people filled my ears.
the 8-4 win. I know everyone is sitting on
the edges of their seats, waiting
Sisti featured in national magazine with bated breath, yelling at the
newspaper, wondering what this
Fresh off being named the USCHO.com Coach of the Year, program was.
Michael Sisti is gaining more national attention, this time in the I know this might be a bit anti-
March 2007 issue of Stack Magazine. climactic, but I was watching the
Krystal Square Off: World Ham-
The women’s hockey coach is featured giving advice on burger Eating Championship.
maintaining puck possession, something his team did well this I know there are some of you
out there who are extremely
year in recording the best season in program history.
disappointed in me for watching
competitive eating and now that
Quick hits are compiled by sports editor Ryan Palm. Any- I think about it, I’m disappointed
thing worthy of being a “quick hit” should be emailed to in myself for actually taking the
sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu. time to watch this spectacle.
COMMENTARY
But seriously, people who have
ever seen one of these events
know that they are a sight to
behold.
There are five to 10 people on
a stage in front of a crowd of
hundreds, eating themselves into
oblivion.
Kobayashi, the Michael Jor-
dan of competitive eating, won
the event. This guy ended up
housing 97 hamburgers in eight
minutes. For everyone out there
thinking that they could do that;
you can’t, I promise you.
I do give these people a ton of
credit. That is a lot of eating in
a short amount of time.
Just to give everyone a compar-
ison, I went to the Jade Garden
lunch buffet the other day, pol-
ished off two and a half plates,
and I was out of commission for
the rest of the day.
As enthralled as I was with this
spectacle, the commentator- who
must be about as intelligent as a
box of rocks and should be fired
faster than Terrell Owens’ publi-
cist- called the competitive eaters
on stage, “Possibly the best ath-
letes in the world.” WHAT?!
Let’s let that statement sink in
for a little while. (Pause for ef-
fect.) He said “best athletes in
the world.”
Did I miss something? Did
we all get magically beamed into
a world where Ladainian Tom-
linson, Kobe Bryant and Albert
Pujols don’t exist? Who gave this
clown a job?
I’m not saying competitive eat-
ers aren’t great at what they do.
Destroying a truckload of ham-
burgers is quite impressive, but
saying they are the best athletes
in the world is like saying that I
am the most attractive man in the
world or that Elmer Fudd is the
world’s best hunter.
Imagine tuning in the open-
ing ceremonies of the Olympic
games and seeing each country’s
competitive eaters walk in instead
of only the “mediocre” athletes
that track and field, basketball
and soccer have to offer.
What I’m saying is that maybe
this commentator should have
thought a bit before making such
a profound statement.
I’m all for the occasional ex-
aggeration, but even I have my
limits.
Professional eaters are defi-
nitely incredible people with iron
stomachs.
I would even label them as ath-
letes with all of the training that
goes into what they do.
I would love it if I could make
a living stuffing myself silly. But
labeling them as the best athletes
in the world?
That’s a bit too much for me
and if this commentator actually
thinks that is true, I want him
to write my eulogy when I’m
dead because according to him,
I might be the greatest man who
ever lived.