Merciad

The paid
advertisement
inserted in this
issue does not
necessarily
represent the
views of the staff
of The Merciad
Vol.82, No.14/1.21.09/Free or Mercyhurst
College.
IRELAND
Send
questions and
comments to
editormerciad
@mercyhurst.edu.
Dungarvan

From Erie to Eire,

Mercyhurst Saving goals
to help kids

branches out
Senior lacrosse goalie
Jason Lashomb
convinced businesses to
donate money to the local
Make-A-Wish for every save
College plans branch campus in Ireland he makes this season.
Read more on Page 4 Read more on Pages 16 & 17
Page 2
Gamble doesn’t gamble with college’s endowment
College confident after downturn in economy
By Casey Greene
Editor-in-chief
With this year’s downturn in the
economy, Mercyhurst College is doing its
best to help students keep the financial
worries at bay.
“We strongly believe students should
be able to continue their education based
on their ability, not on their ability to
pay,” Mercyhurst College President Dr.
Thomas Gamble said. “It’s a commitment
to make this possible.”
Around 150 students did not return
to Mercyhurst this fall, a slightly larger
number than normal, Gamble said.
“We had to make several adjustments
in this year’s budget because more
students were unable to return due to
financial reasons,” he said.
However, winter enrollment was
strong.
He said he believes the economy
affected the “affordability or perceived
’Hurst students donate blood to save lives in Erie
NEWS
affordability of Mercyhurst.”
“One of the things we are trying to do
is to put the word out about the many
sources of financial aid the school is
trying to make available.” Gamble said.
The Board of Directors passed a
request to set aside a $750,000 reserve
fund to help students in financial need.
This request came at the heels of
the decrease in the endowment fund
do to the economy. The endowment
fund, comparable to a trust fund for the
college, is comprised of donations and
contributions made to Mercyhurst.
“A certain portion of the endowment
fund is distributed to the operating
budget for additional financial aid and
scholarship for students,” Gamble said.
“When the endowment goes down, like
it has after the recent downturn in the
economy, there is an impact on how
much can be distributed.”
Vice President of Advancement Dr.
David Livingston said the effects of the
economy have not had drastic results on
the fund.
“In terms of our overall budget, the
endowment spending represents about
one percent of our overall budget...,” he
said. “The economic downturn hurts us
less than schools with large endowments
like Harvard and Yale who are impacted
much more.”
Gamble also said the school is “more
than able to make up for the loss” by
relying on other sources of financial
aid money such as the $750,000 reserve
fund and the institutional budget, which
has a large portion dedicated to helping
students.
Still, Gamble and Livingston are
spending much of their weeks traveling
the country fundraising.
In addition to frequent trips to
Cleveland, Buffalo and Pittsburgh,
Gamble and Livingston travel to Chicago,
D.C., Florida, California, Texas and
Boston to meet with past and perspective
donors and alums.
“We remind them about the
January 21, 2009
Mercyhurst story and about the benefits
they’ve gained from their education at
Mercyhurst,” Gamble said. “We ask
them to give back and help out especially
in these difficult times.”
Gamble and Livingston agree
fundraising has gone well. Mercyhurst
raised $2.9 million this fiscal year,
compared to just more than $1 million
at the same time last year. Last year they
raised just more than $2.4 million total.
“Dr. Livingston and I are on track
to have the best fundraising year at
Mercyhurst,” Gamble said.
In addition to meeting with perspective
donors, Livingston said the school has
increased its phone-a-thon efforts and
has applied for more grants.
“We were and still are concerned
about the effects of the economy on
our students’ and their parents’ ability
to pay,” Gamble said. “We are focused
on this issue and are doing our best to
make sure students are here due to their
abilities not their abilities to pay.”
Dr. Gerard
Tobin and
members of
the Mercy-
hurst College
community
donated blood
on Thursday,
Jan. 15, in the
Herrmann
Student Union.
Tyler Stauffer photos
January 21, 2009 NEWS Page 3

Taste or Waist 2009 shows healthy way

By Alaina Rydzewski
Staff writer
Mercyhurst College’s 3rd
annual Taste or Waist 2009
took place in the Herrmann
Student Union on Wednesday,
Jan. 14, where over 130 people
attended.
Although there was not the
same rush there was last year,
Professor Tim Harvey, who
directed the event, said “the
flow was steadier.”
Students in Harvey’s nutrition
class were challenged to make
different dishes twice, substitut-
ing healthier ingredients in the
second variation.
Visitors were asked to
say which dish tasted better.
(The healthier choices for each
dish are listed in the box on the
page.)
Some of the dishes included
stir fry, sloppy joes, buffalo wing
dip, pepperoni bread, taco dip,
chili, apple pie, Philadelphia
chocolate swirl cheese cake and
red velvet cake.
Participants enjoyed the tast-
ing with “half being completely
consumed,” Harvey said.
Senior Craig van Tassel said
the benefits to participating in
Taste or Waist are “A healthier
lifestyle; health and wellness to
the community, one step at a
time.”
Van Tassel and his partner
senior Haley Brochu prepared
chili.
Junior Maria Sanita said she
learned “how to make healthy
meals healthier,” along with her
partner, junior Sara Pati, who
made stir fry.
Junior Meghan Dwyer, who
prepared cheese cake for the
event, said, “Some desserts will
never be really healthy, even if
there is a lot less fat, there are
still a lot of bad things [in the
recipes].”
Taste or Waist raised $125 for
the Mercy Center for Women
and received enough canned
goods to fill a large box of
donations, according to Betsy
Frank in Human Resources.
“They all commented on
how great everything tasted and
everyone loved the variety of
the dishes,” Frank said.
Almost 50 percent of the
tasters said the healthier dish
tasted better.
Harvey said that just shows
“That you can substitute health-
ier ingredients and many times
not change the taste, texture, Alaina Rydzewski photo
smell, or visual appeal.” Seniors Haley Brochu and Craig van Tassel cooked chili
To learn about future Taste together for this year’s Taste or Waist event.
or Waists or other healthy
events, contact Betsy Frank in
Human Resources, extension
2279 or Harvey, extension 3372.

Taste or Waist January 2009 Results:

Veggie Pizza
A – (Healthy) 55%
B – (Unhealthy) 45%
Taco Dip
A – (Unhealthy) 63%
B – (Healthy) 37%
Chili
A – (Healthy) 64%
B – (Unhealthy) 36%
Parsnip Soup
A – (Unhealthy) 61%
B – (Healthy)39%
Apple Pie
A – (Unhealthy) 35%
B – (Healthy)65%
Buffalo Wing Dip
A – (Unhealthy) 57%
B – (Healthy) 43%
Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake
A – (Unhealthy)61%
B – (Healthy)39% Corn Chowder
A – (Unhealthy) 80%
Pepperoni Bread
B – (Healthy) 20%
A – (Healthy) 50%
B – (Unhealthy) 50% Crock Pot Lasagna
A – (Unhealthy) 63%
Chicken Tortellini Soup
B – (Healthy)37%
A – (Unhealthy) 46%
B – (Healthy) 54% Stir Fry
A – (Unhealthy) 72%
Chicken Marsala B – (Healthy)28%
A – (Unhealthy) 37%
B – (Healthy) 63% Sloppy Joes
A – (Healthy) 62%
Pumpkin Roll
B – (Unhealthy)38%
A – (Unhealthy)58%
B – (Healthy)42% Rhubarb Cake
Red Velvet Cake A – (Unhealthy) 53%
A – (Unhealthy) 41% B – (Healthy)47%
B – (Healthy) 59%
Alaina Rydzewski photos

Total: Healthy Choices 47% Unhealthy Choices 53% Various dishes prepared by students from Professor Tim
Harvey’s nutrition class for Taste or Waist 2009.
Page 4
Students and faculty help themselves to
breakfast at the Mercyhurst College Heritage Room
on Monday.
Mercyhurst
community
enjoys break
from classes
on MLK Day
By Alaina Rydzewski
Staff writer
For the first time in the
college’s history, students at
Mercyhurst College celebrated
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
with a break from classes.
Activities on and off campus
were planned for the whole day,
including the 6th Annual Martin
Luther King Jr. (MLK) Break-
fast, the 23rd Annual Memo-
rial March and the 4th Annual
MLK Reflection Reception.
Although many students
attended these events, there
were many other activities
students could choose to par-
ticipate in, including sleeping
in, relaxing, hanging out with
friends, working out at the gym,
volunteering or catching up on
homework, to name a few.
“[I] slept until noon then
studied for my senior seminar
presentation,” senior Andrea
Villela said.
Sophomore James Davis said
he “Started a new job at PJ’s
Car Audio installing remote
starts and stereos.”
Junior Jacquelynne Brown
had a busy schedule.
“I went to the gym, had a
meeting to plan Spring Fest and
Spring Formal, went to Star-
bucks, had a couple meetings
for MSG Events and then went
on a date,” Brown said.
Unlike Brown, there were
students who preferred to use
MLK Jr. Day as a breather.
NEWS
Scoot Williams photos
“I went to the doctor to
get a green cast on my arm
because of some bruised
MP joints,” freshman Adam
Hausmann said.
Junior Jacqueline Phillips,
“Volunteered because that’s
what Obama called on America
to do.”
Sophomores Michael Waid
and Gerald Anderson caught
up on their sleep, worked out
and volunteered at Gliding
Stars to help kids learn how to
ice skate.
No matter what students
chose to do with their break
from classes, it seems most
used it wisely to help some-
one—be it another person or
themselves, which is what King
and Obama suggested.
Mercyhurst
goes Irish
By JoEllen Marsh
Managing editor
Erie’s sister city Dungarvan,
Ireland, soon will be home to a
new Mercyhurst College campus.
According to Mercyhurst
College President Dr. Thomas
Gamble, the first Mercyhurst
students will arrive for classes in
spring 2010.
Gamble said the new campus is
part of the college’s strategic plan
to increase student’s international
exposure.
“Students are in Europe; they’re
in the European Union and they
can go anywhere there,” he said
Dr. David Livingston, vice
president of advancement, and
Dr. Heidi Hosey, director of
international education, returned
this week from a trip to Ireland
where they met with officials and
worked on details of the campus.
“Dungarvan is a beautiful
coastal town right on the ocean,”
Livingston said. “It has great res-
taurants, a cinema that plays six
movies, and beaches all within
walking distance.”
Before the college makes plans
to build in Ireland, Mercyhurst
professors will teach core classes
in Dungarvan’s new community
center.
The college will lease town-
houses from a local hotel to house
students.
The townhouses, each com-
plete with a kitchen, living room
and small backyard, will house
four to five students each.
The hotel will provide access
to a swimming pool and workout
facilities.
Freshman Stephen Donohoe,
whose hometown is approxi-
mately 60 miles from Dungarvan,
said he is excited for students to
experience the culture in Ireland.
“It’s a great opportunity for
American professors and stu-
January 21, 2009
dents to experience a different
culture, as many students I know
have never had the opportu-
nity to travel outside America or
Canada,” Donohoe said. “There’s
so much students and professors
alike could learn from spending
a term there. They would have to
get used to the fact of not finding
a Wendy’s or McDonalds on every
corner.”
Dungarvan is located approxi-
mately an hour away from Cork,
Ireland’s second largest city.
Donohoe said Cork, home to
University College Cork, is a stu-
dent hotspot, with great bars and
clubs as well as traditional Irish
tourist spots.
“There’s a good possibility
I’d study abroad if there was a
campus there as long as it wasn’t
too expensive. At this point, I’d
probably be more likely to go
through the Mercyhurst campus
because being on my own is really
scary right now. Being able to go
with my friends and take classes
with professors I know would
make it easier,” freshman Kelly
Wilson said.
Mercyhurst alumni John Melody
and John Deasy have played major
roles in bringing Mercyhurst to
Ireland. Melody now works in
the development office. Deasy is
a member of the Irish Parliament
and helped set up meetings and
pushed the Irish government to
assist the new campus financially,
according to Gamble.
Livingston said students will
only have to pay modest fees,
such as travel expenses, but these
costs have not been set.
“I studied in South America
for a term when I was an under-
graduate,” Livingston said. “It
had a huge impact on my life. I
completely believe in students
spending time in other countries
and other cultures... The campus
in Ireland is a way to do it inex-
pensively.”
January 21, 2009 NEWS
Senior Gift Committee
members and representatives
No more FYI
for Class of ’13
By Kelly Luoma
Staff writer
The new dorm won’t be the only
change for the incoming freshmen
in the fall of 2009.
A new program will replace
Freshman Year Initiative (FYI) at
Mercyhurst College.
The FYI class underwent
changes, because the college is
“looking for a better way to engage
Adviser: Cathy Anderson the students,” Vice President of
Student Life Dr. Gerard Tobin
Steering Committee said. While many changes are
being made, some of the events
Chair: Hilary Hancock from this year’s FYI will remain
the same. There will continue to
Amber Carruba, Zach Pekor, Vicky Fleisner, Casey be a service project for the fresh-
Greene, Dan Piechocki, Jenna Golden, Kristin Tedesco men to participate in during move-
in weekend.
The introduction to the school’s
School Chairs and Fund Raisers mission, history and student
activities continues to be a part
Behavioral Scienc- Business and of the students’ first weekend on
Communication: campus.
es and Education:
Natural Science: Instead of having events only
Lauren Weisser Becky Hohman on the weekend, there will be
Allyson LaCovey activities throughout the first week.
Katie Wootton Haylie Starin
Julissa Armstrong Next year’s freshmen will move in
Heather Schwager on Saturday, Aug. 29.
John McCellan The events for the freshmen
Social Science: Jackie McLean begin that evening and go through
Liz Gutoskey Arts and the following Friday. This will be
Kaitlyn Hoover Humanities: known as Welcome Week.
Stephanie Wilkens Welcome Week includes resi-
Ryan McCartney Elise Zigrossi dence hall meetings that integrate
student activities and allows them
to be introduced in smaller groups,
Seniors interested in donating or getting involved should contact
Tobin said.
any of the students above. The meetings are meant to
“better engage students in life out-
side of classes,” Tobin said.
Friday, Jan. 30 The new freshman dorm, which
Fiesta
houses a little more than half of
at 12:15p.m. Bring cash or your the incoming students, will be a
Campus cash of Laker good place for the residence hall
$5 for two tacos, rice, meetings, because it has many
Friday drink, chips and salsa
from El Canelo
Loot!
common places to meet, Tobin
said. The biggest change will be
the actual class that is replacing the
FYI class.
Page 5
Freshmen will register for one
out of the four seminar classes
available. This will be a four-credit
class and lasts the duration of the
trimester.
The seminar classes fulfills a
core requirement and includes
normal class work including exams
and papers, as well as a requirement
for the students to be involved in a
film series and the reading and dis-
cussion of an assigned book.
The proposed classes are
Citizenship and Social Change;
Enduring Questions; Introduction
to Sustainability Studies; and The
Sacred and the Beautiful.
The class meets three times a
week. Two times a week the class
will meet in sections that consist
of 75 to 90 students; once a week
the class convenes in a smaller
group of students.
Each seminar class will be team
taught by three faculty members.
One professor will teach at a
time, but all three will be present
during the class period.
The faculty is made up of pro-
fessors from different departments
that teach core subjects.
The goal for the seminar classes
is “to get some of our best faculty
to engage students in what they
know best,” Vice President for
Academic Affairs Dr. Phillip Bel-
fiore said.
The class will “expose students
early to some really interesting
learning experiences and some
really good teachers,” Tobin said.
The new seminar class will
“engage students in life inside of
class,” which is “critical to student
success,” Tobin said. “The more
quickly you become connected, the
more apt you are to be happy.”
There will be a meeting at the
end of this week with all faculty
members who will tentatively teach
a seminar class to finalize the sub-
jects and professors for the fresh-
man seminar classes next fall.
Page 6
’Hurst renowned for archaeology Want to tell someone you
By Alaina Rydzewski
Staff writer
Mercyhurst College’s
Archaeology and Anthropology
Department is often referred to
as the best in North America.
This is because of “the hands
on experience [the program]
offers…it has labs where students
can examine fossils, hands on
experiences out in the field
and exposure to internationally
known professors,” Professor
Jeff Illingworth said.
The groundwork for the
program started in 1990.
Archaeology officially became
a major in 1991 and has been
steadily increasing in popularity
since.
It is a major that is “consistent
Lunch $ 5
Dinner $ 5.50
M Southwest Burger
T Breakfast Sandwich
W Sizzle Salad
TH Taco Salad
F Goulash
S Laker Burger
S Potato Bowl
M Chicken Parm w/ Pasta
T Philly Wrap
W Gen Tso’s Chix or Tofu
TH Pierogies
F Buffalo Popcorn Chicken
S Chicken Bacon Swiss
nationwide…at Mercyhurst not
the most popular but it’s up there,
with 30 to 40 students in each
class,” Illingworth said.
Mercyhurst has superior
equipment and methodologies
students cannot be exposed to
anywhere else. Archaeology is a
combination of several different
fields of study, as some students
have already found out.
“I really like history and science,
so archaeology seemed like the
best choice,” senior Randy Tucker
said.
In order to major in archaeology
it is beneficial to enjoy history, and
although not required, it makes
classes more interesting.
“I’ve always been interested in
the past and relations to people
in the past…it’s also appealing
to work outside and not in a
Lunch $ 5
Dinner $ 5.50
6” Sub $4 Combo $5
12” Sub $5.75 Combo $6.75
Wrap Combo- Veggie $5
Other Wraps $4
Make any sub a wrap for
no extra charge!
FEATURES January 21, 2009
cubicle,” junior Zoey Alderman
said.
Senior Kristin Starke also loves
love them on
history. She wants to “help write
history and put more women in Valentine’s Day?
history.”
Archaeology offers a wide
range of jobs for those with
an undergraduate or graduate
Put an ad in
degree in it. Most students go
on to pursue a graduate degree,
The Merciad!
which is imperative “for a long
term investment in the career,”
Illingworth said. $3 for 25 words
As for undergraduate jobs,
Illingworth said there are
numerous options, including
‘contract archaeology’, doing All Valentine’s messages
work for construction companies,
being employed with the federal and money can be brought
or state governments in relation to the mailroom and
to parks or reserves, or even
museum work. addressed to ‘The Merciad.’
Broccoli & Cheddar Bites
11:30 a.m -8 p.m.
Lunch $ 5
Dinner $ 5.50
January 21, 2009
Touring Erie, learning history
By Emily Grabowski
Contributing writer
Erie is a city that has a lot of
interesting sightseeing opportu-
nities.
The bay front, Presque Isle
and Waldameer Park are only
some of places to go when visit-
ing Erie.
While most sightseeing
activities are reserved for warm
summer weather, the Erie Mari-
time Museum and the U.S. Brig
Niagara are fascinating exhibits
to visit, even during the frigid
winter weather.
Mercyhurst College senior
Stephanie Wilkens is an enthusi-
astic volunteer tour guide at the
museum and ship.
“I started volunteering there
last December. I had to do ser-
vice learning hours, and I heard
horror stories about the Boys and
Girls Club, and I went through
the packet and saw the Erie Mar-
itime Museum was there. I had
always had an interest in the navy
and history. I knew that if I did
anything with history I would be
happy,” Wilkens said.
“I have learned so much there.
I think that understanding more
about Oliver Hazard Perry has
meant the most to me. He, as
well as the brig, is my favorite
part about Erie,” Wilkens said.
In the 1813 Battle of Lake
Erie, Perry took over command
of the Brig Niagara and won at
age 28.
“I love to go to Presque Isle
and look at the monument. I
always take pictures whenever
I go to the monument or the
museum and even though the
pictures are always of the same
thing, I feel that the pictures just
get better every time,” Wilkens
said.
Mercyhurst professors have
strengthened Wilken’s interest in
the Niagara.
Dr. Allan Belovarac, profes-
sor in the Mercyhurst College
History Department and a com-
mander in the U.S. Navy Reserve,
talks about the ship in his history
classes.
“Dr. Belovarac also increased
my interest with the ship from
his stories from working on it and
his historical knowledge of the
ship. Before his class, I watched
the History Channel and read
about it, but hearing one of his
lectures about the Brig and the
Battle of Lake Erie is the best,”
Wilkens said.
Bill Welch, an instructor in the
Intelligence Studies Department,
has also been a very active volun-
teer in the past.
“Talking to Mr. Welch about
the ship is always a great conver-
sation. He gave me a picture of
the ship that was the only eyewit-
ness rendering of it. It’s amazing!
He also gave me a nail from the
Brig. It is definitely one of those
things that you look at and go
‘Wow!” Wilkens said.
Welch has had connections to
the ship for years.
“I have been involved with
the Brig Niagara since 1983. I
had been interested in the ship
since I was a 10-year-old boy, and
maintained that interest over the
years,” Welch said.
“Most recently, I was president
of the Flagship Niagara League,
the organization that supports
the museum and ship. For one
summer, I was a volunteer sailor.
I’ve been a guide at the ship and
museum. I’ve also been the gift
shop manager and the newsletter
editor,” he said.
He stepped down as president
because of time issues.
Regardless of their position at
the Niagara, Wilkens and Welch
have fond memories and fun sto-
ries to go along with their time
spent there.
“I’ve met a lot of people at
the Brig through my tours from
all over the world. I love being
able to experience the ship with
FEATURES
Senior Stephanie Wilkens stands in the rigging of a U.S. Brig
Niagara at the Erie Maritime Museum.
them. Every time I give a tour
and get on the ship it’s amazing.
My favorite is to see a surprised
face on a visitor, like ‘wow, can
you believe they lived on this?’
It’s such a great place to visit,”
Wilkens said.
“I also love talking on my
tours about how lucky Perry was
– that always gets a surprised
face. Also, terms that we use
today that were used for slang
is something always fun to talk
about,” Wilkens said.
Welch and Belovarac were vol-
unteer sailors on the ship when it
sailed in 1991.
“One of the best summers of
my life was the one I spent as a
volunteer sailor,” Welch said. “I
did so many cool things on the
ship, got to know some very
interesting people and learned
from the inside what it is like to
be a tall ship sailor.”
Wilkens hopes to be a volun-
teer sailor one summer.
“The sailors are really interest-
ing people. They really love what
Page 7
Students
react to
inauguration
“It’s an exciting day
for the nation as a new
era begins with the
Obama administration.”
– Chris Sands,
freshman
“It was exciting...a
time of change.” – Sara
Pierce, sophomore
“I watched Obama’s
oath and speech and
they sounded good
although a little long.
Overall I liked what
he had to say...I was
impressed.” – Nadine
Contributed photo Beres, junior
“He [Obama] did a
good job, it was all the
they do and you can tell. The
same can be said for the guides. usual circumstance; a
I can’t wait to do a day sail,” bit overdone, but I still
Wilkens said. enjoyed his speech.”
What started out as a service – Haley Martens,
learning experience has had a senior
positive impact on Wilkens that
she will remember for years to “I really liked Obama’s
come. inaugural address. It
“I have a reputation on the set an appropriate
cross country team for giving
tone striking the
fun facts from the Brig and
always finding a way to bring balance between
up the Brig in conversation. I his independent
have even received awards for achievements and
it. I am the cross country 2008 what he hopes America
miss Brig Niagara.” Wilkens will achieve.” – Nick
said. Gutowski, senior
“My room is plastered with
the posters from there as well, so “I liked how they
that just supports their point even had different people
more. Plus, I wear my “don’t give
speak and incorporated
up the ship” shirt and fleece and
carry a Brig Niagara bag all the different aspects
time,” Wilkens said. of culture into the
For more information on the Inauguration.” – James
Erie Maritime Museum and the Davis, sophomore
Brig Niagara, visit brigniagara.
org.
Page 8
Alumnus Miller believes home sweet ’Hurst
By Michael Miller
Contributing writer
I vividly remember sitting
on a bench in front of the Hirt
building in the spring of 2005,
after I had completed the last
final exam of my undergraduate
career and looking out at the
campus.
The moment seemed pregnant
with importance as those sorts
of moments usually do. For the
past four years, Mercyhurst was
home.
And it was a great home. It
gave me wonderful memories
and treasured relationships
I knew I’d take with me for
the rest of my life. But still,
the moment was tinged with
sadness.
While I was excited about
what my future would hold,
one thing seemed certain:
Mercyhurst wasn’t going to be
home much longer. At least
Miller with best friend Carly Chlebus in an England phone
booth.
it wouldn’t be home for me.
I graduated that spring with my
degree in Religious Studies, and
I’d come back in the fall for a
quick student teaching before
I’d finish my Social Studies
Education Certificate.
The year after graduation I
saw a lot of job hunting and
“You, Me, and Dupree”-esque
languishing.
However, I finally landed a
great job (here is the surprise
twist) with my religion degree!
While everyone expected
I’d get a teaching job first, I
ended up taking over the Youth
Ministry program at St. Jude
Church a little over two years
ago.
I took the passion for social
justice instilled in me during my
time at Mercyhurst to my job.
My youth group and I regularly
work with the Erie City Mission
and our local chapter of Habitat
for Humanity.
We’ve held a Dance for
Contributed photo
FEATURES January 21, 2009
Darfur at the mall and raised First, there is absolutely Mercyhurst prepared me well
over $2,000 for the UN’s work nothing cuter in this world than for the world outside its walls,
in Sudan as well as two charity a girl with an English accent. and I have never been part of
Dodge ball Tournaments (with Trust me on this. an institution--before or since,
the third coming up in a couple Second, I can die fulfilled academically or professionally--
of months) garnering just under now that I’ve walked across the of which I was more proud.
$1,000 for local charities. “zebra crossing” at Abbey Road. While I was right about that
Mercyhurst taught me the It was a religious experience. moment in front of Hurt three
importance and joy of being a Third, it is more fun to say years ago being important, I was
“life long learner.” “holiday” than “vacation.” wrong about one thing.
A little over a year ago, I spent Seriously. Try it. It turns out Mercyhurst is
two weeks in England (with a I could go on-and-on, but still home, even if I‘ve “moved
tiny jaunt to Scotland). it’s enough to say it’s been an away.” It always will be.
While there, I learned a few interesting and exciting few
very important lessons. years since graduation.
Contributed photo
Mercyhurst alumnus Michael Miller still thinks of Erie as home.
Want to be an aerobics,
pilates or spin instructor?
The Mercyhurst Athletic Center
needs you!
If interested, contact Coach Herman at extension 3329
or visit him at the MAC.
January 21, 2009
PAC to play ‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas’
By Mason Lorek
Staff writer
If you’ve seen the poster or
trailer for the film “The Boy in
the Striped Pajamas,” you may
feel like you have a pretty good
idea of what the movie will be
about.
A large barbed wire fence
separates a well-dressed boy
from another whose head is
shaved and who wears the black
and white stripes of prison
clothing.
The two youths cannot be
any older than eight, so the
immediate thought is that the
second boy is Jewish, and that
this is a Holocaust film.
This notion would be accurate,
but only generally speaking,
in the way that attending a
university is about attaining a
degree and starting a career.
Petition asks Obama to name secretary of arts
By Kyle King
A & E editor
Newly sworn in President of
the United States Barack Obama
has already admitted to an ambi-
tious plan for his first 100 days
in office.
Some of his most press-
ing tasks include closing the
prison at Guantanamo, restart-
ing a faltering economy, avert-
ing multiple worldwide crises
and restoring the reputation of
America worldwide.
Those in the arts community
nationwide have an additional
proposal for Obama: create a
new cabinet position, secretary
of the arts.
The grass roots, petition-
based movement was suppos-
edly started by Quincy Jones,
the 75-year-old African-Ameri-
can musician and producer who
goes by the sobriquet Q.
‘The Boy in the Striped Pajamas’ will play at the Mary
D’Angelo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at
2:15 and 8 p.m as part of the Guelcher Film Series.
The thoughts and emotions
of those involved, the actual
substance of the subject, is
glossed over.
This is more than just a
Holocaust film.
What sets it apart is the fact
it’s shot from the mind set of a
child.
Jones is well-known for pro-
ducing Michael Jackson’s album
“Thriller” and producing and
conducting the charity song
“We Are the World.”
As of Tuesday night, more
than 161,000 signatures have
been added.
Additionally, a number of
Facebook groups are dedicated
to the cause.
Signees are allowed to add
written comments beside their
signature.
Many posters complain that
other countries have Ministers
of Culture and the Arts.
One early signee wrote, “The
arts elevate the human spirit to
great heights. They are a true
impression of the artist’s soul.
They are certainly God-given
gifts to make this world a more
beautiful place.”
Another later signee wrote,
“The arts are the expression of
a society’s soul.”
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
pac.mercyhurst.edu
It is made evident that as
much as we struggle today as
adults to understand how such a
genocide was possible, it would
have been nearly impossible for
a child to comprehend it at the
time.
However, we are able to see
more clearly and more simply
Another signer also wrote,
“Arts play a large role in the
development of each and every
person on this earth. Without
proper funding, live perfor-
mance will go silent.”
Some signees signed and
proposed particular candidates.
Nominated names include trum-
peter and composer Wynton
Marsalis and Jones himself.
Obama clearly appears to be
an advocate of the arts.
During his inaugural ceremo-
nies, he seemed contemplative
and meditative during “Air and
Simple Gifts,” a John Williams
piece composed for the occa-
sion and performed by cellist
Yo-Yo Ma, violinist Itzhak Perl-
man, pianist Gabriela Montero
and clarinetist Anthony McGill.
Obama commissioned poet
Elizabeth Alexander to recite a
poem written in commemora-
tion of his historic inaugura-
tion.
through the lens of a child’s eye,
no matter how grand the scale
or how blurry the picture may
be. It reminds me of a lyric
from a band I like called Bears.
In the song “You Can Tell,”
Charlie McArthur sings, “You
must wonder what’s going
through my mind besides the
alphabet, counting to six, and
prehistoric times…Adjusting to
having to think about more than
myself is not so simple for me,
and I know you can tell.”
The mind is active, even in a
child who cannot count all the
way to ten.
We pass down simplistic
answers to questions like, “Why
are the workers on the farm
wearing striped pajamas?” in
an effort to somehow maintain
innocence or quell curiosity,
but we end up just fanning the
flames.
And on some level, we know
He became the fourth presi-
dent to name a poet to read at
an inauguration, following the
lead of John F. Kennedy, who
tapped Robert Frost.
The present American poet
Johnson & Johnson
Properties
HOUSES FOR RENT
Starting June 1, 2009
814-860-8817
Page 9
we’re doing it.
We aren’t surprised when the
German adults give these overly
simplistic answers to the boy,
only to see him run off to the
fence to find out for himself.
We know it’s only a matter
of time before he discovers the
truth. It’s this delayed reaction,
this subconscious understanding
that allows us to emotionally
invest ourselves in a film like
this.
Adjusting to being forced to
think about more than yourself
isn’t so simple, but when we do,
we can appreciate things for
what they are.
“The Boy in the Striped
Pajamas” will be playing at the
Mary D’Angelo Performing
Arts Center Wednesday, Jan. 28,
at 2:15 and 8:00 p.m.
Tickets are free for Mercyhurst
students with student ID (one
ticket per ID).
laurete is Californian Kay Ryan.
For those interested in sign-
ing, the petition to name a Secre-
tary of the Arts has been posted
online at www.petitiononline.
com/esnyc/petition.html.
Page 10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT January 21, 2009

Forsthoefel appears in ‘Dalai Lama Renaissance’

By Kyle King
A & E editor
Mercyhurst College’s Religious
Studies Department Chair Dr.
Thomas Forsthoefel appears in
this week’s Guelcher Film Series
documentary, “Dalai Lama
Renaissance.”
Forsthoefel will introduce the
film along with director Khashyar
Darvich and field questions for
Darvich after both sessions.
“Dalai Lama Renaissance”
centers around a group of 40
innovative thinkers, including art-
ists, scholars, physicists, astrono-
mers, business leaders, doctors
and authors.
The group was invited by the
Dalai Lama of Tibet in 1999
to participate in a week-long
summit focusing on how to solve
the new millennium’s most chal-
lenging problems and most grip-
ping crises.
The Wakan Foundation for the
Arts had a five-person crew film
more than 140 hours of footage
of the event, which they turned
into a full-length documentary.
Harrison Ford provided nar-
ration of the week’s events,
beginning with the group’s trav-
els through India and arrival in
Dharamsala, the Lama’s home.
Also captured were feuds
between featured participants
and so-called silent observers.
By the close of the summit, the
group achieved a measure of
synthesis.
The group’s resolution resulted
in the Lama considering their
proposal to universally boycott
Chinese goods.
Forsthoefel went on the trip as
an observer and participated in
small group breakout sessions.
“I had a very good friend,
Wayne Teasdale, with whom I
shared similar experiences and
values—travels to India, staying
at the ashram of the late Benedic-
tine monk, Bede Griffiths, and an
appreciation for the importance
and need for interfaith dialogue.
He was a leading organizer of
the conference and invited me to
join,” Forsthoefel said.
“There was actually some ten-
sion at the conference because
of the two-tiered approach [of
participants and observers],
which seemed a bit hierarchical
and lacking some spontaneity.
But the tension itself was, in the
end, good, as it provoked insight
and clarity and appreciation,”
Forsthoefel said.
Forsthoefel was not working
on a project at the time, but later
completed “Soulsong,” a book
on models of holiness, and used
the Dalai Lama’s example to illus-
trate the “Holiness of Calm” and
the path to meditation.
His latest book, “The Dalai
Lama: The Essential Writings,”
was released last year and is a
compilation of His Holiness the
Dalai Lama’s most important and
effective writings.
Forsthoefel plans to use the
book in his Buddhism courses at
Mercyhurst.
“It’s odd to say that I ‘met’ the
Dalai Lama, because I did not
enjoy formal introductions or
simple conversation,” Forsthoefel
said. “However, at the end of the
conference, he received each of
us personally, offering a blessing
to us in the form of a kata, silk
scarf. I must admit I did feel that
I received a blessing, some grace
from a holy presence. And that
was special and mysterious, and I
think has had an impact on me.”
Darvich is currently touring
the Northeast region promoting
“Dalai Lama Renaissance.”
The film has taken home a
myriad of awards and praise,
including 12 wins at film festivals
worldwide and eight other offi-
cial selections.
The film plays at the Mary
D’Angelo Performing Arts
Center Wednesday, Jan. 21, at
2:15 and 8 p.m.
Tickets are $4 for students, $5
for adults and free to students
with Mercyhurst ID.

’Hurst sophomore works as Aware music rep

By Casey Harvilla
Contributing writer
It would be an understatement
to simply say I like music.
As the proud owner of an
iTunes library spanning 304.3
days, I honestly do not know what
my life would be like without it.
Almost three years ago, I found
something that would not only
aid, but also feed my music
obsession.
One day, as I was surfing the
Internet trying to find some
new music, I came across Aware
Records, an independent record
company based in Evanston, Ill.
Aware’s mission as a record
label is simply to find the best
unsigned artists and bands in the
country. As an independent label,
Aware’s approach to marketing
has always been grass roots and
word-of-mouth.
Aware made its name in
the music business releasing
compilation CDs in the 1990s.
Aware artists and befriend amazing musicians and,
include posting best of all, watch unknown artists
flyers, handing become respected in the music
out samplers and industry.
promoting at Some bands I have worked
competing shows. with include The Working
In the past, Title, Five for Fighting and The
Aware has done Heyday. These are just a few of
projects for the lesser-known bands who are
Coldplay, Jason affiliated with Aware.
Mraz, Tyrone Bigger names such as John
Wells and James Mayer, The Fray and Motion
awarerecords.com Morrison. City Soundtrack are also part of
Aware Records made its name in the music business releasing compilation Being an Aware Aware Records.
CDs in the 1990s and now has contracts through Columbia Records with Rep is pretty Reps usually receive advance
artists such as Five For Fighting, John Mayer, Mat Kearney and Train. amazing. Reps are copies of albums by these artists.
involved in nearly Aside from the free swag and
Some of their early finds In 1994, one year after its every stage of artist other perks of being a rep, my
included John Mayer, Train, Five creation, Aware founder Gregg development, from promoting favorite part is connecting with
For Fighting, Vertical Horizon, Latterman started the Aware shows and handing out samplers reps across the country, finding
Matchbox 20, Hootie and the Rep Program as a way to involve to hosting CD listening parties out about other new bands
Blowfish, Better Than Ezra, music fans in the industry. and attending free concerts. through them and watching the
Edwin McCain and The Verve There are approximately 900 I have been an Aware Rep independent music industry
Pipe. reps across the U.S. and Canada, since March 2006 and I love grow, one band at a time.
Aware now has a separate located in both major and minor every minute of it. For more information about
management team, A Square, markets. The varied locations I have had the opportunity to Aware Records or to inquire
with a stable of recording artists of reps help Aware immensely promote bands at huge concerts about becoming an Aware Rep,
as clientele, including The Fray with marketing projects. These (including free tickets!), sell you can visit their Web site,
and Liz Phair. projects are usually for non- merchandise at shows, meet and www.awaremusic.com.
January 21, 2009
‘Celebrate Dance’ exhibit opens in Cummings
By Sarah Mastrocola
Staff Writer
The Mercyhurst College
Cummings Gallery is currently
housing a display entitled
“Celebrate Dance,” which
exhibits works that show “the
essence of dance captured in
art.”
Michael Fuhrman and John
Vanco worked as curators for
this special exhibit.
Fuhrman is a Mercyhurst
dance alumnus who now directs
the Mary D’Angelo PAC, and
Vanco is the director of the Erie
Art Museum.
The gallery reception for
“Celebrate Dance” was held on
Thursday, Jan. 15, from 7 to 9
p.m.
This reception involved an
array of refreshments as well as
the opportunity to view the art.
The collection includes works
by Erie artists Art Becker, Ed
Bernik, Mark Fainstein, Rick
Klein, Brad Lethaby and Vance
Lupher, who also arranged and
installed the exhibit.
Works are included from the
collection of Tauna Hunter,
Dance Department Chair at
Mercyhurst College, as well as
from Mark Santillano, assistant
professor of dance and co-
director of modern dance
company SoMar Dance Works,
which is pictured in several of
the displayed photographs.
In addition, Art Therapy
professor Cathlyn Hahn also
loaned images for the gallery
exhibit.
“Celebrate Dance” consists
primarily of photography, as well
as a few paintings, lithographs
and sculptures.
Many of the photographs
picture alumni and current
students of the Dance
Department, especially in
the work of Rick Klein,
who is frequently hired as a
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 11
Other artists cases because of their large
played with size.
perspective even “Ballerina Tauna Hunter” by
further, such as in Andrew Burton pictures the
an image by Vance Dance Chair in her former days
Lupher in which as a ballet dancer, and “Dying
the dancer appears Swan” by Brad Lethaby depicts
to be swimming or the classic scene of the dying
leaping out of the swan, a solo originally danced by
canvas. famous ballerina Anna Pavlova
The settings of in the 19th century.
the images vary as Sophomore Laura McCarty
well, with dance said of the exhibit, “The art
shown in scenes work was very expressive.”
ranging from the “The art was visually
standard stage or appealing,” sophomore graphic
a photography design major Samantha Williams
backdrop to the said.
sands of Presque The Cummings Art Gallery
Sarah Mastrocola photo Isle. is open for viewing Tuesday
‘Celebrate Dance’ includes both paintings and photography. The exhibit The paintings through Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. and
premiered Thursday, Jan. 15, and runs through Sunday, Feb. 1. in the collection Thursday 7 to 9 p.m.
are especially “Celebrate Dance” opened
noticeable, because Thursday, Jan. 8.
of their minority among the The display will be open
many photographs, and in some through Sunday, Feb. 1.
DOWNLOAD
Fastball “Our Misunderstanding”
Where did Fastball go after 1997 without
ever knowing the way? Since “All the Pain
Scoot Williams photo
Money Can Buy” sold more than a million
Sophomore Ryan Lanzel looks at photography from the copies, they tumbled, much like the elderly
‘Celebrate Dance’ exhibit at Cummings Gallery. Performing couple about whom ‘The Way’ was written.
Arts Center director Michael Fuhrman and Erie Art Museum
director John Vanco served as guest curators for the exhibit. Del Amitri “Roll on Me”
Speaking of 90’s one-hit wonders, even
photographer for the Mercyhurst display. the most discerning listeners would
dancers. Some pieces show standard have problems naming this Scottish
The Mercyhurst Liturgical stage shots, while others were band, formed in 1980, as the authors of
Dance Ensemble and SoMar taken from backstage. this song, also on their latest CD, ‘Hatful of Rain.’
Dance Works, which include Some artists made use of
Mercyhurst student dancers, blurred images and silhouettes, The Thorns “Long Sweet Summer Night”
were featured within these while others went for a more For those of you needing a pick-me-up
photographs. straightforward depiction of the from depressing wintry weather, check
Although most of the works dancers. out this acoustic trio featuring Shawn
capture moments from ballet A few images capture only the Mullins, most known for “Lullaby,” Mat-
and modern dance, and not feet of the dancers, while most thew Sweet and Pete Droge. The supergroup released
other forms, still a good deal include the whole scene of the only one CD, back in 2003. Also check out “No Blue
of variety is present within the dance. Sky” and “Dragonfly.”
Page 12
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.
Jennings’ resolutions
get feedback
For someone who brags so
openly about her uniqueness,
you sure do adhere to the “ever-
popular, ever-unoriginal” prin-
ciple of conforming to non-
conformity.
I, as a Merciad reader, expect
to read more in a college news-
paper’s Arts and Entertainment
section than a self-righteous
rant from one of its staff writ-
ers (“Hazel Jennings makes A
& E New Year’s resolutions,”
Vol. 82, No. 12).
Instead of alienating your
Students cure crises with nights outnever expect, dancing in ways ing me) we tend to have some
By Jordan
Zangaro
Staff writer
Our world is in crisis.
I have written many articles
about the problems our society
is facing and how we should
approach and handle them.
There are so many things
causing anxiety to the point
of collapsing. Alternative:
Go to The Cornerstone on
Wednesday nights.
Don’t worry. I am 21 years
old and I am allowed to be
there. But let me tell you,
there is not a problem in the
world on Wednesday nights
at Mercyhurst.
Sitting around with your clos-
est friends, knowing how diffi-
cult it would be to spend more
than 10 dollars the entire night
is just the start of it.
Walking downstairs to the
dance floor is probably one
of the most intensely fun and
exciting things awaiting most
patrons. You see people you
OPINION January 21, 2009
Hazel
The fires back
Inbox:
readers by bragging about your- would like By Hazel Jennings
self, Ms. Jennings, why don’t you to make Contributing writer
try actually writing about the it known
cultural topics you claim to care that I do, The article was obviously a
about so much? indeed, Where satiric jab at people who hold
Here’s a news flash for you, appreciate
Merciad staff: People want sarcasm readers share themselves to a ridiculous
standard of underground
to read about things with sub-
stance, things they can relate to.
as much
as the their thoughts. culture pretension.
I’m sorry you felt alienated,
Audiences typically don’t next thick- because you failed to recognize
want people actually to enjoy
want to be ostracized by some rimmed glasses-wearing, indie a humor piece.
reading your stuff – keep your
elitist braggart of a columnist rock-listening young adult. At least you have your thick-
ego in check.
who blabs about how great she You write with a relatively rimmed glasses and indie-
is for nearly 500 words. amusing amount of flair, I’ll rock to make you an authority
Kryssy Smith
I anticipate your criticism and give you that. However, if you on nonconformity.
Why is it so fun? nities or how our time together
you didn’t even think possible. hilarious stories. It is completely out of is quickly dwindling.
Letting loose of all the week’s But more than anything, our school persona. We are We aren’t worried the econ-
stressors, people get so funky when I turn the last corner of all studious, responsible and omy is failing or how older
with their dance moves you the staircase and hit the dance put-together girls. And really, generations are constantly talk-
cannot help ing about how ridiculous our
but smile generation is becoming. For that
the entire night, and that night only, we are
time. When only making sure of one thing:
hits like We are making fools of our-
“Thriller” selves and loving it. It makes a
or a classic wonderful Thursday morning to
from high discuss how ridiculous the night
school like before was.
“Air Force We all take turns shower-
O n e s ” ing and putting ourselves back
comes on, together so we can carry on
the crowd with our week. But those nights
of slightly- are something I know you have
intoxicated all encountered.
p e o p l e I missed out on those nights
scream like for a long time and encour-
they’ve just Heather Donovan photo
age you all to let loose and
Mercyhurst students posing during a night off from term stress and studying
all won a mil- embrace them.
lion dollars. floor on a Wednesday night, I we only hang out with each Because, even though you
There is one group of people am positive I will see one of my other anyway. may wish you didn’t get kicked
I love to reference and write fantastic roommates breaking it Maybe because of the out of the bathroom after
about in particular, and that down so hard sweat has slicked sweat issue. having a heart to heart with
is my roommates. Living in back her previously beautiful But I assure you, for one night your roommate for two hours,
such close quarters with so hair. Or, “someone’s” pants rip a week, we are not worried about you won’t ever regret the night
many girls (seven not includ- from dancing at 150 percent. money, the future, job opportu- or the memory.
January 21, 2009 OPINION Page 13

Making distinctions beyond color

By Thomas Kubica
Contributing writer
Only in the land of the free did
Americans have the opportunity
to vote for an old white guy or
a young black guy in the recent
presidential election.
Never have Americans had
such a distinction in color and
age to choose from. We were
truly blessed with choice.
Could anyone 200 years ago
imagine we would have the
option to either keep spending
nearly a trillion dollars a year
maintaining troops in 140
countries around the world, or
bringing them home from Iraq
so we would only have them in
139 countries?
Oh man, I bet 200 years
ago, no one would have ever
thought, if we ever allowed the
government to take 50 percent
of our paychecks through one
form or another of taxes, we
could decide which class of
people should get some of
it back.
We also had the unique
opportunity to vote
for a man who really
understands economics.
This one was a win-win.
Obama understands
deregulation caused our
problems; had the government
just regulated the banks more
after it forced them to make
loans to unqualified debtors,
the housing market would have
been fine. McCain understood
you can’t promote a free-market
system without catching the big
boys when they fall.
Even further, Americans had
the opportunity to vote for a
candidate that would solve all
their problems.
Whether it was the old white
fart or the young black stud, no
longer did Americans have to
crumble from the burden of
self-reliance and responsibility.
No longer do we have the moral
obligation to take care of our
neighbors directly, for we can
do it through an impersonal
government institution.
No longer will we have to
worry about our neighbors
getting ahead, for we can sit on
the couch and let them get taxed
to death while they try.
Both the old white guy and
the young black man have plans
to solve our problems.
So don’t worry.
Stop trying to figure out how
to live within your means. Stop
working so hard to pay your
bills. Stop worrying.
Go buy some cool stuff on
your credit card.
Quit your job and stop
paying the mortgage. When
you can’t pay your credit cards
and/or housing payments, Big
Brother will be there to make
sure the lenders don’t suffer the
consequences of lending to you.
Don’t feel bad.
It’ll just mean a little higher tax
to pay for more bailouts, maybe
a little less freedom and possibly
a little more government
control of our lives. But, that’s
a small price to pay to protect
the American tradition of
security first.
With this kind of prospect
for hope, no matter who won,
I think Americans can officially
say it really doesn’t matter if the
president is black or white.

Hoping for a new approach If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen.
Obama in the Middle East Editors
Casey Greene
JoEllen Marsh
Positions
Editor-in-Chief
Managing Editor
@mercyhurst.edu
editormerciad
mgeditormerciad
out. Now where should they antagonist of the Palestinians, Amanda Valauri News Editor newsmerciad
By Seth go? The Israeli’s will continue will lead to less resentment Javi Cubillos Features Editor featuremerciad
Hallam to blow things up in Gaza as from the Middle East towards Heather Donovan Opinion Editor opinionmerciad
Staff writer long as they have the support of the U.S. Brad Moehringer Sports Editor sportsmerciad
the U.S. The U.S. treating Israel like the Sam Sellinger Sports Editor sportsmerciad
Israel really needs to leave Israel needs to learn child that can do nothing wrong Kyle King A&E entertainmentmerciad
Palestine alone. Think about it, WWII isn’t a justification for is, in itself, wrong. The new Scoot Williams Photographer photomerciad
if you were surrounded administration Tyler Stauffer Photographer photomerciad
by people you hate, you

“ Israel really needs to

needs to view Caitlin Bly Advertising Manager admerciad
would want to shoot Israel, as it Gretchen Yori Copy Editor copymerciad
rockets at them as well. is, an overly Ashley Pastor General Assignment apasto22

Hopefully, the Obama
administration brings
change when dealing
with Israel. Just because
the Palestinians are
viewed as inferior does not mean
they are and shouldn’t be treated
as such.
The Obama administration
should take note of the previous
president’s administration.
After WWII, the Jews came
and took over their so-called
“homeland.” The Palestinian
people were ruthlessly shut-
”
aggressive
leave Palestine alone. nation, which
Bill Welch
Brian Sheridan
Adviser
Adviser
wwelch
bsheridan
feels no military
Seth Halllam boundaries. The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst
The Obama
bombing everyone College. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of
administration can change this.
they think is a harm The Palestinians should
finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814)
to them. continue as is; this situation is 824-2376.
If they keep this up mentality attracting attention to the Middle
it will lead to their end, and East, and making people think The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed
because of all the people Israel may just be using WWII and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the
who have vested interests in and the U.S. as a shield for their
the situation, the world as we crimes against humanity.
letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters
know it. are due Mondays. by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit
Blowing up the U.N. office is
Also, being a mediator, not a a perfect example. letters to box PH 485 or via e-mail at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
Page 14
Holiday Escaping a daily drone
equality An out-of-the-ordinary pastime
By Amanda Valauri
News Editor
It’s clearly a coincidence
Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday
and national celebration were
the day before President Barack
Obama was inaugurated.
While this may be true, I feel
we are overlooking some equal
importance national holidays.
Thinking about current events
in our nation, I feel like we need
to draw attention to equally
important national holidays.
Our nation is seeing big
changes, but what about
our veterans?
Veterans of wars we study in
history textbooks and veterans
of our current war are arguably
equally significant as a civil
rights leader’s birthday.
Without belittling
importance of Martin Luther
King Jr. Day, I think it is
the
important to not forget our vets.
They symbolize a commitment
to our daily freedoms and safety
just as MLK symbolizes equality
among races.
I realize and acknowledge
MLK’s symbolic significance, yet
we are valuing the achievements
of one man versus the
contributions an entire sector
of our society.
Why is MLK day celebrated
on the day of his birth? As
national holidays go, the only
other birthday we celebrate in
that fashion is Christmas.
(Feb. 16, is “Washington’s
Birthday” as written in the
United States Code, but
nation wide it is celebrated as
“Presidents Day.”)
Are we holding MLK in
such high esteem that not only
is he more important than our
veterans, but he is on the same
level as Jesus Christ?
By Hayley O’Hare
Contributing writer
College students should
read more.
I know that sounds utterly
ridiculous and you might want
to throw your heaviest text
book at me right now, but let
me explain. With all of the
assignments, papers, research
and tests constantly running
our lives, it is important to
do something for our own
personal entertainment.
Of course, there are always
the options of hanging out with
friends, working out, watching
movies and frequenting the
Mascots causing concern for
ethnic group representation
By Rhonda
Marable
Staff writer
So the picture staring back at
me of a wide-grinned, bright
red face with a feather attached
to their head is apparently the
cause of some controversy.
I don’t see why though, I
mean it’s just a cartoon, cartoons
couldn’t possibly represent any-
thing derogatory or defaming.
It’s not as if those cartoons
depicting Asians with squinty
eyes and a long braid in their
hair are really all racist.
I mean that’s what Asians
generally look like. But Ameri-
can Indian cartoons, what harm
could those have?
It’s just a mascot and symbol
of a sports team. I don’t think
Indians should be offended
because I’m not offended, by
OPINION
local bars.
But why not stay in from
the cold and curl up with a
great book?
I am in no way encouraging
you to neglect the assignments
from your professors; I am only
presenting an alternative way
to spend the leisure time you
do have.
A book can be something
you carry with you and when
the opportunity presents itself
you can dive into the story as an
escape from everyday life.
Opportunistic times include:
waiting for the bus, in between
classes, traveling or something
to help pass the time while
biking your daily miles at the
the Patriot’s mascot and I con-
sider myself patriotic.
I think all the American Indi-
ans want is money; I mean they
wait this whole time to complain
about mascots when they didn’t
say anything when they were
first introduced. Who cares if
they were introduced during a
time when there was a lot of
racism and nobody cared what
they thought anyway?
I mean we’re not racist now
so what’s the problem?
Do any of the above sen-
tences make sense to any of
you? I would hope they would
sound incredibly stupid to
everyone but sadly, these are
some of the reasons I get as to
why American Indian mascots
aren’t racist.
Trust me, there are many
more reasons fans and non-
fans alike defend the use of
American Indian mascots. As I
January 21, 2009
gym. I can bet we have all been
in the situation where waiting
for something or someone can
seem like a boring eternity. Our nation’s first black
If you had a good book I president was sworn into
am sure you would be thankful office yesterday. Jan. 20,
for the extra time to get a few 2009, was not only a his-
pages read. torical moment our children
Currently, my friends and I are will surely ask about but the
reading the Twilight series and start of a new era.
while some of us have finished
the four books and others are
just beginning the exciting story,
it has given us something to
talk about.
Passing books from friend to
friend and recommending them
to each other can be fun and a
way to share something other
than the latest gossip.
The now former Presi-
dent Bush will be vacating
the White House, but an
unlucky village will be get-
ting their idiot back.
try to appeal to people’s reason
I’m met with claims and very
poor, erroneous excuses as to
why these mascots are not a big
deal.
I know I can’t make anyone
feel a certain way; but how
can some of us not put our-
selves in the shoes of those
we’re mocking?
Some people just don’t get it The ancient Mayan calen-
and continue on with claims like, dar predicts the end of the
“It wouldn’t bother me if there world at 2012, a daunting
were a team called the Chicago thought considering the
Whities/Negroes/Beaners, I new year. We don’t know
think it’d be funny.” what’s uglier, apocalypse
Just because you’re not theories or the people who
offended, doesn’t mean some- believe them.
thing isn’t offensive.
And the poor excuses you
come up with to avoid changing Please e-mail any suggestions to
your attitude is one of the most opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
pathetic ways to hide the fact The GB&U is a compilation of
you care little about the feel- student opinions.
ings of others or worse, are in
fact, racist.

Barnett steps down as athletic director
By Brad Moehringer
Sports editor
Mercyhurst College Provost
Dr. James Adovasio announced
via e-mail Monday night that
Craig Barnett has resigned his
position as director of athletics.
Barnett cited personal rea-
sons for his resignation, accord-
ing to a news release sent by the
college.
Adovasio announced that a
national search will now begin
Wrestling falls to Pitt Johnstown; Shields takes down No.1
By Samantha Sellinger
Sports editor
Mercyhurst College wrestler,
sophomore Josh Shields has
been busy making a name for
himself this season and added
an impressive win to his resume
this past week.
Shields defeated the Pennsyl-
vania State Athletic Conference
(PSAC) Division II No. 1 ranked
wrestler, Kyle Keane from Pitt-
Johnstown, earning Shields the
title of PSAC Wrestler of the
Week at 165 lbs.
No. 2 Shields, handed Keane
a 7-0 shutout loss by holding
a 4-0 lead after the first period
and adding another takedown
15 seconds into the second
to find Barnett’s replacement.
Aaron Kemp, assistant athletic
director, will take over Barnett’s
duties on an interim basis with
the help of Sara Headly, also an
assistant athletic director.
Barnett, originally from
Oakville, ON, began his Mer-
cyhurst career as assistant men’s
hockey coach and ice center
director from 1991-93.
He then returned to Mercy-
hurst in 2006 as associate direc-
tor of athletics before taking
over as director of athletics for
Sophomore Josh Shields defeats the No.1-ranked wrestler in
the nation at 165 lbs, Kyle Keane, on Jan. 17.
period for a 6-0 lead. Shields
completed the shutout during
the final stanza.
Shields moved to 11-3 on the
year and 8-2 in dual meets.
Early in his career at Mer-
cyhurst, Shields is proving to
the past two years.
Barnett’s career also includes
a stint as director of athletics
for NCAA Division III Becker
College in Wochester, Mass.
where he was also the men’s
hockey coach.
Barnett earned a bachelor’s
degree in marketing from Platts-
burgh State in New York and a
masters degree in sports admin-
istration from Kent State.
Barnett and his wife Andrea
are the parents of three chil-
dren.
Scoot Williams photo
be a powerhouse and can only
improve as he gains age and
experience.
On Friday, the wrestling team
will be back in action, compet-
ing in the East Region Dual
meet in Laurinburg, N.C.
Men’s Hockey........................................Jan. 16, W 2-1, Sacred Heart
Jan. 17, W 7-0, Sacred Heart
Women’s Hockey.......................Jan. 16, L 3-2, No. 10 Connecticut
Jan. 17, W 5-2, No. 10 Connecticut
Men’s Basketball..............................Jan. 14, L 68-53, Slippery Rock
Jan. 17, L 59-48, Indiana (Pa.)
Women’s Basketball.......................Jan. 14, W 80-66, Slippery Rock
Jan. 17, L 74-56, Indiana (Pa.)
Wrestling.............................................Jan. 17, L 31-6, Pitt-Johnstown
Editors Game of the Week:
This week we suggest heading over to the Mercyhurst College Ice
Center on Friday and Saturday night as the men’s hockey team
takes on Atlantic Hockey rival Connecticut. The Lakers are in the
midst of a nine-game home stand and look to continue their two
game winning streak this weekend. Both games are scheduled to
begin at 7:05 p.m.
Two Lakers take home Weekly AHA Awards
After a weekend sweep of Atlantic Hockey rival Sacred Heart
two members of the Mercyhurst College men’s hockey team took
home weekly AHA awards. Sophomore Steve Cameron was
named AHA Player of the Week and sophomore Ryan Zapolski
was named AHA Goaltender of the Week.
Shields named PSAC Wrestler of the Week
Sophomore Josh Shields of the Mercyhurst College wrestling team
took home Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Wrestler of the
Week. In Shields’ lone match of the week, he took down the
No.-1 ranked wrestler in his weight class 7-0.
Ryan Zapolski-Men’s Hockey
This sophomore goaltender picked up back-to-back wins over
Sacred Heart on Jan. 16 and Jan. 17 to earn our Athlete of the
Week honors. Zapolski made 51 saves over the weekend to
improve his record on the season to 7-2-2.
Amy Achesinski-Women’s Basketball
Achesinski, a sophomore, helped lead the Lakers to a 1-1 record
over the weekend. She scored 16 points in a loss to IUP and 14
points against Slippery Rock to earn our AOTW honors.
Page 16 SPORTS January 21,

Lacrosse goaltender ‘Saves for Kids’

Jason Lashomb dedicates season’s saves to Make-A-Wish
have, what pills to take next or suffer in
By Brad Moehringer anyway.”
Sports editor
He went on to explain he will do
whatever it takes to raise money to help
The bruises, aches and pains senior children forget about those worries for
goalie Jason Lashomb will feel on the at least awhile.
lacrosse field this season will now be Other Mercyhurst students appreciate
accompanied by a sound – Cha-ching. Lashomb’s efforts.
This season Lashomb decided to use “These children go through so much at
his All-American talent to help make such a young age that they deserve all the
the dreams of children come true. The happiness we can give them in their short
goaltender from Rush, N.Y., created a period of time with us,” senior Jenna
program through the local Make-A-Wish Barone said. “If Mercyhurst College can
Foundation called “Saves for Kids.” give them one truly amazing day through
The idea behind the program is simple: the Make-a-wish Foundation, it can give
Lashomb wants to find local companies a child the hope and inspiration to live
and individuals willing to donate money each day to its fullest.”
based on the number of saves he makes Lashomb doesn’t plan on doing this
this coming season. alone. He has asked teammates find
The Make-A-Wish Foundation, for companies and individuals in Erie and in
those who don’t know, is an organization their hometowns that would be willing to
that grants terminally ill children the wish participate in the program. Lashomb’s
of their choice. goal is to try and get small amounts of
“Over the summer, I started thinking money from a large amount of people.
of ways I could take my success and His teammates are happy to help.
channel it into something that would “It’s cool to have a teammate who is
benefit others,” Lashomb said. “Saves going out and extending what we do
for Kids is a way for me to use my talent on the lacrosse field to help out the less
in order to benefit a part of a young, sick fortunate in the community,” senior
child’s life.” midfielder Mike Bartlett said.
Lashomb began by working with Senior defender Tom Eighmey isn’t Scoot Williams photo
several members of Mercyhurst’s athletic surprised to hear about Lashomb’s Saves Senior goaltender Jason Lashomb is teaming up with the local Make-A-Wish
administration and Steve Zinram, who for Kids. Foundation to help terminally ill children in the Erie community.
in charge of Alumni Donations and “Jason is an outstanding lacrosse
Development, as well as Jan Stork, a player, but even more important, is he also agree to simply give a donation to that an athlete is getting involved with
local representative of the Make-A-Wish is an outstanding person,” Eighmey the cause. the community on a personal level,” she
Foundation. Together they brainstormed said. “Jason always looks to give back All the money raised will go directly to said. “It is truly a beautiful initiative on
ways to use his to anybody and the local Make-A-Wish Foundation of his part.”

“
talent to benefit everybody Greater Pennsylvania to sponsor a child’s All the money donated through “Saves
others and To be able to give just a that he can. I wish. for Kids” is tax-deductible and signing
The average wish costs around $3,500, up requires only a few minutes to fill out
Saves for Kids little bit back by playing the think that this and Lashomb is still looking for sponsors a form.
was born. Saves for Kids
“As an sport I love is truly what I program is a to participate in his Saves for Kids As of right now, Lashomb said he
education major, hope I can accomplish with great idea.” program. has many individuals lined up to donate

”
I really wanted There are two “I feel very grateful and fortunate money. However, the only company
to gear this this program. ways to donate for what I have in my life,” Lashomb currently on board is PAETEC, a
toward children, Jason Lashomb to Saves for said. “To be able to give just a little bit communications company in Rochester
and I think the Kids, Lashomb back by playing the sport I love is truly N.Y. who has donated $500.
Make-A-Wish Foundation was a great explained. The first is a “per save what I hope I can accomplish with this Anyone interested in participating in
avenue for that,” Lashomb said. amount,” which means the company or program.” Saves for Kids and helping Lashomb
Lashomb said he believes children individual can agree on an amount to pay Senior Margaux Valenti said she is make a child’s dream come true can
should never have to worry about “the for each save Lashomb makes during the impressed with Lashomb’s dedication. contact him at jlasho40@mercyhurst.edu
next form of treatment they‘re going to season. Companies or individuals can “I think it is absolutely wonderful for a donation form.
January 21, 2009 SPORTS Page 17

Lashomb uses talent in the goal to benefit others

Photos by Scoot Williams

Senior lacrosse goalie Jason Lashomb is
using his talent in the net to
benefit terminally ill children. Lashomb, in
partnership with the local Make-A-Wish
Foundation, is finding sponsors to donate
money to the organization for every save
he makes this season. If
interested, contact Lashomb at jlasho40@
mercyhurst.edu for a donation form.
Page 18
Mercyhurst’s ‘Hockey Jersey Guy’ speaks out
By John
Baranowski
Staff writer
In my first article, I figure I
did not want to step on toes and
to instead start off with a topic
which I can really sink my teeth
into.
I’m the hockey jersey guy.
Aside from being a scholar of
jerseys, I own 80, and consider
myself a bit of an expert on the
subject.
The question I most often
hear is: Why?
Women’s hockey
looks to nationals
By Katie Waldin
Staff writer
Ranked No. 4 in the nation,
the Mercyhurst College women’s
hockey team is working one
game at a time to trample
the competition as they work
their way towards the national
tournament at the conclusion
of this years season.
Although their 11 game
winning streak came to an end
this past weekend against the
University of Connecticut on
Friday evening (a 3-2 loss), the
Mercyhurst Lakers jumped right
back on board to crush their
rivals on Saturday night 5-2.
Despite the loss to the
Huskies, the Lakers are still
on top of their game. Over
the course of the year, many
players from Mercyhurst are
acknowledged with awards,
titles and recognitions that are
well deserved by many different
organizations.
For the first time this season,
Sports are the extension of
the warrior into civilization,
evolving from the gladiators that
entertained the ancient world.
As fans, we invest ourselves
into the team, we attach
ourselves to that team and often
refer to it as though we were a
part.
The team represents us,
represents our home cities,
and ideally, through their team
mentalities and play style, are
representative of ourselves.
What physically connects us
to that team most, though, is
the jersey.
the Lakers swept the College
Hockey America (CHA) weekly
awards for best offensive, best
defensive and best rookie of the
week within the league.
Freshmen Jess Jones from
Picton, ON earned the Rookie
of the Week for the CHA.
Sophomore Melissa Lacroix of
Penetanguishene, ON won the
Defensive Player of the Week,
while junior Meghan Agosta
from Ruthven, ON was named
the Offensive Player of the
Week.
Sweeping the CHA awards
is an honor for the Mercyhurst
Lakers and truly shows the league
how many talented athletes
are on the ice representing
Mercyhurst.
With 20 top notch athletes
performing at their peak
performance, the women’s team
has no where to go but up.
As the team molds together
and the season moves forward,
the Lakers are pushing ahead
looking to win a national title in
the 2008-09 season.
SPORTS
When we wear a team’s jersey,
we broadcast our attachment to a
team. We enjoy the camaraderie
of our fellow fans and loathe
the jeers from the fans of rival
teams.
We suddenly become part of
a larger family, accepted into a
fan base, sometimes a nation of
people who come together over
this one commonality.
That jersey is our direct
connection to the team. Indeed,
it is the team.
If the Pittsburgh Steelers and
the Cleveland Browns traded
rosters, straight up every player
Women’s basketball starting strong
By Sarah Powell
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst College
women’s basketball team came
out strong in their first ever
Pennsylvania State Athletic
Conference (PSAC) West
conference game on Wednesday,
Jan. 14.
They defeated Slippery Rock
University 80-66.
The win over The Rock was
a combined team effort with
points coming from multiple
players.
Senior Stephanie Prischak
continued to be an offensive
powerhouse leading the Lakers
with 21 points, while sophomore
Amy Achesinski scored 14
points and shot 4-for-4 from
the line.
Freshman Megan Hoffman
stepped up, making her first
career start and leading the
Lakers with seven rebounds,
four assists and four steals.
Hoffman also contributed
eight points with all of her game
statistics being career highs.
Junior Jackie Artise continued
for every player, I would root for
whoever is in the Steelers jersey.
Players come and go, but the
jersey is forever.
So why do I wear the jersey?
Why so many?
Aside from making me unique
and being my calling card, the
jersey represents so much.
Every jersey holds a meaning
to somebody, a memory of
cheering that team on or being
beaten by the team wearing that
jersey oh so often.
Perhaps it is a player,
sometimes forgotten, sometimes
beloved, and the memories
her scoring sucess from outside,
netting three three-pointers and
scoring all four free throws,
finishing with a season-high 13
points.
Sophomore Samantha
Loadman contributed 10 points,
including two three-pointers
and three assists.
Freshman Abby Allen scored
a career-high seven points and
juniors Lindsay Whipkey and
Stevie Spetoskey finished out
the scoring with four points
apiece.
After winning big over
The Rock, the Lakers headed
to Indiana University of
Pennsylvania to take on the No.
12 Crimson Hawks on Saturday,
Jan. 17.
Despite all of the hard work
Mercyhurst put into the second
half, they were unable to close
the scoring gap created in the
first half of play.
Hoffman looks forward to
the rematch between the two
teams.
“I feel as though we didn’t
come out to play in the first
half,” Hoffman said.
“If we would have played the
January 21, 2009
people associate with the player.
For me, being a history major,
every jersey is a history lesson.
Some team wore that jersey
in the past, and did something
great, or something terrible, but
never should be forgotten.
Every jersey, and every
change to a team’s jersey, is a
snapshot, a time capsule of an
era, and therefore a connection
to another time.
So why do I do it?
I want to revive those
memories, to add to them and
to make sure that they never
die.
first half the way we played the
second half, it would have been
a totally different ball game. IUP
is a ranked team and is a very
good team as well; however, I
feel that it’ll be a different game
the next time we play them at
home.”
The 74-56 loss was the Lakers
first PSAC West loss and now
sits them at a 1-1 record in
PSAC play and 7-8 overall.
Although the Lakers have had
some unfortunate losses this
season, Mercyhurst has won
seven out of 14 games, equaling
its win total from 2007-08
season.
Many of the players are
improving each game, posting
game-high and career-high
records.
Prischak scored 983 points in
80 career games and is closing in
on 1,000 career points.
The Lakers are back on the
court tonight, Wednesday,
Jan. 21, playing cross-town
rivals, Edinboro University of
Pennsylvania, at Edinboro.
Tip off is scheduled for 5:30
p.m. and the Lakers hope to
pick up the win.
January 21, 2009 SPORTS Page 19

Cameron helps men’s hockey get back on track

By Brad Moehringer
Sports editor
The friendly confines of the
Mercyhurst College Ice Center seem
to be just what the men’s hockey team
needed to get back on track.
After getting swept last weekend by
Atlantic Hockey foe Army, the Lakers
returned home for another pair of
conference games against Sacred Heart
on Jan. 16 and Jan. 17.
Friday night’s game was a defensive
battle with plenty of hard hitting
and physical play to keep the fans
entertained.
Sophomore Scott Pitt started the
scoring for the Lakers in the first period
off a pass from senior Matt Pierce.
Sophomore Jeff Terminisi picked up
an assist on the goal.
The score remained 1-0 until the
second period when junior Chris Risi

Scoot Williams photo

Junior Chris Risi scores a goal against Sacred Heart at the men’s hockey
game this past weekend.

lit the lamp thanks to assists from
senior Brett Robinson and sophomore
goaltender Ryan Zapolski.
Two goals was all the offensive
support Zapolski needed as he made 30
saves and was just 53 seconds short of a
shutout, but still picked up the win.
Saturday night’s game was a one sided
affair headlined by sophomore Steve
Cameron.
Cameron picked apart the Sacred
Heart defense and found the back of
the net four consecutive times.
Cameron leads the Lakers with 15
Scoot Williams photo goals and 16 assists on the season.
Sophomore goalkeeper Ryan Zapolski protects the puck behind the net Sophomore Mike Gurtler added two
against Sacred Heart this past weekend.
goals and, sophomore Scott Pitt capped
off the scoring with his tenth goal of
the season to defeat the Pioneers 7-0.
Zapolski got the nod on Saturday
in goal, and he was solid once again
securing his seventh win of the season
and first shutout of the year.
Mercyhurst now stands at 9-12-2
overall and 7-6-2 in the conference.
The Lakers continue their nine-game
home stand this weekend with a pair
of games against the University of
Connecticut Huskies.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
for Friday and Saturday games at the
Mercyhurst College Ice Center.

Men’s basketball cools down after sizzling start

By Gary Coad
Staff writer
The Mercyhurst College
men’s basketball team cooled
off quickly after a smoking hot
start earlier this season.
The Lakers, who started
off the season on an 11 game
winning streak, have lost
three of their last four games,
including two losses on their
home court. This cold streak
comes at a pivotal point of the
season, the Pennsylvania State
Athletic Conference (PSAC)
regular season.
The Lakers are now 0-2 in
the PSAC with losses to
Slippery Rock University
and Indiana University of
Pennsylvania.
A lack of rebounding in the
Slippery Rock game led to the
loss, as the Lakers were out
rebounded 41 to 27.
During the IUP game there
was a clear lack of offense, as
the Lakers were held without a
basket for just under 10 minutes
in the second half.
These two events proved
to be the key in the respective
games. Possibly even worse
news is the Lakers were held
to a season low of 53 points by
Slippery Rock.
The Lakers set the season
low to 48 against IUP during
the next game. While this might
sound like bad news, the Lakers
have a chance to bounce back
with a win coming up this
week against cross town rival
Edinboro University.
The Lakers will be looking to
get into their previous form and
get back to their old winning
ways. The Lakers are 12-3 on
the season.
Page 20
Junior Neil Graham (24) levels a
Sacred Heart Pioneer on Jan. 16.
 Laker Sports

Punishing
the Pioneers
Lakers take two from Sacred Heart << Page 19
Scoot Williams photo
Caption on page 19