See Page 2.

From a petition submitted by McAuley freshmen to Residence Life. See Page 3.

‘Gasland’ director Dancers to Opinion: Baseball hopes

Josh Fox visiting perform in Proposed budget to turn winning
’Hurst to ‘Cinderella’ this cuts threaten streak into PSAC
discuss fracking weekend higher ed in Pa. championship

Page 2 Page 5 Page 6 Page 8

Page 2
SAC brings big changes to Spring Fest
By Joseph Pudlick
Contributing writer
A little more than a month ago,
the biggest surprise of the year at
Mercyhurst was exposed.
The headlining band for Spring
Fest, Plain White T’s, was unceremo-
niously announced when a student
fan of the band found Mercyhurst
listed on the band’s website.
Now, with just over a week until
the big event, Student Activities
Council (SAC) said that despite the
unexpected early announcement,
it still has many surprises up its
sleeves.
“Students were talking about
them before we were even talking
about it, which made us excited,”
said senior Char Lichtinger, the out-
going SAC Chair and major orga-
nizer of the event.
“In the past, most students have
said they want a bigger Spring Fest,
so I think this year we’re giving
them that.”
Working from student sug-
‘Gasland’ director to address Mercyhurst
By Stacy Skiavo
Staff writer
On Tuesday, May 3, Mercyhurst
College will welcome filmmaker
and Sun Dance Film Festival winner
Josh Fox on campus from 2 p.m. to
7 p.m.
Fox was asked to lease his land
located atop the Marcellus Shale
area in Milanville, Pa., to a natural
gas drilling company.
Leery about the idea, Fox decided
to check out other areas that had
agreed to the drilling. This research
turned into an award-winning doc-
umentary called “Gasland.” This
movie reveals the potential danger
of drilling, fracking and secrets that
many are unaware of.
Otherwise known as hydraulic
fracturing, fracking occurs when
chemicals and water are blended
together and forced at high pres-
sures into shale to create a ‘shake’
underneath the ground. Millions
of gallons of water are used in this
process which results in contamina-
tion of nearby drinking water.
gestions, SAC has a total of five
bands that will fill the Mercy-
hurst Athletic Center (MAC) on
Friday, May 6, the opening night
of Spring Fest. The list includes
Plain White T’s, Andy Grammar
and Parachute.
All the contracts have been
signed, and SAC is prepared to
make the formal band announce-
ment Wednesday night at 8:15 p.m.
at the Launch Party in the Hermann
Student Union. SAC is also bringing
in local band Romantic Era as well
as You Hang Up, featuring Frankie
Muniz.
“No matter what, people will
find something,” Lichtinger said.
“They’ll find one band that they
like.”
While students asked for bigger,
many students cited concerns about
five bands being too many, worry-
ing about waiting too long for the
headliner.
“It’ll be good to get some vari-
ety up on stage,” senior Joe Krajcik
said. “I can’t complain that it will be
a longer concert. Hopefully every-
one can enjoy at least one of the
The documentary shows resi-
dents of fracking areas who are
able to light their drinking water on
fire from the faucet, who develop
chronic illness symptoms and who
have pools of waste water killing
vegetation and cattle. Aside from
these issues, gas well blowouts
occurred that were typically covered
up by state and federal agencies.
Fox was asked by Assistant Pro-
fessor of Communications Anne
Zaphiris, Ph.D., to come and speak
at Mercyhurst.
“Quite frankly, I just asked. We
found a date that worked in his
schedule and for Mercyhurst,”
Zaphiris said.
Gasland will be shown, free of
charge for students and faculty, at
2 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre. Fol-
lowing the viewing, Fox will be in
the Hermann Student Union from
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to answer any ques-
tions from students and faculty
about the drilling controversy. To
end the evening, at 7 p.m. Fox will
return to Taylor Little Theatre to
speak to the campus and the Erie
community.
“Josh’s visit to campus will allow
NEWS
performers.”
“We’re trying very hard to make
sure that the turnover for bands is
quick; that is our main concern,”
Lichtinger said. “There will be
plenty of giveaways and things
going on in between to get students
excited and involved.”
To compensate for the large
number of bands, SAC will be
starting the show an hour earlier
this year, opening the doors at 6
p.m. and starting the show at 7
p.m. They’d like it to close around
11 p.m., according to SAC adviser
Sarah Allen.
“We’re not going to have the
show last until 2 a.m.,” Allen said.
The two-day event will continue
Saturday in the MAC. The theme
for the day’s events will be Laker
Luau, including a luau dancer per-
formance, popcorn, cotton candy,
Rita’s Italian Ice, a chocolate
fountain with fruit and the annual
Spring Fest BBQ held in Egan Caf-
eteria.
“Students who have an unlim-
ited meal plan will be able to eat
in Egan normally on that day,”
us to build knowledge and increase
awareness about a controversial
issue facing many communities. At
Mercyhurst, our overriding message
to students is to consider using their
talents for social good and positive
change,” Zaphiris said.
Residents like Zaphiris have been
working together on a campaign
called “Our Water Our Rights” to
prevent this from entering their
community.
Zaphiris is confident many from
North East will attend the event and
has been working hard with other
residents to promote awareness of
fracking and its consequences.
Zaphiris isn’t the only one cre-
ating awareness; her Principles of
Public Relations class is also pro-
moting the Josh Fox event to let
everyone know the importance of
attending.
“I plan on using word of mouth
as a prominent marketing strategy,
and we will target the teachers with
our goals so we can provide Josh
Fox with an audience,” sophomore
Nayah Nicholson said about how
she plans to do her part.
The Public Relations class is also
Lichtinger said. “All other students
will have to get a ticket on the day
of the event in the MAC to get the
free meal.”
SAC again responded to students’
opinions regarding activities.
“We’ve heard from people that
they do not like inflatables, so
we’ve tried to steer clear of inflat-
ables and go towards novelties,
which are the things that people
can walk away with,” Lichtinger
said.
SAC will bring back the carica-
ture artist who was at both ‘Hurst
Fest and Kids ‘N’ Sibs, a cash cube
with $500 that students can win
throughout the day, a high striker, a
tropical obstacle course, arts, crafts
and more.
Tickets are available to under-
graduate students in the Student
Union until Tuesday, May 3, from
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6
p.m. On May 4, tickets will be avail-
able to graduate students, faculty
and staff, and on May 5 students
can pick up guest tickets— one per
ID.
“We have to keep in mind that
using posters and emails around
campus to promote the event.
“I’m making an educational, infor-
mative video on Josh Fox and his
Sun Dance winning documentary,
Josh Fox, director of ‘Gasland,’ will be at Mercyhurst to
answer questions and spread awareness about fracking.
April 27, 2011
the concert is being paid for by the
Full-time Student Allotment fund,
which is paid through your student
activities fee,” Allen said. “So open-
ing it up and allowing as many cur-
rent students to attend as possible
is the only way we feel that is an
appropriate way to spend students’
money.”
“I think that the selection of
bands for Spring Fest is great. There
is something for everyone and the
variety is sure to please all music
critics. As a freshman, I have only
heard good things about Spring
Fest and am sure that it is going to
be lots of fun,” freshman Katie Jef-
fries said.
Tickets are available first-come,
first-serve, with 1,500 available.
More ticket information is available
at msg.mercyhurst.edu.
This evening, students can get a
taste of what’s to come at the Spring
Fest Launch Party, as Romantic
Era will perform in the Student
Union while SAC makes its formal
announcement of the weekend’s
activities.
Gasland,” junior John Weber said.
For more information about
fracking or the North East drill-
ing go to ourwaterourrights.org/
events/.
Contributed photo
April 27, 2011 NEWS Page 3

McAuley freshmen fight against damage fine

director and resident assistants was during the second week of to common areas (lounges, stair- “We do not know who did it,
By Kelly Luoma (RAs) asked the residents to bring spring term. wells, etc.) is assessed to the small- so it’s unfair to punish the floor
News editor forward any information regarding “The decision to fine the stu- est, most likely group of residents because we may all be innocent,”
who was responsible. The residents dents is a mutual decision between possible when it cannot be deter- Bott said.
were warned they may be charged housekeeping, maintenance and mined who caused the damage. Freshman Brett Ambrose was
Freshman students who live in if no one spoke up, according to residence life,” said Provenzano. Damage in a residence will be in Pittsburgh during the incident,
the south wing of the third floor of Assistant Director of Residence “The actual cost of the fine and assessed equally to all occupants but he is being fined the $30 as
McAuley Hall are still dealing with a Life and Student Conduct Jessica what it covered was to pay for the unless a statement is received by well.
flooding incident that occurred on Provenzano. outside contractor that was hired to the Residence Life Office indicat- Provenzano said she was not
Feb. 13. Since no one came forward with come in and extract the water from ing who is accepting responsibil- aware students were out of town
The flooding occurred after information, the residents of the the carpet.” ity.” when the flooding occurred.
someone clogged the sinks with wing were each charged $30. The Despite being warned of a fine, “When students sign their hous- Because the freshmen think
paper towels and left the water run- students were billed on March the students were not noti- ing contract they agree to this,” they are being punished unfairly,
ning. 16, which fied they were actually Provenzano said. Pelosi wrote a petition appeal-
A few days after this incident, being charged. The freshmen who are being ing the fine. Nineteen freshmen
the hall “The only reason I fined have an issue with being clas- from the south wing signed it.
found out was when I sified as the “most likely group of One student refused. He is the
went to financial ser- residents.” only one who paid the fine.
vices and they said “I don’t understand why we “I took the initiative of start-
u b le so m e there was a $30 charge,” would be charged for something we ing the petition,” said Pelosi.
d e n c e L ife, d e st a n d most tro e been freshman David Bott clearly have no benefit of doing,” “We were upset about being
Resi e wil hav
g b e e n k nown as th In years past there d partying. said. “My RA didn’t freshman Eric Pelosi said. charged $30 for something we
le y H a ll has lon h u rs t c ampus. , va n d a lism, an b e e n even know. So if they Bott questioned why his wing didn’t do.”
McA u e Merc y on, the ft year ha s
si d e n c e hall on th property destructi hurst students, this sing unit for are going to fine us, has to pay when these residents are Pelosi gave the petition to a
re
e o u s st o ries of o a m o n g Mercy a n d st a b le hou they might have the the ones who had to clean up the secretary in Residence Life on April
outrag still ech e a quie t
h il e th e se stories y H a ll h as becom o d in g in ci- decency to let us flooding. 6 because Provenzano was out of
W
e p ti o n . McAule la ss o f 2014. av e b e e n two flo a ry . In know they officially “There doesn’t seem to be town. No one has since contacted
the ex c f the C ere h Febru
e fr e sh m an boys o llent track record, th uring the month of jor surprise will be, instead of much reason as to why they chose him about it.
th
sp it e o f our exce of McAuley Hall d but it came as a ma just placing it on to fine us for the flooding,” said “A decision has not yet been
In or ce,
n ts o n th e third flo e seen commonpla m a ra d e rie, our bill.” Bott. “We were the ones who made on what will happen with the
d e may hav ics of c a
p a st th is b o y s. a ra c te ri st n tl y, th e Provenzano cited had to deal with the flooding the fine, which is why a response has
years men its ch seque
r th e c u rrent fresh often rivaled for er’s well-being. Con in essence, the student hand- most, as our hallway and some of not been granted yet,” Provenzano
fo
h e th ir d floor is a re fo r o ne anoth brotherhood was, book as justifica- the rooms were flooded. When said.
T ine c our
, and genu tent when the
cleanliness arked great discon . n t on de ck e a rl y
d
tion for the fine. it happened, we were the ones If a decision is not made soon,
d in g sp p e rs o n n d s w e w e ls a n According to who cleaned up most of it, with the freshmen who have not paid
floo own ll ha ered mop
s, to
y an unkn efforts, a ent
attacked b the wrecker’s best und 4 a.m. We gath ded hallway and w g the handbook, the help from some other kids on will be unable to register for fall
oo in
Despite Feb. 13 aro the water in our fl our rooms, includ “Damage done other floors.” term classes.
orning of p f
Sunday m e that could soak u sided, but many o ft inundated.
ls b le on
anything e ost of the water su afety’s offices, were assured that a pers re
. M lice a n d S w ere nd we e w
to work us and Po called maintenanc elp never arrived a
e, we
se b e lo w s h
tho Auley’s RA However, e
When Mc t over to assist us. cusable 36 hours. yhurst, on
u ld b e ri g h
fo r a n in e x se , in c lu ding Merc this. The
wo es e ri ha s
own devic llege on th event suc of
left to our average cost of co ills would cover an ay and the closure re
With th e re g u la r b h e d h a ll w th e e n ti
ur nc ry
eve that o rty, the dre sult to inju
would beli ur personal prope ough, but to add in e of $30.
o n fe ave
damage to m seemed harsh e ed with a damage floor, south wing h is
a th ro o s c h a rg th ir d in th
our b ing wa on the treated
ir d fl o o r, south w jority of residents lieve we were mis
th , the ma as we be -
As a result pay the $30 fee naïve fresh
e c id e d n o t to
n t. ra sh re b ellion from ancially and
d e a n
ndled incid actions as strug gle fi e should be
poorly ha you may view our including myself, e th a tw t
Althou g h ny of u s, o not a g re no benefi
c o n si d e r that ma Additionally, we d we clearly receive
men way. it as
o a long not comm and under-
see $30 g r a crime we did charge us
is h e d fo a ll w ay . c is io n to
pun wn h r de
ding our o nsider you
from floo insist that you reco
We must vances at hand.
grie
stand our g
South Win
e c tf u lly, H a ll T h ird Floor,
Resp ley
and McAu
Eric Pelosi

The above petition was signed by all the

freshmen who were charged except for one
student who paid the $30 fine.
Page 4
Mercyhurst celebrates Earth Day all year
By Lynn Dula
Staff writer
This past Friday marked the 41st
celebration of Earth Day. Students
and faculty at Mercyhurst College
have created a special way of cel-
ebrating by participating in a week-
long celebration and also by taking
part in green initiatives throughout
the entire year.
This year’s Earth Day cel-
ebration focused on reducing our
impact on the planet with the
slogan “Lose Your Footprint.”
Events included a showing of the
movie “No Impact Man” in the
PAC on April 13, a Local Products
Fair on April 15 and culminated
with the 2011 Sister Maura Smith
Earth Day Lecture.
This year’s lecture guest was
Edith Widder, Ph.D., who is the
chief executive, president and
senior scientist of the Ocean
Research & Conservation Asso-
ciation (ORCA) in Fort Pierce,
Fla. Widder gave a lecture titled
“Exploring and Protecting Planet
Ocean,” where she discussed her
work to fight pollution and learn
more about the deep oceans.
“Ninety-nine percent of the
available living space on our planet
Public Speaking Club to host ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’
By Chris James
Contributing writer
Mercyhurst’s Public Speaking
Club will be hosting its own ver-
sion of the show “Whose Line Is It
Anyway?” on Thursday.
The group will hold the event
in Taylor Little Theatre and stu-
dents and faculty will have the
opportunity to show off their
improv skills. Volunteers will
separate into teams and per-
form sketches from episodes
of the popular television show.
President of the Public Speaking
Club, Brandon Miller, is excited
for the event.
“I was trying to think of a way
to incorporate public speaking and
improvisation,” he says.
The Public Speaking Club is a
relatively new club but Miller hopes
it will become more popular in the
following years.
The club itself works to help
is water, and yet we know so little
about the deep oceans because we
rarely see them with our own eyes,”
she said.
Widder is a specialist in the
phenomenon of biolumines-
cence. Her presentation shared
highlights of her oceanographic
research and deep sea discover-
Edith Widder, Ph.D. was the guest speaker for the 2011 Sister
Maura Smith Earth Day Lecture.
members become, oddly enough,
better public speakers.
“Our meetings are focused
around impromptu speaking. We
give people topics, and then we give
them a minute or two to talk about
them,” Miller says.
But the club does more than its
name basically implies.
“We’ve had public speakers
come in to talk, and we give mem-
bers the opportunity to present
class presentations ahead of time
for practice and suggestions,”
Miller says. This is meant to pro-
vide constructive criticism and
help students improve.
Miller says the event has already
received interest.
“Usually, the people that I have
talked to are split half and half.
Some are really excited to try it and
others are excited to see it,” Miller
says.
The event will have teams of two
to four people who will do skits
from the show.
FEATURES
ies, including the discovery of
a new species of squid with her
“Eye-in-the-Sea” (EITS). She also
discussed ORCA’s work to create
technology to map pollution in
the waters of our planet.
The college’s Sustainability
Award was also presented before
the lecture. This year’s recipient was
Ethan Magoc photo
“We have about 18 skits thought
up already,” Miller said.
One of these skits will have
students providing voiceovers for
muted videos in an attempt to
create an interesting and funny
scene. The skits will last a few min-
utes each.
April 27, 2011
How do you try
Michael Campbell, Ph.D., professor to “go green” to
of biology.
For those who missed out help the
on this year’s Earth Day events,
there are still two chances to get
environment?
involved. On Saturday, there will
be a Hike for Haiku, a guided
hike which will feature wildflow-
ers, edible plants and writing your
own haiku poetry. In addition, the
Pedal for the Planet Duathlon will
take place on May 7 at Presque
Isle.
And Mercyhurst remains focused
“I reuse everything I
on becoming greener year-round.
The Mercyhurst Green Team can, keep my
commits itself to projects and consumption down to
activities that it says are intended to
a minimum and when I
“envision a sustainable future-that
is, one in which all human societ- do buy something, I try
ies can live healthy and productive and buy it local.”
lives without compromising the
-Hannah Beck,
ability of future generations to do
the same.”
sophomore
Recent projects have included
installing two Earth Tubs for com-
posting, a 100 percent update of
all light bulbs and lighting systems
in residence halls and apartments,
as well as a 95 percent update of
all lighting systems throughout
campus. In addition, all electricity
used on campus comes from wind-
powered turbines, a renewable
“I don’t buy plastic
energy source.
water bottles anymore, I
carpool as much as pos-
sible and I only use the
AC in my car when I’m
The event will run from 7 to 9 on the freeway.”
p.m. Thursday. If you would like -Juliana Franks, junior
to register a team or get more
information, contact Brandon
Miller.
“When I give gifts for
birthdays and such,
at least for my closer
friends, I make them
presents and cards
rather than give in to
over-consumption and
buying nonsense mate-
rial things.”
-Adam Ferrari,
sophomore
April 27, 2011
Dancers celebrate National Dance Week
By Sarah Mastrocola
Staff writer
Each spring, dancers across the
country observe National Dance
Week, a celebration of the beauty
and power of dance to enrich lives.
This year, National Dance Week
runs from April 22 through May 1.
The mission of National Dance
Week, according to the organiza-
tion’s official website, is “to encour-
age the growth and development
of dance in America by raising the
public consciousness to the values,
importance and contributions of
dance to our daily lives and cul-
ture.”
First formed in 1981 through a
small grassroots movement, the
Coalition for National Dance Week
now calls upon dancers, teachers
and dance lovers across the nation
to ensure that dance receives the
recognition it deserves as an art
form.
“It is a time when dancers can
demonstrate to the world at large
that dance is not just an art form
but that it also requires hard work,
dedication and athleticism,” said
senior and Nu Delta Alpha Presi-
dent Jessica Borowczyk.
Liturgical Dance Ensemble
‘Cinderella’ sure
to entertain families
By Emma Rishel
Staff writer
This weekend, the Mercyhurst
dancers will present “Cinderella,”
the well-known fairy tale based on
the French folk tale, “The Little
Glass Slipper.”
Performances are Saturday at 2
and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at
the Performing Arts Center
There will also be a special pre-
view performance on Friday at 4
p.m., with all tickets just $5 and only
balcony seats available.
Dance department chair and
artistic director Tauna Hunter is
excited to be closing the depart-
ment’s season with this ballet since
they haven’t presented it since
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Various groups within the dance department wiil participate in activities promoting dance.
President Christine Wilbur said of
National Dance Week, “This week
and its events can help to spread
awareness that dance is a highly
sophisticated art form.”
The National Dance Week web-
site suggests such activities as hold-
ing a performance, hosting a charity
dance-a-thon or presenting lecture
2000.
“We are excited to bring it to life
once again for the Erie community.
I consider this the best way for
families to introduce dance to their
children,” Hunter said.
Those not familiar with classical
ballets are sure to enjoy “Cinder-
ella” because not only is everyone
familiar with the story, but it is full
of comedy, a bit of suspense and
brings a happy ending.
Because all of the acting is done
in mime, the actions of the step-
sisters are exaggerated and all the
more amusing.
The four season fairies, along
with the fairy godmother, add a
magical touch to transform Cin-
derella into the mysterious princess
who appears at the ball, captivating
demonstrations in local schools,
among other options, as possible
means of celebrating the event.
This year, the Mercyhurst Dance
Department in conjunction with
Dance Club will be recognizing
National Dance Week in its unique
way.
Dance Club is hosting a cloth-
the prince’s heart.
The three-act ballet, set to the
music of Sergei Prokofiev, is a per-
fect length for families and younger
children.
After each performance, a few
characters will come out to the
lobby to meet audience members,
sign autographs and take photos.
Seniors Christopher Taddiken
and Nicole Lyons will dance their
final performances as Mercyhurst
students as the prince and Cinder-
ella.
The roles of the stepsisters,
hilariously portrayed by seniors
Sarah Mastrocola and Claire Hinde,
are sure to keep audience members
laughing.
Tickets are available by calling 824-
3000 or visiting the PAC box office.
Tyler Stauffer photo
ing exchange in which dancers can
swap dancewear as well as donate
dancewear to be given to under-
privileged students.
They also created a specially
dedicated observation area outside
Palmer Studio in the Dancespace to
encourage passersby to watch the
dancing happening inside.
Senior music recitals are
learning experience for all
By Alex Stacey
A&E editor
Every student who is a major
in the D’Angelo Department of
Music is required to present a senior
recital.
Any student who has chosen to
declare a performance degree has
to present both a junior and senior
recital.
Junior Marie Karbacka presented
a recital in early April. She says the
most rewarding part of having a
junior recital was “to go through
the recital process once before my
big senior recital.
“It helps to understand the time
and effort that go into something
like this. I’m really excited to learn
new repertoire and present it next
year,” Karbacka said.
Most recitals are presented in the
Page 5
A dance-themed display has
been erected in the Hammermill
Library entrance area as well to
provide information about dance
to the general campus community.
The National Dance Week activ-
ities at Mercyhurst culminate with
the Dance Department’s perfor-
mance of the classical ballet “Cin-
derella,” a production for which
the dancers have been rehearsing
all throughout spring term.
Moreover, dancers will be
appearing on campus in costume
to distribute flyers with informa-
tion on both National Dance Week
and the upcoming performance of
“Cinderella.”
Still in honor of National Dance
Week, though outside the actual
week of celebration, both Dance
Club and the Nu Delta Alpha
Dance Honor Society will be host-
ing open master classes in May.
These classes include a tap class
taught by Kelly Stolar of Kristin’s
Dance Company and a swing dance
class instructed by Geoff and
Carrie Bach of City Style Swing.
Whether a dancer or simply a
dance lover, National Dance Week
is the perfect time to reflect on the
importance of dance in our culture
and the worth of the arts in gen-
eral for inspiring and transforming
lives.
spring. They represent a complete
four years worth of repertoire and
skills the student has learned.
Not only are they an opportunity
for the featured student to exemplify
everything they have learned while
studying at the music school, but
student recitals also give a chance
for younger students to watch their
peers and learn from colleagues.
It is a great way to be exposed
to repertoire, to watch performance
practices and overall musicality.
Sometimes, merely supporting stu-
dents and classmates makes attend-
ing worthwhile.
“Attending recitals in the spring
provides me with a living example
of what comes from four years of
work in developing your craft as
an artist here at Mercyhurst,” said
freshman Natalie Pertz.
To read the complete version of this
article, visit merciad.mercyhurst.edu/
arts_entertainment.
Page 6
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.
Education in jeopardy
By Caitlin Handerhan
Staff writer
A few weeks ago, I received a call
to speak on behalf of the Young
Democrats at a union solidarity
rally in my hometown of Mercer.
Organized on behalf of the
teacher’s union, rally organizers
wanted to incorporate youth into
their message of solidarity because
education and education funding
are crucial for the future of this
country’s youth.
Standing before an assembled
crowd of approximately 300 teach-
ers and other union tradesmen, I
could feel a sense of urgency puls-
ing throughout the crowd. Newly
elected Republican Gov. Tom Cor-
bett proposed a budget that severely
cuts funding to Pennsylvania public
education to the tune of $1.2 bil-
lion, and the impact of these cuts
are already being felt.
Mercyhurst club offers safe
haven to LGBT students
By Mike Lado
Staff writer
On April 15, high schools and
colleges around the nation observed
a day of silence in protest of bully-
ing lesbian, gay, bisexual, or trans-
gender students.
LGBT people are everywhere.
We are students, doctors, lawyers,
teachers, professors. Why am I
telling you all of this? As society
becomes more accepting of LGBT
people, bullying and hate declines.
Still, there is still a long fight ahead.
The day of silence helped us
remember LGBT teens who have
taken their own lives. Gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender students
hear anti-gay slurs about 26 times
a day, or every 14 minutes on aver-
Many school districts have
already released furlough notices
and are cutting teachers— not the
kind of job market you want to step
into if you are an education major
right now. The assembled teachers
were outraged at such preposterous
cuts in an already laughable budget,
and they had a right to be.
Though these teachers are under-
standably upset with this draconian
budget, they are not entirely the
victims in this instance. Despite the
PSEA’s endorsement of the Demo-
cratic gubernatorial candidate in the
last election, 81 percent of PSEA
members voted against their union
and supported Republican Tom
Corbett. Does something seem
wrong with this picture? Teach-
ers and other union members will
need to turn out in the next election
and remember that their vote could
mean their job.
It seems as though many in
this demographic fell victim to
the tea party and anti-incumbent
rhetoric that swept the nation last
age. Suicide is one of the leading
causes of deaths of LGBT stu-
dents. Back in October, a series of
suicides among gay teenagers sent
shockwaves through the nation and
propelled bullying among LGBT
teenagers onto the national stage.
Although the day of silence for
the most part went unobserved at
Mercyhurst, there are still oppor-
tunities to get involved and help
LGBT people realize there is a
better world out there. As a gay
student on campus, I find refuge in
Mercyhurst College’s Gay Straight
Alliance (GSA). Run by faculty
advisor Richard McCarty, Ph.D.,
of the religious studies department
and co-presidents Mark Ennis and
Erin Lindell, they and a number of
other students have built a RSCO
for LGBT students and their allies.
When I go to a GSA meeting,
OPINION April
September 27, 2011
3, 2008
November. Hoisting flags bearing
The Good
Relay For Life will take place outside the
the slogan “Don’t Tread on Me,”
these right-wingers preached fiscal
Hermann Student Union this Saturday from 1
accountability and less govern- p.m. to 1 a.m. The event will help raise money
ment spending. While there is cer- for cancer awareness and research.
tainly less spending, as evidenced
by Corbett’s budget proposal, the
economic benefits they so direly The Bad
wished for are further from sight Maintenance crews are cleaning around
than ever. the sidewalks on campus. There are
We are in an era of Republican
puddles of mud everywhere!
politics where corporations are
paying little to no taxes despite
record profit. Many in the middle The Ugly
class are facing unbeatable eco-
Students have been coming down with
nomic odds, and it is no wonder
that people are now motivated to
the respiratory flu. With only three
rally in solidarity for sensible eco- weeks left, there is no time to be sick.
nomic policies.
As I stood in front of the crowd,
ready to begin my speech, I noticed
a teacher holding a sign that said
“SOS: Save Our Schools.” If con-
servative politics continue through
the next election as usual, it is not
just our schools that will need
saving. It may be our souls, as well.
If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen.
Editors Positions @mercyhurst.edu
Ethan Magoc Editor-in-Chief editormerciad
Kelly Luoma News Editor newsmerciad
Alaina Rydzewski
Victoria Gricks
Spencer Hunt
Features Editor
Opinion Editor
Sports Editor
featuremerciad
opinionmerciad
sportsmerciad
I feel safe because I am around Alex Stacey A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad
people like me. The Mercyhurst Kaitlin Badger Graphics photomerciad
GSA is special, largely because the
Tyler Stauffer Photo Editor photomerciad
college has a Catholic denomina-
Ethan Johns Web Editor ejohns89
tion. For most Catholic schools, a
Gay Straight Alliance is a no-no.
Daniela Carcamo Ad Manager admerciad
Bill Welch Adviser wwelch
But since we at Mercyhurst College
Brian Sheridan Adviser bsheridan
are socially merciful, we are able
to have a Gay Straight Alliance on
campus. And I hope it will continue
to exist in the future.
LGBT people can go on to do
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst
great things. There are faculty and College. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of
finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is
staff on campus like Dr. McCarty
who have proven that LGBT people (814) 824-2376.
can advance in society. Also, there
are young people like Mark and
Erin who will also do the same.
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
If you are LGBT or just want to
be an ally, come to a GSA meeting letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters
and meet some cool, friendly people
who just want to be accepted for
are due Mondays. by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit
letters to box PH 485 or via e-mail at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
who they are.
April 27, 2011 Sports Page 7

Women’s lacrosse seeks redemption in PSAC playoffs

for us,” Pilson said. teams that likely stand in their way:
By Spencer Hunt Senior defender Maggie Yackel Bloomsburg, West Chester, and
Sports editor agreed with her coach’s assessment, either Gannon or Lock Haven.
but feels the Lakers are coming into The Lakers have a shot at redemp-
their own. After the Lock Haven tion, a theme they will be repeating
For most teams, a 12-5 record
loss, the Lakers finished the regu- the playoffs. Each team the Lakers
is respectable. For the Mercyhurst
lar season at 3-1 despite a stinging will face beat them during the regu-
women’s lacrosse team, it is disap-
double-overtime loss to Gannon. lar season. Bloomsburg was the first
pointing.
“We feel like we are peaking at step.
After a 16-2 mark last season,
the right time. We feel like we can “Redemption will be out mantra
this season brought a few bumps in
beat anyone,” Yackel said. around here this week, with poten-
the road, beginning with a 12-9 loss
This season’s schedule has been tially three games against teams we
to Limestone.
different than in years past. This lost to during the year,” Pilson said.
Coach Cecil Pilson, like the rest
year, there is no East and West divi- For the Lakers, the road to
of the team, had high expecta-
sion. Every team played each other redemption began Tuesday at
tions going into the year. The team
once throughout the year, mean- Bloomsburg. With a final score of
welcomed back its top two scor-
ing the conference tournament 13-10, the Lakers achieved their
ers from last season in junior Ally
will be the second time the Lakers first goal of this postseason.
Keirn and senior Kim Masterton,
meet Bloomsburg, their first round The Lakers once again had a
and had a promising group of
opponent. strong game from their stars, Keirn
incoming freshman.
With teams only getting one and Masterton. Keirn landed the
Behind the strong play of Keirn Ethan Magoc photo
Coach Cecil Pilson, above, and the women’s lacrosse team crack at each other, it has amped up first goal of the game five minutes
and Masterton, the Lakers rallied
had a down year by their standards. The Lakers hope to the competition level. Each team into the game en route to a four
off seven straight victories after the
redeem themselves in the PSAC tournament. realizes they only have one shot to goal and three assist game. Master-
opening loss. But the team hit a lull
earn wins in conference. ton added four assists, while sopho-
right in the middle of the year.
said. “We hit a funk in the middle by nine goals. Still, the low point of “We feel like every year Blooms- more Kayla Minner added three
The seven-game streak was
of the year with West Chester and the season was yet to come. burg is a very tough game. Whoever goals of her own.
snapped with a 16-10 loss to West
Bloomsburg.” The Lakers suffered their worst shows up that day will win,” Pilson The Lakers look to continue their
Chester followed by an 11-9 loss to
The Lakers rallied back from the defeat of the year, a 17-1 pounding added. play-off run against top-seeded
Bloomsburg.
two losses with a commanding vic- by Lock Haven. The Lakers need three victories West Chester Friday, April 29, at 1
“This year has been tougher than
tory over East Stroudsburg, winning “Lock Haven was an eye-opener to become PSAC champions. The p.m. in West Chester.
most to get into a rhythm,” Pilson
Page 8 Sports April 27, 2011

Baseball looks to turn winning streak into PSAC title

said.
By Spencer Hunt Behind Aschley, who holds a 6-1
Sports editor overall record, and Nick Gillung, 7-
2, the Lakers have had outstanding
pitching to this point. Offensively,
No one expects beautiful weather
senior Kevin McCall and junior
in Erie during college baseball
Shane Latshaw have been excellent
season, but the weather this spring
all season long.
has certainly proven worse than
For the seniors, this is their last
expected.
run at a championship.
“This is easily the worst weather
“We have a light atmosphere,
we have had since I’ve been here,
we like to have fun but we stay
and that’s 14 years,” coach Joe
focused,” said senior pitcher Thur-
Spano said.
man Schaetzle. “These last few
Despite the weather, the Mer-
games are all winnable, and that will
cyhurst baseball team has played
help us have momentum going for-
quite well. The team got off to an
ward.”
exceptionally hot start, opening the
The Lakers certainly have
season with an 11-3 record. Coinci-
momentum; note the 10-game win-
dentally, these 14 games were played
ning streak. But postseason success
in the sunny locales of Florida and
is a whole different demon.
North Carolina.
The Lakers aren’t looking too
The Lakers were 13-3 before
far ahead just yet, with six still to
they had to play in the rough Erie
play. The team can make it 11 or
weather.
12 straight wins in Friday’s home
The team managed to go only 8- Ethan Magoc photo
doubleheader against Slippery
6 over its next 14 games, including
Senior Jonathan Keppler and the baseball team have won 10 straight games, with only six Rock.
6-6 in the tough PSAC West.
remaining. This weekend’s two-game series against Slippery Rock could land the Lakers the “This is our last chance to do
“This has been an exciting season
No. 1 spot in the PSAC West heading into the postseason. something. We have the talent for
because everyone is having their
is in and out of the playoffs until being doubleheaders, we need to in any deep playoff run. a national championship,” said
best year in the PSAC,” Spano said.
the last day of the season, with only stay focused mentally,” Spano said. “We gel together a lot more than Schaetzle, son of the football team’s
With the PSAC playoffs only a
five games separating first and last To date, the team is 31-9 overall last year, and everyone is behind coach. “Look at football. They got
few weeks away, conference games
place. and is rolling on a 10-game winning each other both on and off the (conference) rings, and I want one
are extremely important down the
“With four of the final six games streak. Chemistry plays a major role field,” junior pitcher Erik Aschley for myself.”
stretch. The team won’t know who

Athletes miss breaks to pursue success Men’s lacrosse

tops No. 1
“It doesn’t make a difference to The soccer team comes in around
By Billy Colton
Contributing writer
me that we never have spring break two to three weeks before fall term Limestone
because of lacrosse,” Masterton begins, missing the last few weeks
said. of summer. The Mercyhurst men’s
The main reason for this is that “I like coming in early. We train lacrosse team defeated then No.
Breaks are a time for everyone to
the team is very close, and they can twice a day with all the boys, which 1 ranked Limestone this past
go home and relax and see family
do what they want on spring break is great fun, meet all the new play- Saturday.
and friends, as well as get away from
after their college years are past. ers, and it’s a good way to get ready The Lakers won by a score
college. For everyone, that is, except
“It’s a good experience and many for the season because there are no of 12-8 for their first victory
athletes.
memories–good and bad–have distractions,” said Gage, a graduate over a No. 1 ranked opponent
Every team has a time during
come out of team spring break student. since beating Dowling in 2007.
the year when they miss out on a
trips,” Masterton said. During fall preseason, although The victory over Limestone
break. This means staying around
Masterton also thinks athletes the team is only training twice a day, has propelled the team to third
on a quiet campus, practicing and
understand that missing breaks is there is not really much free time. in the men’s Division II coaches
preparing for an upcoming game or
essential to success. It doesn’t matter that the campus poll released Tuesday.
tournament.
“There is so much preparation is empty. The Lakers hope to add to
Women’s lacrosse just experi-
that needs to happen in order to get “Whenever we’re not training, their 9-2 record with only three
enced this with Easter as they had
Ethan Magoc photo ready for the upcoming season or we’re either sleeping or eating. It’s games remaing. Fortunately, all
a game on Saturday, which they
Senior Kim Masterton is game, and we need all the time we all about preparing properly for the three games will be played at
won, 12-11, against Indiana (Pa.).
putting all the extra work can get, whether we want it or not,” next session,” Gage said. home.
Kimberly Masterton, a senior on
to good use, leading the Masterton said. Masterton looks to make all the Next up for the Lakers is No.
the lacrosse team, has never expe-
women’s lacrosse team with Men’s soccer player Oliver Gage, hard work pay-off as the women’s 7 New York Tech this Saturday
rienced a spring break in the four
53 goals and 76 total points. agrees that the preparation required lacrosse team moves on to the semi- at 1 p.m. at Tullio Field.
years she has been here.
warrants missing out on breaks. finals of the PSAC tournament.
This, though, doesn’t bother her.