By Zach Dorsch
Photo editor Sean Sickmund, a former Mercyhurst University sophomore, was charged earlier this month in Buffalo, N.Y., on federal charges of attempting to convince a 14-year-old girl to send him pornographic pictures of herself over the Internet. Sickmund was allegedly not talking to a 14-year-old girl, but to U.S. Homeland Security Agent Edward J. Williams posing on the Internet as the girl, according to federal court records. According to those court records, Sickmund has been accused of asking for pornographic images and of discussing traveling from Erie to Jamestown, N.Y., to have sex with her. Additionally, he has been accused of asking the actual 14-year-old girl in 2012 for pornographic images of herself. The Homeland Security agent later posed as this girl. Charges were ofcially brought against Sickmund on Friday, March 8. If convicted, Sickmund faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison. During the investigation, Mercyhurst University Police & Safety provided the federal agency with Sickmunds on-campus address in order for them to serve the warrant, Police & Safety Chief Robert Kuhn said. The federal agents arrested Sickmund off-campus, when he went shopping, Kuhn said. In a case like this, it is Chief Kuhns job to establish if there is any threat to the university community as well as keep ResLife and the administration well informed of what is happening in the investigation, university ofcials explained to The Merciad. Sickmund attended Mercyhurst until March 11, university ofcials said. He was a sophomore business major and mens lacrosse player, they said. He withdrew from the university after he was charged with trying to obtain child pornography, university ofcials said.
I wouldnt want this incident to mar any of the other wonderful events that have happened at Mercyhurst.
Mark Gregorio
The federal investigation began Friday, March 1, after the 14-year-old girl approached the federal agent, according to court records. According to the records, the girl explained that Sickmund had been asking her for self-produced pornographic images over a 12-month period. She was 13 years old at that time. According to Associate Vice President of Student Life Laura Zirkle, Ph.D., this type of incident has not occurred at Mercyhurst before. This is the rst time I am aware of that someone was arrested or charged for any misuse of the Internet on Mercyhursts campus, Zirkle said. This case is not expected to affect the universitys reputation, however. I dont believe this will have much effect on the university because this case was brought up externally, Zirkle said. Director of Marketing and Public Relations Mark Gre-
Sean Sickmund has been charged with trying to obtain child pornography from a 14-year-old girl.
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gorio added, I wouldnt want this particular incident to mar any of the other wonderful events that have currently happened at Mercyhurst.
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NEWS
I love trying to make things happen for the school and represent the student body as a whole.
Junior Amber Penna
More informed RSCOs lead to better events, more ways for students to get involved, and a better campus life for all of us here at Mercyhurst, Miller said. Taylor intends to make the budgeting process smoother and easier for RSCOs by using Facebook to provide faster interaction and take them through the
nancial process in small groups. I want to x anything that is broken with the current system, while making the process as easy as possible, Taylor said. In addition to the positions of president, vice president, and treasurer, the MSG executive board has three appointed positions, which include a Student Activities Council (SAC) chair, a MSG event coordinator and a PR coordinator. Following the election, the newly elected Executive Board members will appoint eligible applicants to these positions. To vote in the upcoming election, use the ballot delivered to you via your school email account. Voting opened at noon on Tuesday, March 19, and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 21.
NEWS
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school, Rubino said. Regardless, he is excited by the challenge his new job presents because he will be working to bond together all of the schools external factors in a better way. In the case of private institutions like Mercyhurst, this includes nding ways to raise revenue other than by raising tuition. When asked if anyone else was in consideration for the position, Rubino said, I dont think so because it was done internally. Had it been done externally, there would have been.
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Police Log
Friday, March 15 Sexual harassment Warde Hall Referred for discipline Saturday, March 16 Liquor law violation Lot #1 Referred for discipline
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Pope Francis graces the public at his inauguration Mass at the Vatican.
Piszker believes that Pope Francis will set a new style for the papacy which is already becoming evident. He is a very simplistic man, and a champion for the poor, which I think he will emphasize this social justice teaching throughout his papal rule. Senior religious studies major Tess Sinke agrees, stating that he has proven to be an advocate for the poor, and I think he will continue to do so throughout his time at the Vatican. At a press conference on Saturday the pope highlighted his intentions to work closely with the poor, indicating it should extend beyond charity work and mission trips stating, How much I would like a poor church, for the poor. Many are looking at Pope Francis to address the major concerns surrounding the Catholic Church and he is already making notable changes. The pope is known for his brief, sincere homilies lled with wisdom. At Mass on Sunday the pope said The message of Jesus is mercy, for me, and I say this with humility, mercy is the strongest message of the Lord.
Saturday, March 16 Liquor law, DUI, reckless endangerment Preston Dr. Referred for discipline Sunday, March 17 Public intoxication Lot #15 Referred for discipline Monday, March 18 Larceny Hirt Referred for discipline
FEATURES
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service, justice, and faith. Archbishop Oscar Romero is a profound modern example of someone incarnating these values in a remarkable manner, demonstrating his commitment to the very end, said Forsthoefel. He spoke the truth, he accepted the price for it, and did not make his choices based on personal safety or regard. Forsthoefel said winners of this award demonstrate the same intensity as Romero. The intensity is a lifelong commitment to the justice and dignity of the human person. To display this quality in todays society is certainly challenging. People tend to put a premium on power and wealth that can sometimes even challenge the Church. So, the Romero award can afrm the prophet in the Christian community, calling us to afrm our deepest, truest values and our best and noblest humanity, Forsthoefel said. If you would like to know more about the Romero award, Sister Mary Lou Kownacki, or about Archbishop Oscar Romero himself, please contact Forsthoefel at tforsthoefel@mercyhurst.edu or at 814-824-2353.
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Wheaton holds his published eBook, The Poor Mans Guide to Weird and Unusual Video Games.
You can blame Professor McKenzie for that, Wheaton said. Having the science background helps with the problem solving we do in communications. While Wheaton is not sure if he knows enough about geology to write a book about it, he will continue to write about other topics. He also aspires to work in the communication eld or in the gaming or toy industry. I would like to market and promote games, said Wheaton, I also understand what it takes to develop a game but that is no longer my focus. The Poor Mans Guide to Weird and Unusual Video Games is only available for the Amazon Kindle at the moment, but Wheaton said it might be published as a hard copy in the future. Amazon makes it easy to self-publish. It depends on how popular the book gets on Amazon if I publish it otherwise, Wheaton said. If you dont have a Kindle, dont worry. Kindle apps can be downloaded on computers, phones and iPads. Wheaton paused when asked about his advice for other writers. If you feel like you want to write or do whatever you want to do, do it in the best way that you can, said Wheaton. At least you can say youve done it. Do you want to look back and say I wish I would have?
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FEATURES
yellow Labrador mix, who used to be an aid dog before she was put up for adoption. She is an amazing animal and I love spending time with her, Swope said. Swope has two daughters who live in the Erie area, and she described her daughters as her best friends. This additional information about Swope should come to no surprise, because her friendliness is consistently transparent whether she is at home or on the job. I truly love all the students. They are what make my day. I look at each student as my own, said Swope. I would want someone to be nice to my girls, so I always try and be as friendly as I can. Swopes genuine smile and loving attitude is something that truly makes a difference on campus, and we are lucky to have her.
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Contributed photo
The Marriage of Figaro will be performed in English this weekend in the Performing Arts Center. Senior Devon Meddock plays Susanna who eagerly waits to be married to her beloved, Figaro.
Count Almaviva (senior Matthew Tolbert) is outraged to nd Cherubino (junior Kathleen Reveille) hidden in a womans room.
Stories are twisted, and deals are made and broken among other characters in this embodiment of love and betrayal. Senior Eric Delagrange, playing the role of Figaro, says that the cast has taken many risks in order to nd themselves within these roles. Not only is our cast full of brilliant musicians, but we have analyzed the nature of our characters, and their relationships amongst each other, said Delagrange. It takes a lot of inner searching to create a show where the audience becomes completely invested in the actions we perform on stage. Earning student roles as prominent as these is not an easy task, and it takes a major amount of hard work and dedication to prepare for the shows. This opera has denitely been an experience I will never forget. It hasnt been an easy process but it has been a learning experience, everyday, I think for all of us, senior Kirstan Orgel said.
This opera is performed in English, but also has two particularly well-known arias kept in Italian. This production of The Marriage of Figaro is produced and directed by Louisa Jonason, chair of the music department, with the help of her assistant director, James Bobick. Performers are certain that the audience will be captivated in this comedic opera. Sophomore Alexa Zeremenko earned the role of the countess. I am very excited to perform this opera this weekend. Its denitely not a show to miss, Zeremenko said. The Marriage of Figaro has two evening performances on Friday and Saturday, March 22, and 23, at 8 p.m., as well as a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, March 24. Tickets are available at the door as well as in advance from the Mary DAngelo Performing Arts Center box ofce. For more information, contact the PAC at (814) 824-3000.
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Senior Kirstan Orgel, also cast as Susanna, performs the role on the Friday night and Sunday matinee performances.
Online
www.merciad.mercyhurst. edu/arts_entertainment
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Flute Force, shown here, preformed at Walker Recital Hall on Monday, March 18.
LA ROCHE
SUMMER COLLEGE
Free housing Discounted tuition Three, five, six, eight and 10-week sessions On-site and online courses
laroche.edu
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ocal L Events
Wednesday, March 20:
7 p.m. Director Mark Kitchell & A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet Walker Recital Hall 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Global Gifts Fair Student Union
Taylor Little Theatre Friday, March 22, at 2:15 p.m. & 7:15 p.m. $6 for adults, $5 for students/seniors $4 for presidents card holders and FREE for Mercyhurst students (with ID)
Language: French with English subtitles
2:15 p.m. & 7:15 p.m. Ai Weiwei Never Sorry Taylor Little Theatre 8 p.m. The Marriage of Figaro Performing Arts Center
1-4 p.m. St. Baldricks Fundraiser Molly Brannigans 1-4 p.m. & 6-9 p.m. Wine on the Lake Bayfront Convention Center 7 p.m. Erie BayHawks Erie Insurance Arena 8 p.m. Star Wars and Beyond Pop Series Warner Theatre 8 p.m. The Marriage of Figaro Performing Arts Center
Dates are:
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The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
OPINION
Crazy behavior is usually expected on St. Paddys Day. Compared to last year, however, Mercyhurst students were relatively calm since the weather prevented a party on Lewis Avenue. This may be unfortunate for students, but administration was able to breathe easy.
By Angela Sbroglia
Contributing writer
Students have been noticing HurstMakeouts following them on Twitter and advertising itself as the ofcial twitter for all of the PDA at Mercyhurst University. While these types of Twitter accounts are common among universities nationwide, many Mercyhurst students are offering criticism against it. As if friends posting pictures on Facebook wasnt bad enough, now strangers get to share makeout pictures on Twitter. Fortunately, HurstMakeouts has yet to tweet anything.
Hey, you. You know what time is coming up, dont you? The time to vote for student ofcers is right around the corner. Im writing to tell you a little information about my friend, Brooke Miller, and why she would make a great treasurer for the 2013-2014 school year. Not only is she hard working, but she also dedicates herself to bringing new and exciting ideas to Mercyhursts campus in more ways than one. She also does her very best to address student questions in addition to reassuring student input makes it back to the Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) board. Through dedicating a large amount of her time to Mercyhursts student government, she has accumulated ideal characteristics that would be very benecial in a treasurer position. If you dont want to take my word for it, approach her yourself and youll see she has the ability to do an exceptional job. Make sure to vote Brooke Miller for treasurer.
Today, grade point average (GPA) is considered to be the standard and reliable measurement of a students character and intelligence as a predictor of future success in the real world setting. GPA certainly reects a students commitment to the class as well as his or her grasp of class concepts. Nevertheless, is a student with a record of straight As really going to be more successful than his or her classmate who gets lower grades? Recently, USA Today published a debate about the worth of a GPA as an indicator of an individuals potential both within and outside the academic realm. Surprisingly, admission counselors from top colleges and universities revealed that a numerical gure such as a GPA is not truly a comprehensive and relevant way to judge an applicant. In todays competitive marketplace, an individuals potential can be best demonstrated in a combination of factors that include extracurricular activities, internships and other relevant hands-on experiences. Its articial, says Jim Bock, admissions dean at Swarthmore College, which is the top private college in The Princeton Reviews Best Value rankings. So unimportant is the GPA that
Swarthmore doesnt bother calculating it for guidebook publishers. Frank Rizzone, associate director of the Career Development Center asserts, GPA is one indicator of a students ability, but its not infallible. During his years of experience helping students and alumni obtain professional employment, he states that it is not rare to encounter students who with a 2.2 GPA, per se, secure successful and coveted jobs. However, Rizzone does indicate that the importance of GPA can oftentimes be circumstantial. He points out that the highly specialized on-campus majors of accounting and intelligence do require students to procure and maintain a specic GPA to either stay on the academic program or obtain a job upon graduation. What do these ndings that indicate that the utmost importance of GPA as the screening tool that indicates future success is dwindling represent to students?
On one hand, it means that students who do not perform well on standardized tests can demonstrate their abilities and qualications through other activities that reect drive and motivation. Nevertheless, it can also lead to an increased pressure for students to not only do well in their school work, but also to undertake multiple extracurricular activities, projects, research and off-school jobs as a means to stand out. Even though the signicance of a number such as a GPA cannot be entirely overlooked because it reects a students efforts, it is not the only factor that will determine success following graduation. Determination, attitude and passion can oftentimes be more important tools in helping a person thrive. Therefore, students who work hard yet are not able to attain a high GPA should not be discouraged.
The Hammermill Library has work-study students manning posts at the bridge to the CAE and the exit out of Weber Hall and their job is to count. They count people coming and people going all day long. What could be more exciting than sitting at the post, putting a hash mark as a person walks by. The ugly part: Machines are at each location doing the same thing.
The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814) 824-2376. The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
SPORTS
Luis Leao was named PSAC Western Division Athlete of the Year on Tuesday, March 5.
13 season, he tallied an incredible 1,221 points. Contrary to what one would expect, Leao was not a bit concerned with the career milestone. I had no clue I was up there in terms of points. It was never a big deal for me, but once it happened it was very fun, said Leao. There is always a certain degree of feeling like you have accomplished something great when you do things like that. Although Leao has received a multitude of awards, acknowledgments and selections for his work as a Laker, and even set and broke a few records along the way, he recognizes the importance of his team and coaching staff in helping him to receive such accolades. I would say the biggest role of it all was played by my team and coaching staff. They have all trusted me throughout the entire season, and ran the offense through me, and I owe a big thank you to them, said Leao. These guys and coaches were very loyal to me, and loyalty is something I have always had in myself as well as being the trait I appreciate most in a person. I believe I had 14 very loyal teammates and three very coaches that I was blessed to work with this past season.
52 goals and 65 points. Anna LeGrett recorded 37 goals and a team-high 21 assists, while Minner added 27 goals. Catalino scored 34 goals and compiled 95 draw controls, becoming the
schools career record holder. We will be very successful if we keep pushing ourselves everyday in practice, said Catalino. Our team chemistry is there, everyone is focused and in it to win it. The Lakers will look to continue their success against Tifn University on Friday, March 22, at 4 p.m. on Tullio Field. The Lakers begin home PSAC play on March 26 at 4 p.m. against Slippery Rock.
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SPORTS
Mitch McAvoy was named ECAC Specialist of the Week on Monday, March. 11.