page 3

Students
freeze for One
Day Without
Shoes
pages 7-10
Ecodemia:
Environmental
hero to speak
on campus
page 15
Mercyhurst
baseball team
has sights set
on postseason
NEWS
Page 2 April 18, 2012
Hurst creates
band to increase
school spirit
Those who attend Mercyhurst
football games may have noticed
something missing that other uni-
versities and even high schools
have: a marching band. Starting
next year, that will no longer be
the case.
Mercyhurst University is in the
process of creating a marching
band through the athletic depart-
ment.
The school has hired John
Marszalek, marching band director
at General McLane High School, to
start next year with a 30-member
pep band consisting of current and
new Mercyhurst students.
The band will play the national
anthem and a few songs at football
games, while also attending other
games to support sports like bas-
ketball, lacrosse and hockey.
While it wont do the traditional
halftime performance at football
games next year, the program is
planned to expand over the next
four to six years. The ultimate goal
is a full, 110-member marching
band with twirlers, fags and perfor-
mances before the game and during
halftime.
Junior Louise Wiest thinks a
marching band is a much-needed
addition to the university.
Starting a marching band will
be great for the school, and it is
long overdue, said Wiest. I just
hope people dont expect too much
too soon. It will take a few years
before we actually have a band that
marches.
Mercyhurst Athletic Director Joe
Kimball discussed how the school
came to the decision to start a
marching band.
When I interviewed for the ath-
letic directors position, I was asked
what I thought could be improved
upon. I thought Mercyhurst was
missing school spirit and a march-
ing band, he said.
At some schools, marching
bands are as important as the foot-
ball team. It really gets people in
the mood, adds school spirit and its
great game-time atmosphere. It just
makes sense at a university or small
college, he said.
To test this, this past year Kim-
ball invited the band directors from
Edinboro University and Indiana
University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
to bring their marching bands to
Mercyhurst football games and per-
form.
According to Kimball, the fans
and the administration loved it, so
the athletic department moved for-
ward to creating a band for Mercy-
hurst.
We need to get people out of
the dorms and in these contests.
This could really help school spirit
and increase game attendance,
which has been somewhat lacking,
Kimball said.
Kimball thinks a marching band
will help attract students to Mercy-
hurst.
This will help create a draw to
Mercyhurst for prospective stu-
dents, especially those who were in
marching bands in high school, he
said.
This will also help current stu-
dents who were in high school band
but are not involved in the music
department.
Student reactions to this news
have been mostly positive.
Sophomore Hunter McCabe
wasnt entirely convinced but
thought it was a good idea.
I used to be in marching band
in high school. Im not sure how
involved people are going to be at
frst. The program will need time to
develop, but I defnitely think its a
good idea, McCabe said.
Junior Erin Lindell wasnt as
excited with the news.
Mercyhurst having a march-
ing band would make me feel like
Ive regressed back to high school
years, Lindell said.
Junior Nikki Sherretts was more
enthusiastic when she said, Having
been in marching band at my high
school, I think Mercyhurst having
one is a great idea, and itll be a
great addition at football games.
Im seriously debating on going out
for it next year.
To learn more about joining the
marching band, email John Marsza-
lek at marszalek.j@generalmclane.
org.
ERIE
5039 Peach St.
In the Summit Plaza
814-866-1443
By Mark Vidunas
Contributing writer
Page 3 April 18, 2012 NEWS
Students freeze for
One Day Without Shoes
News Briefs
The offcial Mercyhurst University clothing line will be
released through a fashion show on Saturday, April 21.
Staff from the Mercyhurst Bookstore will sell clothing the
night of the show, with a 20 percent off discount.
As well as a fashion show, there will be raffes, desserts,
dancing and music provided by TJ the DJ.
Performers include sophomore Sara Fox, junior Bethany
Schaffer and seniors Tori Scott, Alexa Bradley and Jessica
Stachelrodt.
If you are interested in performing in the show, email Clare
Meccariello at cmecca77@lakers.mercyhurst.edu.
Fashion show presents new university apparel
Survey examines offce effciency
Students from each Mercyhurst University campus have been
asked to complete the University Services Evaluation (USE)
survey.
The USE survey evaluates students experiences with various
offces on their respective campuses.
Due to the number of offces, only half are covered on this
survey. The second installment of these surveys will be sent to
students in the fall.
The frst survey looks at Academic Support, Career Develop-
ment, the Recreation Center, Police and Safety, the Registrars
offce, work study, Multicultural Center, International Center,
Service Learning and Campus Ministry.
The surveys will be issued each year during fall and spring
terms in order to improve these services.
The importance of the survey is stressed and students are
strongly encouraged to complete the survey.
Surveys must be completed by Wednesday, May 2.
Those who participate are entered into a drawing for a $50
VISA gift card.
Jason Wahl, a 21-year-old Gannon University student, acci-
dently fell off the second foor balcony of the Alpha Phi Delta
fraternity house located in the 200 block of West 3rd Street on
Friday, April 13.
Wahl was a junior engineering student from Harmony, Penn-
sylvania.
According to goerie.com, Wahl was declared brain dead
Saturday afternoon but stayed on life support at UPMC Hamot
until Sunday.
A moment of silence was dedicated to Wahl at The Fray con-
cert at Tullio Arena on Sunday, April 15, by lead singer, Isaac
Slada.
Gannon student dies after accident
TOMS Mercyhurst Campus Club Vice President Garrett Stolz
participates in the freeze mob by holding a sign that reads
We go barefoot so kids dont have to.
Alicia Cagle photo
Cold and rainy weather didnt
stop TOMS Mercyhurst Campus
Club and other supporters of One
Day Without Shoes (ODWS) from
shedding their shoes and going
barefoot to bring awareness to the
needs of children in less fortunate
situations.
ODWS is an annual, interna-
tional event promoted by TOMS
Shoes.
TOMS is an organization that
bases its efforts on a one for one
policy: for every pair of shoes pur-
chased, TOMS donates a pair to a
child in need.
TOMS stresses the importance
of giving shoes instead of other
necessities. According to their
Giving Report, Shoes have value
beyond being critical for physical
health. Many schools in develop-
ing countries require shoes for
attendance. And some soil-based
diseases not only cause physical
symptoms but create cognitive
impairment too, crippling a childs
long-term potential.
TOMS Mercyhurst Campus Club
didnt stop its efforts at not wear-
ing shoes, they also got the campus
talking about their fash freeze mob
in front of Zurn Hall.
At 12:30 p.m. students and faculty
froze for 10 minutes in any posi-
tion, from a passionate embrace to
playing Twister. This attracted the
attention of students, faculty and
local news media.
In the frozen positions, some
students held signs or offered infor-
mational material that those walking
by could take.
TOMS Mercyhurst Campus
Club President Adrianne LaGruth
recognizes the importance of
TOMS, ODWS and the awareness
it spreads.
TOMS does One Day With-
out Shoes to show how people in
other countries have to live with-
out shoes, said LaGruth. If we
can appreciate for one day what
they have to go through for a life-
time, then it gives you a little taste
of why we do what we do and why
its not okay to turn the blind eye
to it.
Junior Alyssa Ross was impressed
that despite the weather, students
still went barefoot in support of
the cause.
In my three years at Mercyhurst,
I have never seen a campus club
rooted in humanitarian awareness
pull off an event as impressively as
the TOMS club did with ODWS,
said Ross. Adrianne (LaGruth),
with her dedication and leadership
within the club, worked relentlessly
to put together the clubs involve-
ment with ODWS, and it is appar-
ent that her love and passion for the
TOMS organization and its mission
was the driving force behind the
success of the event.
Junior Lisa Guest agreed with
Ross.
The event went extremely well
despite the cold and rainy weather.
It was great to see so many people
go without shoes even if only for a
part of their day, she said
Leading up to ODWS and during
the day, LaGruth commented that
many people began sharing infor-
mation against the campaign and
TOMS organization. She did not let
that stand in her way.
To every cause there are two
sides, and I think that it is better
to have given and told not to then
not give at all, said LaGruth. Id
rather see people embrace some-
thing good than not try it and never
know.
Students are looking forward to
future events and ODWS at Mer-
cyhurst.
I hope this is the frst of many
well-recognized ODWS on the
Mercyhurst University campus for
years to come, Ross said.
To learn more about TOMS and
its cause, visit toms.com/our-move-
ment.
By Alicia Cagle
Staff writer
NEWS
Page 4 April 18, 2012
Lumen unveiling showcases talents
Students and faculty collaborated to create the 2012 edition of Lumen, Mercyhursts creative
arts magazine.
Jill Barrile photo
By Stacy Skiavo
Staff writer
Capstone event ends Literary Festival
Senior Angelina Smith performed original work for the pre-
sentation of Lumen during the Literary Festival.
Jill Barrile photo
Ending Mercyhurst Universitys
10th annual Literary Festival was
the unveiling of the 2012 edi-
tion of the student art magazine,
Lumen.
The magazine was free to anyone
who attended and featured various
types of work from poetry to paint-
ings. The actual print magazine was
close to 70 pages, but the art con-
tinued with a CD-ROM included
in the magazine that allows one to
view even more pieces as well as
live video.
This event is the capstone event
for the Literary Festival, said Asso-
ciate Professor of English Ken
Schiff, Ph.D. The fnal focus of
the Literary Festival is the creative
achievements of Mercyhurst stu-
dents.
Another change in the festi-
val this year was the addition of
a speaker. Instead of the usual
two literary speakers, the festival
hosted three. Poet Jane Hirshfeld,
science fction writer Terry Bisson,
and writer and movie actor Peter
Coyote spoke during the festival
this year.
The ceremony began with
co-editor of the Lumen Chrissy
Mihalic introducing the magazine
and thanking all those involved
in helping to create it, such as her
co-editor, Sarah Price.
Other editors included seniors
Chelsea Schermerhorn, Irene
Gallagher, Erica Gallagher and
sophomore Susan Hu.
Schermerhorn will take on the
role of editor-in-chief for the
2013 edition of Lumen.
I really thought the entire
program was great. Witnessing
frsthand the intellectual and artistic
side of the Mercyhurst student body
was both inspiring and refreshing,
junior Kyle Lawton said.
Four awards were given to stu-
dents whom were selected very
carefully from the work submit-
ted to the magazine. Names were
removed from the pieces to make
the selections fair and were selected
by the English department profes-
sors.
The awards were announced by
Schiff and included three awards
for the P. Barry McAndrew Creative
Writing Contest and one award for
the 2012 P. Barry McAndrew Essay
and Literary Contest.
The contest was named for Pro-
fessor of English Barry McAndrew,
who is legendary for his work in
drama, rigorous classes and admired
Shakespeare seminars.
The contest is now a permanent
part of the literary tradition at Mer-
cyhurst, thanks to the kind endow-
ment by the McAndrew family.
The feeling that comes with
being able to share your talent with
others who appreciate it is what
motivated me to submit my poetry
to the Lumen. I enjoy reading the
works submitted by other students,
and Im glad I was given the oppor-
tunity to show others my love for
writing, junior Laura Fiegelist said.
The winners for the P. Barry
McAndrew Creative Writing Con-
test included third prize to junior
Alethea Gaarden for Dockside,
second prize to Schermerhorn
for Grass Burrs and frst prize
to junior Marika Koch for Salut
DAmour.
All of the prize winners received
a framed certifcate as well as a cash
prize. Third place received a check
for $100, second place received
$150 and frst was awarded $250.
The winner of the 2012 P. Barry
McAndrew Essay and Literary Con-
test was junior Jordana Beh, who
received a framed certifcate and a
check for $250.
The Lumen to me is a refection
of the students of Mercyhurst Uni-
versity. It allows for young minds to
bloom and grow as the fruit of their
work is carefully tended and crafted
until the fnal product is something
truly beautiful. A fne addition to
our campus indeed, junior Billy
Doran said.
After the award ceremony, stu-
dents were given the opportunity
for an open-mic session to show-
case some of their works. Some
recited poetry and other showed
off their musical talents with song.
The open mic is an opportunity
for anyone in the audience who
wants to get up on stage and read
or sing his own or someone elses
work, Schiff said.
Im glad I was given
the opportunity to
show others my love
for writing.
Junior Laura Fiegelist

NEWS
Page 4 April 18, 2012
Lumen unveiling showcases talents
Students and faculty collaborated to create the 2012 edition of Lumen, Mercyhursts creative
arts magazine.
Jill Barrile photo
By Stacy Skiavo
Staff writer
Capstone event ends Literary Festival
Senior Angelina Smith performed original work for the pre-
sentation of Lumen during the Literary Festival.
Jill Barrile photo
Ending Mercyhurst Universitys
10th annual Literary Festival was
the unveiling of the 2012 edi-
tion of the student art magazine,
Lumen.
The magazine was free to anyone
who attended and featured various
types of work from poetry to paint-
ings. The actual print magazine was
close to 70 pages, but the art con-
tinued with a CD-ROM included
in the magazine that allows one to
view even more pieces as well as
live video.
This event is the capstone event
for the Literary Festival, said Asso-
ciate Professor of English Ken
Schiff, Ph.D. The fnal focus of
the Literary Festival is the creative
achievements of Mercyhurst stu-
dents.
Another change in the festi-
val this year was the addition of
a speaker. Instead of the usual
two literary speakers, the festival
hosted three. Poet Jane Hirshfeld,
science fction writer Terry Bisson,
and writer and movie actor Peter
Coyote spoke during the festival
this year.
The ceremony began with
co-editor of the Lumen Chrissy
Mihalic introducing the magazine
and thanking all those involved
in helping to create it, such as her
co-editor, Sarah Price.
Other editors included seniors
Chelsea Schermerhorn, Irene
Gallagher, Erica Gallagher and
sophomore Susan Hu.
Schermerhorn will take on the
role of editor-in-chief for the
2013 edition of Lumen.
I really thought the entire
program was great. Witnessing
frsthand the intellectual and artistic
side of the Mercyhurst student body
was both inspiring and refreshing,
junior Kyle Lawton said.
Four awards were given to stu-
dents whom were selected very
carefully from the work submit-
ted to the magazine. Names were
removed from the pieces to make
the selections fair and were selected
by the English department profes-
sors.
The awards were announced by
Schiff and included three awards
for the P. Barry McAndrew Creative
Writing Contest and one award for
the 2012 P. Barry McAndrew Essay
and Literary Contest.
The contest was named for Pro-
fessor of English Barry McAndrew,
who is legendary for his work in
drama, rigorous classes and admired
Shakespeare seminars.
The contest is now a permanent
part of the literary tradition at Mer-
cyhurst, thanks to the kind endow-
ment by the McAndrew family.
The feeling that comes with
being able to share your talent with
others who appreciate it is what
motivated me to submit my poetry
to the Lumen. I enjoy reading the
works submitted by other students,
and Im glad I was given the oppor-
tunity to show others my love for
writing, junior Laura Fiegelist said.
The winners for the P. Barry
McAndrew Creative Writing Con-
test included third prize to junior
Alethea Gaarden for Dockside,
second prize to Schermerhorn
for Grass Burrs and frst prize
to junior Marika Koch for Salut
DAmour.
All of the prize winners received
a framed certifcate as well as a cash
prize. Third place received a check
for $100, second place received
$150 and frst was awarded $250.
The winner of the 2012 P. Barry
McAndrew Essay and Literary Con-
test was junior Jordana Beh, who
received a framed certifcate and a
check for $250.
The Lumen to me is a refection
of the students of Mercyhurst Uni-
versity. It allows for young minds to
bloom and grow as the fruit of their
work is carefully tended and crafted
until the fnal product is something
truly beautiful. A fne addition to
our campus indeed, junior Billy
Doran said.
After the award ceremony, stu-
dents were given the opportunity
for an open-mic session to show-
case some of their works. Some
recited poetry and other showed
off their musical talents with song.
The open mic is an opportunity
for anyone in the audience who
wants to get up on stage and read
or sing his own or someone elses
work, Schiff said.
Im glad I was given
the opportunity to
show others my love
for writing.
Junior Laura Fiegelist

FEATURES April 18, 2012 Page 5

Senior Feature: Meghan Hess
People say time fies when youre
having fun, and college is no excep-
tion. For some Mercyhurst students
this is their senior year and their last
year to call Mercyhurst their home.
Meghan Hess is one of these stu-
dents.
Hess is a senior business mar-
keting major with a strategic com-
munication minor, so you could say
she has quite a busy schedule.
This didnt hold her back, though.
Hess was involved in a variety of
things, including holding the posi-
tion this year of president of Mer-
cyhurst Student Government.
Some of her other activities
included Student Ambassadors,
Public Relations Student Society of
America, Leadership Certifcation
Program, Student Activities Coun-
cil, American Marketing Association
and Business and Accounting Club.
When we graduate from college,
there will most likely be a teacher or
person who has positively affected
our lives. For Hess, it was Meghan
Corbin, director of marketing and
public relations and a professor in
the communication department.
Hess had several classes taught by
Corbin, but she also had the oppor-
tunity to be her intern during this
term. Corbin teaches with a more
hands-on approach and uses real
world experiences to teach her stu-
dents, which is something that Hess
enjoyed about taking her classes.
She joked that Yes, there is
some testing, but its not just about
memorizing terms.
I appreciate that she focuses on
her students during their time at
Mercyhurst and after. Overall she
is a really nice person, which also
helps, Hess said.
Although college is where we
come to learn, there is much more
to it than that.
When asked what her most mem-
orable experience was she paused
and had to give it some thought
because she simply loved her time
at Mercyhurst.
At frst, she said her trip to
Ireland this past summer for the
Mercy Pilgrimage was her favor-
ite. While traveling, the group had
the chance to attend a leadership
conference in Dublin at the Mercy
International Center for three days.
A few questions later, Hess asked,
Can I change my most memorable
experience?
She decided that her favorite
moment was when her friends
threw her a bar crawl for her 21st
birthday. Thirty of her closest
friends were planning to surprise
her with the night, but she found
out. Her friends also had the cre-
ative idea to have T-shirts made and
decided to keep it a secret, so they
could surprise her with something,
but she found out about that too.
Hess said, Both experiences have
to do with drinkingI swear Im not
an alcoholic. She said sarcastically,
My parents will be so proud.
Hess is sad that she has to grad-
uate and leave Mercyhurst. Mercy-
hurst has taught her how to grow
as an individual. She tried to avoid
sounding clich, but she said, This
is my home away from home.
Her advice for students is to
never take any day for granted
because college really does go by
fast. She encourages everyone to
get involved, meet as many people
as you can and expose yourself to
everything Mercyhurst has to offer.
In addition, she said, Smile at
strangers. You never know who
could be your next best friend or
who just simply needs a smile.
Her future plans right now are to
work for a public relations or adver-
tising agency.
Hess giggled, My dream is to
move to New York City and marry
a lawyer.
Realistically, she will probably
move back to Buffalo or stay in
Erie to fnd a job. She is continu-
ing the job search until something
comes up.
She ended the interview with
saying, Seriously, I love Mercy-
hurst, and it is going to be so hard
to leave and say goodbye. My little
sister is coming here next year, so I
will defnitely be back to visit and
stay in tune with the Mercyhurst
community.
By Kayla Kelly
Staff writer
Seniors from left: Carly DiPasquale, Vicky George, Meghan Hess, Paula Karstedt and Amanda
Kocent celebrate Hess 21st birthday with a bar crawl.
Contributed photo
Hess sad to say goodbye to Hurst
Mercyhurst observes Autism Awareness month
April is autism awareness month
throughout the world, and Mercy-
hurst University is doing its part
to help inform and educate about
autism.
Four years ago, Mercyhurst
launched the Asperger initiative,
a program designed to help sup-
port students with a disorder on
the autism scale as they assimilate
themselves to the academic and
social requirements of college.
Since the launch of the program
Mercyhurst has been nationally rec-
ognized for its support to students
on the autism spectrum.
Mercyhurst began observing
Autism Awareness Month four
years ago.
To kick off of the month this
year, Old Main was lit with a blue
light on the evening of April 2.
Mercyhurst was one of thou-
sands of buildings around the
world to be lit, said Dianne Rogers,
director of Mercyhursts Learning
Differences Program.
The blue light shines on land-
marks throughout the world as a
way of spreading autism awareness
and showing solidarity with those
who have disorders on the autism
spectrum.
Another way that Mercyhurst is
celebrating autism awareness month
is by inviting author Sean Barron to
speak on campus.
Weve always included a lec-
ture (as part of autism aware-
ness month), said Rogers, but
this is actually the frst time that
our speaker is a person who has
Aspergers syndrome himself.
Barron is a reporter for The
Youngstown Vindicator and has
co-authored two books about living
with Aspergers.
We were particularly interested
in bringing him in because he repre-
sents a person who has successfully
overcome some of the very signif-
cant problems associated with an
autism diagnosis, Rogers said.
Brad McGarry, the coordinator
for the Asperger initiative at Mercy-
hurst wants Sean Barrons talk to be
a message of hope for Mercyhurst
students with Aspergers.
(They) can understand that
someone else was in their shoes and
is now a successful reporter and a
successful motivation speaker,
showing them that they can come
out on the other side and be very
successful in what they want to do,
McGarry said.
Barron will be on the Mercyhurst
campus on Wednesday, April 18.
He will frst host a forum for stu-
dents on the autism spectrum, and
for their friends and families in the
afternoon. He will also give a pre-
sentation called The Ten Unwrit-
ten Rules of Social Relationships
at 7:30 p.m. in Walker Recital Hall.
That presentation is free and
open to the public. Students who
want to attend the afternoon forum
can email Rogers at drogers@mer-
cyhurst.edu for more details.
By Brady Greenawalt
Staff writer
FEATURES April 18, 2012
Page 6
On her blog, A Grapefruits (many) Passions, senior Alaina Rydzewski writes
about her foray into cooking, along with movie, book and music reviews. To check
out her blog, visit agrapefruitspassions.tumblr.com.
This recipe is from a section of Redbook magazine called Res-
taurant Redo, in which they take a dish from a popular restaurant and
remake it, only this time healthier.
For this month, they took Joes Crab Shacks shrimp and sausage
jambalaya, which I then tweaked into my own recipe.
What you will need: penne pasta, shrimp, two links mild Italian
sausage, four tbsp. butter, one tbsp. cajun seasoning, one onion, one
tbsp. garlic (I used minced), one carton sliced mushrooms, one red
pepper, one green pepper and one orange or yellow pepper.
What to do:
1. Boil water for pasta and cook according to package directions.
2. Slice onion, peppers and sausage. (I do the meat last so I can
use the same knife for everything).
3. Coat a large skillet with oil and heat for about one minute.
Cook sausage until brown, about fve to seven minutes. Drain on
paper towel and wipe off skillet.
4. Melt butter in same skillet. Add cajun seasoning and cook one
minute. Add onion and cook until softened, about three minutes.
5. Add garlic to mixture and cook for one minute. Finally, add
peppers and mushrooms and cook for about fve minutes, stirring
frequently.
6. Add shrimp and stir for about one minute. My shrimp were
already cooked so they just had to warm up.
7. Put mixture in a bowl and mix in sausage.
Optional ingredients were fresh basil and parmesan cheese for
topping.
Overall, this took me about 30 minutes and wasnt that diffcult.
Plus the dish is healthy and delicious.
DIY College Style is a weekly column featuring two college students blogs on
quick and easy tips about crafts and food.
DIY College style:
Shrimp and
sausage jambalaya
An all-American hole in the wall
Chippers Tavern:
Joe Chiodo
Contributing writer
If you drive through the intersec-
tion of East Grandview Boulevard
and Pine Avenue, you will see what
appears to be an abandoned build-
ing: a small gray, concrete square
with a single, windowless door.
Depending on the day of the
week and the time of day, you may
even see a car or two in the desolate
parking lot.
Chippers Tavern is what some
would call a country bar, but hole in
the wall may be more appropriate.
The only marking on the build-
ing is an aged white banner reading
Cold Beer, Hot Wings, Labatt Blue
on draft.
As a Buffalo native, I appreciate
a hot chicken wing. As a college stu-
dent, I can appreciate the value of a
cold beer.
Chippers Tavern has the greatest
wings I have ever tasted.
With more than 65 favors of
wings, there is very little chance that
you wont be able to fnd a favor
that entices you. And theres plenty
of beer at a reasonable price to go
with it.
From sweat-educing, yet tasty
Bad Attitude to sweet and tangy
Sunny Delight, the options for an
incredible chicken wing meal seem
endless.
Chippers Tavern is a modest
drinking spot with no loud music
blaring or people yelling. It is one
of those select bars where you can
actually have a conversation with
others and enjoy a drink and a meal
together.
Michael Fiscus and his girlfriend
Vanessa McGraw, who often eat at
Chippers Tavern, were spending
quite some time deciding on the
wing favor they each wanted.
Fiscus said, Well, its funny. We
always spend a ton of time trying
to decide what kind we want, but
we always end up going with Go
Nuts or Pios Poison. Theyre awe-
some.
Although there are only a dozen
tables and a small bar that seats
about 10, you will always fnd a
comfortable spot to enjoy great
wings and cheap beer.
The dcor inside Chippers
Tavern is full of personality and
style.
Rather than being adorned with
bright neon beer signs and cheesy
advertisements of overpriced spe-
cials, Chippers hangs pictures of
loyal customers trophy bucks from
the past hunting season and classic,
original pieces of beer advertise-
ments that you dont see anywhere
else nowadays.
You wont fnd a bar like Chip-
pers anywhere else in Erie, espe-
cially being a city cluttered with
over-the-top dance clubs and jam-
packed theme bars.
It is the perfect example of
the family owned, diamond in the
rough establishment that only those
curious enough to venture into get
to truly appreciate.
ECODEMIA
VOLUME
0013
april
2012

The citizens of Love Canal provided an example of

how a blue-collar community with few resources can
win against great odds (a multi-billion-dollar interna-
tional corporation and an unresponsive government),
by using the power of the people in our democratic
system the main lesson to be learned from the Love
Canal crisis is that in order to protect public health from
chemical contamination, there needs to be a massive
outcrya choir of voicesby the American people
demanding change.

Lois Gibbs, Love Canal: My Story

On Monday, April 23 at 7 pm in the Taylor Little
Theatre, the Mercyhurst University Green Team and
the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society will
proudly welcome environmental hero Lois Gibbs to
campus to deliver the 2012 Sister Maura Smith Earth
Day Lecture, From Silent Spring to Empowered Citi-
zens: The Legacies of Love Canal.
I was a freshman at Edinboro State College in the fall
of 1979 when l frst began hear|ng |n an Env|ronmen-
tal Politics course about the horrors of Love Canal,
New York. It had been the previous spring of 1978
that Lois Marie Gibbs, a 27 year-old home maker in
that suburban community of Niagara Falls, concluded
that her son was becoming terribly ill due to the fact
that his elementary school had been built atop a toxic
waste dump. As Gibbs learned from local newspaper
articles, a portion of the long-abandoned nineteenth-
century trench ca||ed |ove Oana| had been f||ed w|th
some 20,000 tons of toxic chemical waste from the
operations of nearby Hooker Chemical Company.
The waste included the highly carcinogenic chemicals
lindane, toluene, benzene, and dioxin. In the 1950s
the local school board purchased the property from
Hooker and constructed what became her sons
school.
Channeling her fear and anger into action, Gibbs
immediately surveyed her community door to door.
She was shocked to learn of many widespread, seri-
ous health problems suffered by residents, includ-
ing extraordinarily high rates of severe birth defects
and cancers, as well as an array of respiratory and
neurological health problems. Gibbs moved quickly to
organize the Love Canal Homeowners Association, a
grassroots organization that would struggle for the next
two years to achieve justice and the relocation of their
families from this dangerously contaminated commu-
nity.
Despite the fact that a public health emergency was
soon declared by the New York State Board of Health,
a conc|us|on w|th wh|ch reg|ona| EPA offc|a|s and
President Jimmy Carter ultimately agreed, homeown-
ers had to cont|nue fght|ng to have a respons|b|e party
assume fnanc|a| ||ab|||ty for the re|ocat|on of near|y
900 families from the area. The Love Canal incident
brought issue of hazardous waste onto the nations
agenda. In 1980, Congress passed the Comprehen-
sive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (better known as Superfund), compelling
polluters and taxpayers to share the cost of cleaning
up what turned out to be hundreds of toxic waste sites
around the country that were threatening public health.
As the struggle in Love Canal gained national attention,
Gibbs began receiving calls from citizens of many of
those contaminated communities. Once the reloca-
tion of Love Canal residents was complete, Gibbs
determined that she could not simply return to her life.
Compelled by the desperate stories of other people
similarly affected, in 1981 she moved to the Wash-
ington, DC area to establish the Center for Health,
Environment, and Justice (CHEJ) with a mission to help
grassroots organ|zat|ons around the nat|on fght for the
environmental defense of their communities. Over the
past three decades, CHEJ has provided technical and
organizing assistance to more than 10,000 community
organizations across the country.
Lois Gibbs has served for those 31 years as the
Executive Director of CHEJ. She works with commu-
nities nationwide and internationally about hazardous
waste pollutionand, increasingly, about the dangers
posed by the natural gas industry technology known
as hydrofracturing (fracking). She is the author of
four books, including most recently, Love Canal and
the Birth of the Environmental Health Movement. In
the mid-1990s Gibbs helped to spearhead the Stop
Dioxin Exposure Campaign, a coalition of grass-
roots organizations aimed at ultimately eliminating the
sources of dioxin exposure, the most toxic substance
ever devised by the chemical industry.
The woman once dismissed by many as just a
housewife earned not only international attention for
her hero|c fght |n |ove Oana|, but s|nce then a str|ng
of distinguished honors for her central role in the
grassroots anti-toxics movement. Gibbs has spoken
at numerous conferences and has been featured
in hundreds of newspaper articles, magazine, and
textbooks. She has appeared on many television and
radio shows including 60 Minutes, 20/20, Oprah Win-
frey, Good Morning America, The Morning Show and
the Today Show. CBS produced a 2 hour prime-time
movie about Loiss life entitled Lois Gibbs: The Love
Canal Story. The many awards received by Gibbs
include the distinguished Goldman Environmental
Prize (1990), the 1998 Heinz Award, and the 1999
John Gardner Leadership Award from the Indepen-
dent Sector, 2007 Business Ethics Network Individual
Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to
Corporate Ethics, and the 2008 Green Corps Environ-
mental Leadership Award. She has received several
honorary doctorates and in 2003 was nominated for
the Nobel Peace Prize.
As l reca||ed the frst t|me l heard of |ove Oana|, |t
occurred to me that in that same course we had been
assigned to read Rachel Carsons landmark 1962
work, Silent Spring. The book largely credited with
launching the modern environmental movement is this
year celebrating its 50th anniversary, which makes
the choice of Lois Gibbs as our Earth Day speaker
a|| the more ftt|ng. Her qu|et suburb was so bad|y
poisoned that it eerily resembled the dreadful scene
of a community where no birds sang that opens
Oarson`s groundbreak|ng book. More s|gn|fcant|y,
one of the important themes of Carsons book is the
essential need for citizens to challenge the sanguine
reassurances of expertswithin government, corpora-
tions, and often in academewho tell them repeatedly
that there is no need to fear the toxin-laden environ-
ment of modern America. It strikes me that Carsons
call for citizens to educate themselves , become their
own experts, and to speak truth to power was heard
nowhere more clearly than in the community of Love
Canal by the young housewife, Lois Gibbs.
Environmental Hero Lois Gibbs to
address Legacies of Love Canal
By Chris Magoc
Professor and Chair of History, Associate Dean of the
School of Social Sciences, and Chair of the Green Team
Aaron Loncki
Strategic Communications major, wins annual Earth
Day logo contest.
Victoria Gricks
Visual Communications major, designed the poster
for Earth Week.
7
Mercyhurst North East will soon begin to integrate
recycling into campus life. Starting this fall, new bins
will be placed in hallways throughout the campus to
provide a consistent look to the recycling program.
The North East housekeeping staff, lead by physical
plant director, Jeff Taylor, has been extremely helpful
in implementing this program and offering advice on
how to make it successful. Student Life, and espe-
cially Darcey Kemp, the new director of administra-
tion, have been instrumental, and will help to inform
the MUNE campus students of the recycling program
and what is expected of them.
Recycling at MUNE is different from the main campus
where we use single-stream recycling. Instead of
single bins that hold all recyclable materials (see the
list of recyclable items below), bins on the North East
campus will likely separate paper, plastics, alumi-
num, and cardboard. We are expecting to purchase
enough bins to supplement the current bins and
cover the entire campus.
We recycle at Mercyhurst University and expect our
staff, faculty, and students to participate. Bins on the
main campus have been placed in hallways, class-
rooms and offces; p|ease p|ace your recyc|ab|es |n
appropriate bins.
Recyclables Items:
glass bottles and jars (any color, not broken)
metal food or beverage cans (any type)
plastics #1-7
paper (newspaper, magaz|nes, offce paper, enve-
|opes, wrapp|ng paper,; w|th stap|es and |abe|s}
cardboard and paperboard (egg cartons, paper
bags)
Non-Recyclable Items:
NO Broken glass
NO pizza boxes or wax coated boxes
NO paper towels or napkins
NO Styrofoam
For questions concerning Recycling, please contact
Brittany Prischak, bprischak@mercyhurst.edu
Mercyhurst North East to
Integrate Recycling Program
By Brittany Prischak
6XVWDLQDELOLW\2IFHU
Bicycling is good for ones body, their local area, the
environment, and the economy. I am a junior here at Mer-
cyhurst University, and for my senior sustainability project,
I have become a part of the Bike Erie Coalition. Bike
Erie is a newly formed group of people who are actively
advocating for bike programs in the area along with the
safe and practical use of bikes throughout the community.
The coalition has recently been facilitated by the Erie
County Department of Health, Kim Beers and Eric Brozell
in particular. Beers is a program coordinator at the Health
Department whose main concern is safe and healthy
communities. Through a grant, Eric is subcontracted
with the Department of Health to focus mainly on bike
initiatives. His current responsibilities are to work with local
businesses to deem them Bike Friendly by establishing
a support system for employees who commute by bike
to work. A bike friendly business may incorporate shower
facilities, indoor storage, and bike repair kits for employ-
ees. Other guidelines exist to become a Bike Friendly
Business. For more information, go to the League of
American Bicyclists website.
Eric is a motivating factor for the Bike Erie Coalition and
has provided a lot of creative input and enthusiasm in
support of coalition members and their projects. He is
working to start a bicycle co-op so community members
can fx the|r b|kes and be educated about b|ke mechan|cs
and safety. The proposed location for the co-op is Saint
Bened|ct`s Educat|on Oenter; Er|c has a|ready begun
teaching bike mechanics at this location.
Another very |nfuent|a| person |nvo|ved |n B|ke Er|e |s Ju||a
Eagles, a long time advocate of safe biking. Julia and Eric
are cert|fed |eague of Amer|can B|cyc||st |nstructors. A
League Cycling Instructor (LCI), can teach adults and
children how to correctly ride their bicycles. Both Julia and
Eric volunteered their time to hold a bike safety session
at Mercyhurst, October 13, 2012. This course was called
Traffc Sk|||s 101. lf you wou|d ||ke to become an |Ol,
join the League of American Bicyclists and go to an LCI
sem|nar. lf |nterested |n a Traffc Sk|||s 101 c|ass, p|ease
contact me, hbeck52@lakers.mercyhurst.edu. Only 25
people can be part of a class, so spots are limited!
Julia advised the planning of the Pedal for the Planet
Duathalon, which was directed by recent Mercyhurst
graduate Emily Monahan (class of 2011) and me. With
the help of a lot of great committee members, includ-
ing Nicole Taylor (junior), Kate Moran (sophomore), Chris
Strohm (class of 2011), Jen Mieczkowski (class of 2011),
Cherrie Jackson (class of 2011), and many others, we
were ab|e to ra|se about $3,000 to beneft an Er|e Art
Museum project for local artists to design functional bike
racks. Since the duathalon, Gannon University, a grant
through the Erie Downtown Partnership, and other private
funders have shown their support. The racks are pro-
posed to be installed starting in August 2012. Julia, Eric
and I are on the selection committee for deciding which
designs to use and the placements of the racks.
Among Julia Eagles recent accomplishments, she is
President of the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail Alliance, a
non-proft organ|zat|on work|ng towards the deve|op-
ment of trails in Western Pennsylvania. Through her
involvement in this organization, the EPTA has seen 8
more trails open on the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail since
2008. Julia is a hardworking advocate for commut-
ing via bicycle. Erie should be thankful to have her
representing this upcoming Bike Coalition.
Other members in the coalition include Greg Troyer,
president of the Presque Isle Cycling Club and some
of PICCs members who are helping with website
development and updates. In a new development,
Mercyhurst Universitys Peter Stadmueller, an instruc-
tor for website layout, and junior, Andrea Amroski, the
Bike Erie website will have a new look. The graphic
design department will also be designing stickers and
a banner for the Erie Bike Coalition.
Of importance with the coalition, I am developing a
survey, with the help of Eric, Julia and Michael T, a new
member from a |oca| research frm. Th|s w||| g|ve a base-
line measurement so the Erie Bike Coalition can under-
stand where Erie stands with commuting, leisure riding
and bike safety. The results of the survey will also be
the foundation of Eries future improvements. If you are
interested in joining this coalition, please contact Hannah
Beck, hbeck52@lakers.mercyhurst.edu, or check on
the Bicycle Erie Coalition calendar at www.bikeerie.org
for the next meeting. We also have a facebook page
called Bicycleerie and we will soon be establishing twitter
account! Although, the easiest way to get involved, is
to just go outside and ride your bike! Keep posted on
upcoming events and join the bike movement!
Erie Bike Coalition Paving the
Way for Improved Biking in Erie
By Hannah Beck
From left to right:
Cherie Jackson, Burim Loshaj, Hannah
Beck, Chris Strohm, Patrick Bresnahan,
Nicole Taylor, Caitlyn Burmingham and
Jen Mieczkowski
8
When Silent Spring was published in 1962, Rachel
Carson had worked for 20 years as a government sci-
ence writer and was a popular author on natural history.
The book documented deadly effects of pesticides on the
environment, exposed corporations spreading disinforma-
t|on, and ca||ed for pub||c offc|a|s to protect c|t|zens from
industrial pollution. Silent Spring contributed to the ban of
DDT in the United States, however, Carson discussed a
number of other all-too-commonly produced chemicals,
among them dioxin, benzene, and atrazine, all mentioned
elsewhere in this issue of Ecodemia.
50 years after the publication of Silent Spring, the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released its
long-overdue assessment of the impact of dioxins on
humans. Oonfrm|ng what env|ronmenta| act|v|sts and
healthy food advocates have long suspected, dioxins and
furans cause a number of adverse hea|th effects. Spec|f-
cally, these chemicals are likely carcinogens and people
exposed to them experience altered hormone levels.
Animal studies show that animals exposed to dioxins and
furans experienced changes in their hormone systems,
abnormal fetal development, diminished reproduction,
and compromised immune system. It gets worse.
Dioxins and furans enter the body through breathing
contaminated air, drinking contaminated water, or eating
contaminated food. Dioxins and furans can build up in the
fatty tissues of animals and, according to the EPA, about
90% of exposure to dioxins and furans is from eating
contaminated food. The EPA report warns people to
consume less than 0.7 picograms of dioxin per kilogram
of body weight per day. Above that threshold, studies
have shown that dioxin exposure causes declines in
sperm counts and elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating
hormones.
Response to the EPA report, two decades in the making,
has been mixed. Some environmental groups praise the
EPA for fna||y prov|d|ng gu|de||nes to he|p consumers
protect themselves, and there are scientists and industry
representatives who have criticized the EPA for failing to
quant|fy sc|ent|fc uncerta|nt|es. The EPA report |s ava||-
able online, so readers can decide for themselves.
Revisiting Silent
Spring: Dioxin Update
By Marnie M. Sullivan
Assistant Professor of English
Win a Trek Earl by attending any of the
Public Health and Environment Month
6SHDNHUVRUOPV6LJQ\RXUQDPH
on a ticket after you join the 2 mile
Clif Bar challenge. The challenge is to
walk, run, ride your bike, or take public
transportation to anything within two
miles of where you live. A winner will
be drawn at the end of April: Courtesy
of the Sustainability Club, Competitive
Gear, and Student Activities Council.
Good Luck
Win a Bike!
American citizens have had to stand for many unjust
environmental actions. The newest concern in Penn-
sylvania is the proposed tire incinerator in Crawford
County. This project started with the proposition of a
tire incinerator in Erie, Pennsylvania in 2006 through a
company called Erie Renewable Energy (ERE). Greg
Rubino, the initiator of the project is, according to the
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, A former car salesman [and]
a real estate broker for Presque Isle Downs race track
and casino in Erie (8/10/2008). He is the owner of
Tecnica Development corp, operates Passport Devel-
opment LLC, and is a leader in the Crawford Renew-
able Energy plant development. He was vice president
of Baldwin Brothers, Inc. until he left in 2007 and
president of Erie Renewable energy until it was rejected
in 2009. He does not seem to have much experience
w|th runn|ng t|re |nc|nerators; on|y the construct|on of
one and this makes me question his ability to follow the
environmental standards that he will have to abide by.
When I did some digging on Rubino, I found an inter-
esting article from the Erie Times-News about Rubino
and a $30,000 payment to a Zon|ng Offc|a|, Jeffrey
Johnson (10/12/08). This payment was right before
a vote on Gannon Universitys appeal against allowing
inmates to be kept at a pre-release center near Gan-
nons campus. The implication was that Rubino paid
off Johnson for a vote in his favor. This worries me to
think: if a tire incinerator is built, what will someone with
such a record do to the air quality, whether indirectly
out of |gnorance, or d|rect|y by pay|ng fnes |nstead of
raising quality standards.
The Erie Renewable Energy (ERE) plan did not go
through due to a successful public awareness cam-
paign, Keep Eries Environment Protected (KEEP).
This group worked hard to get the word out about the
unwanted plant in Erie and by 2009, my freshman year
in college, the tire plant proposal was rejected. Now,
Rubino and his partner Owen McCormick, employed
at Joseph McCormick Construction, are heading up
the same type of project ffty m||es south of Er|e |n
Greenwood Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania.
They changed their name from Erie Renewable Energy
to Crawford Renewable Energy (CRE). As you can
probably tell, their outlook for the project is the exact
same as it was in Erie. Also as in Erie, there is an advo-
cacy group called Crawford Area Residents for the
Environment (CARE) that has mobilized in response.
The hea|th of a commun|ty shou|d come frst when
deciding whether to follow through with a business
plan, and CRE has failed to do their research or they
just are too ignorant to stop proceeding. In fact, there
are many problems with tire incineration. Not only is its
proposed location near the largest marsh in Pennsyl-
vania with the largest breeding ground for bald eagles,
but the burning of tires emits harmful toxins and
byproducts into the surrounding ecosystem, affecting
all forms of life. These include dioxins, furans, ozone,
sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic
compounds. Of these chemicals, dioxins and furans
are the worst. They are considered the most toxic
chemicals known to science.
All the byproducts can reduce water quality, cause
problems with breathing and blood circulation, and
cause infertility, learning disabilities, endometriosis, birth
defects, sexual reproductive disorders, damage to the
immune system, cancer, and more. If CRE starts up its
proposed tire incinerator by its planned goal of the year
2013, then the amount of these byproducts will surely
change the standard of living and cause serious health
defects, not only in humans but in the surrounding
ecosystems. This is a big problem that I would much
rather see not happen.
If the diminishing health of the community does not
make you angry, this will: Pennsylvania reuses one
hundred percent of their waste tires. This means that
there is no need for this plant! Pennsylvania already
imports tires in order to keep up with the states exist-
ing tire recycling industry. Rubino says CRE will ship
in the 900 tons of tires needed per day from out of
state. That means burning more fossil fuels in order to
transport tires to burn.
I question CREs business plan. Why cant they look
to the resources available within Crawford County and
thrive upon that, instead of imposing a second hand,
poorly conceived building plan? They are simply trying
to get something for the time and money they put into
another failed project, and they are not thinking about
the catchment area they will be impacting.
Unfortunately, CRE has already bought land from an
Iowa-based company that was supposedly a sustain-
able minded business, and they have received an Air
Quality Permit from the EPA.
CARE is appealing this permit because CRE, Under-
estimated pollution emissions from the facility and the
state Department of Environmental Protection failed to
do a requ|red ana|ys|s and ver|fcat|on of the company`s
emissions projections before granting the permit on
October 24 [2011] (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 12/7/11).
This appeal process is long and strenuous, so support
is always accepted. Joining CARE is a good option to
stay up-to-date on the latest information. This is done
by logging on to www.stopburningtires.com.
I hope that by reading this article, and doing some
research on your own, you will join the opposition and
take a stand against Crawford Renewable Energy.
Stop the Tire
Incinerator - Again!
By Hannah Beck
9

Buddhas Words Just Right

You are you and thats just right
Your face, body and name
They, too, are just right
Poverty, wealth, parent and children,
The sons bride and their grandchildren,
They, too, suit you just right
Fortunes, misfortunes, joy
And even sadness, theyre all just right
The life you have walked
Is neither bad or good
For you thats just right
Whether to go to hell or heaven
Where you end up is just right
No need to bluff or belittle yourself
For theres no top or bottom
Even your last day is just right
A life with Buddha and a company
How could we go wrong?
When you hear its all just so
A trust in memory will be born
Nam amitaba
East Meets West with
Poetry on Simplicity
On Thursday, April 27th in the Mercy Heritage Room at 7:30pm, Assistant Professor of World
Languages and Cu|tures, Keiko Mi||er wi|| introduce Rykan Taigu (1758-1831}, a Buddhist monk
who wrote poetry on living in the essential Zen lifestyle. Afterward, Sister Mary Lou Kownacki will
share her own poetic response to Rykan's work
Our Communities, Our Health
Public and Environmental Health Month Events
The month of April is Public and Environmental Health
Month. The Campus Green Team and the Institute of
Public Health have partnered to celebrate Our Com-
munities, Our Health. Events held throughout the month
educate on the harmful effects of toxins and toxic dumping
to the environmental health, but also to our own health.
A poster photo exhibit, Our Global Communities, Our
Food was launched April 2 for National Public Health
Week. This month-long exhibit explores hunger, food
choices, and food safety due to the effects of toxins and
pollution on a global food supply. Posters and photo-
graphs from Peter Menzels 2005 book, Hungry Planet:
What the World Eats, feature families from 12 countries
around the globe with all the food they typically eat in a
week. The exhibit is located in two locations: the Campus
M|n|stry offce |n the Oaro|yn Herrmann Student n|on,
and the ma|n foor of Hammerm||| ||brary. They w||| be
on display for the entire month, so make sure you check
them out.
Need to fu|f|| service hours or just want to volunteer?
Join a trip to the Mercyhurst Farm in Girard on Satur-
day, Apri| 21st from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Transportation
and lunch is provided. Contact Christine Brotherson in
Campus Ministry to reserve your seat.
On Monday, April 23 the Mercyhurst community is
challenged to eat on $1.50 a day, |ike 1.4 bi||ion peop|e
world-wide. The Live Below the Line challenge is an
awareness campaign of The Global Poverty Project
to end extreme poverty. Students and staff are invited to
join in solidarity with the hungry of the world by ordering
simple meals costing $1.50 from 11.00am to 1.30pm at
the Laker Inn in the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union.
Our highlight event for Earth Week is the Sister Maura
Smith Earth Day Lecture on Monday April 23rd at
7:00pm in Taylor Little Theatre. Lois Gibbs, an environ-
mental activist who lead the movement at Love Canal,
NY. Her lecture From Silent Spring to Empowered Citi-
zens: The Legacy of Love Canal will help to celebrate the
50th anniversary of Rachel Carsons Silent Spring, while
inspiring people to care for the health of their communities.
In support of Our Communities, Our Health month,
Parkhurst is offering a low impact lunch in the Egan Dining
Hall of Wednesday, Apri| 25th starting at 11.00am.
As part of the Mar|a J. |anger f|m ser|es at the Mary
DAngelo Performing Arts Film series, Living Downstream
will be shown at 2:15pm and 7:15pm on Wednesday,
Apri| 25th. Based on Sandra Steingraber's critically
acclaimed book, this documentary follows the writer as
she explains the connections between toxins in drinking
water and cancer. Sister Pat Lupo of Environment Erie,
will host a table on the connections between personal
care products and our lake water in the lobby of the
Performing Arts Center. Please stop by!
Sister Mary Lou Kownacki will be joining us for a poetry
reading on Thursday, April 27th in the Mercy Heritage
Room. At 7:30pm, Assistant Professor of World Lan-
guages and Cultures, Keiko Miller will start the evening off
with a presentation on Ryokan Taigu, a Buddhist monk
who wrote poetry on living simply. Sister Mary Lou will
read several of her poems in response to Ryokans work.
In addition to educating our campus community on the
harmful effects of toxins on our bodies and the environ-
ment, raising awareness on hunger and food systems,
and reading poetry, we are encouraging everyone to
Deotox. Consider joining Betty Amatangelo, from
Campus Ministry, as she leads Gentle Meditation and
Yoga. Any member of the campus community is wel-
come for one meeting, or weekly for the rest of the term.
The schedule during Spring 2012 is as follows.
Meditation:
Mondays noon - 1:00PM Student Union in the chapel
Yoga:
Mondays at 4:45PM in the Student Union
Wednesdays at 8:15PM in the Rec Center
Thursdays at 8:15PM in the Rec Center
Fridays at 4:30PM in the Student Union
For more information on global hunger contact:
Eileen Zinchiak, Mercyhurst Institute for Public Health,
824-3671, or Christine Brotherson, Social Justice issues,
Campus Ministry, 824-2549
For more information on Earth Month activities, contact:
Br|ttany Pr|schak, Susta|nab|||ty Offcer, 824-3829
Ecodemia is periodic publication of the Mercyhurst University Green Team
which welcomes contributions from students, faculty, and staff from across
the disciplines on any matter related to sustainability, the environment, and
good greening. Send queries, suggestions, and submissions to Marnie
Sullivan at msullivan@mercyhurst.edu.
Editor: Marnie Sullivan
Chair, Mercyhurst University Green Team: Chris Magoc
Susta|nab|||ty Offcer: Br|ttany Pr|schak
Designer: Kaitlin Badger
Contributors: Hannah Beck, Chris Magoc, Keilko Miller, Brittany Prischak, and
Marnie Sullivan.
10
Page 11 April 18, 2012
A Celebration of Collaboration redefnes teamwork
Hot Fuss still going strong
Despite the eight years that
have passed since the release of
Hot Fuss, The Killers have yet
to fully match the pure musical
magic found in their debut album.
The 80s-inspired synth rifts, guitar
ensembles and classic vocals from
lead singer Brandon Flowers are all
carefully pieced together to line up
hit after hit.
The opening Jenny Was a Friend
of Mine is just the beginning of
greatness. The bass line laid down by
Mark Stoermer complete with the
eerie keyboard support makes for a
haunting lead-off track that does not
disappoint. The subsequent track is
easily the best on the album.
The previously ubiquitous Mr.
Brightside defnitely lives up to
its billing as a chart-topper. The
oft-repeated theme of a cheating
girlfriend is cleverly portrayed in
a fresh way that encapsulates the
lovers angst. The key to the track is
found in the lyrics But its just the
price I pay/ Destiny is calling me/ I
open up my eager eyes/ Cause Im
Mr. Brightside.
These closing lines show the opti-
mism of moving on from a spurned
past. The singer is embracing his
true destiny and looking toward the
future. The next four tracks con-
tinue to impress, especially with the
likes of All These Things That Ive
Done. This track contains a beau-
tiful bombastic build, culminating
in the repeated lyric I got soul, but
Im not a soldier.
In the latter half of the album,
Change Your Mind clearly stands
out above the rest. It uses short
phrases and words to conjure
images and ideas.
The result is a song about the
cycle of falling for someone, mus-
tering up the chutzpah to tell him/
her and hoping he/she will respond
in kind. It captures a feeling many
can relate to.
Simply put, Hot Fuss is a bril-
liant body of work that stands the
test of time. It boasts hit song after
hit song, staying fresh and inventive
in the meantime. Each tune holds
its own and carries the listener
throughout the disc. After eight
years it can be said Hot Fuss
will easily remain one of the best
albums to ever be released.
By Aaron Ullman
Staff writer
By Mathew Anderson
Staff writer
Upcoming events
at the PAC:
Jane Eyre
Wednesday, April 18,
at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.
Fazil Say
Thursday, April 19,
at 7:30 p.m.
Living Downstream
Wednesday, April 25,
at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.
Audiences were stunned by a dis-
play of great musical skill and virtu-
osity on the stage of A Celebration
of Collaboration, on Thursday,
April 12. This presentation and
works were performed by faculty
and students alike.
The performance showcased a
variety of musical instruments rang-
ing from violins and violas, to a single
piano played by two musicians.
The opening presentation was of
a brilliant string duet for violin and
viola, composed by Georg Fredrich
Handel. Johan Halvorsen wrote this
particular arrangement of Passa-
caglia.
This composition is a lively, up-
tempo piece that was performed by
Mercyhurst Universitys own Assis-
tant Professor of Strings Barton
Samuel Rotberg, D.M.A., on the
viola and sophomore Caryn Moore
on the violin.
In this piece the melody often
switched from player to player and
required total concentration and
precision, which I believe was exe-
cuted beautifully.
After the string duet, seniors
Shannon Carson and Rebecca
Wunch performed a presentation
of Gordon Lewins View of the
Blues.
This clarinet duet featured that
classic blues sound that most jazz
musicians cannot get enough of.
It was a great contrast to the piece
that came before it. This piece was
executed wonderfully and seemed
to give the whole room a mellow,
phlegmatic feel that you couldnt get
enough of. Throughout this com-
position, fngers snapped in time
and heads bobbed until the last few
notes rang from the clarinets.
The next musical presentation was
a performance titled A little Light
Music by composer Seymour Barab.
It featured Mercyhurst Post-Bacc.
Lynn Dula for the vocals, Rotberg
on violin, with the music department
chairwoman Louisa Jonason for the
piano accompaniment.
Within this vignette were two
separate, but equally amusing come-
dic songs. The frst was Infallible
System, which told the story of a
woman who amassed a small for-
tune while gambling. This story is
amusing because the punch line of
the story is in order to come out
with a small fortune, you must walk
in with a large one.
In the second piece, Why Johnny
Hates School, Dula told the story
of a mother desperately attempting
to coax her son to go to school.
After naming numerous reasons
why he hates school, Johnny claims
that he will go if his mother can
come up with just one good reason.
She does and says to her son in a
calm voice that he must go to
school because hes the principal.
When asked about her overall
experience being a part of this
recital, Dula said, As a performer,
it was a great experience to have
the opportunity to collaborate with
faculty members. Their experience
and high level of skill pushed me
to be an even better musician and
performer.
Assistant Professor of Piano
Shirley Yoo, Ph.D., and senior
Kelton Macke performed the next
set of pieces by Johannes Brahms.
The pieces that were performed
were No. 6 in D fat, No 7. In A
major and No. 5 in F sharp minor
of Brahmss Hungarian Dances.
The astounding aspect of this
performance was that these pieces
were performed by two pianists on
one piano.
The compositions were specif-
cally written for four hands on one
piano, and the coordination was
astonishing.
When listening to this perfor-
mance, not one place could be
noted where they got out of sync
with each other.
It was truly a masterful display
of what two people could do with a
piano and a monstrous profciency
of the keys.
Senior Marie Karbacka said, I
loved the Hungarian Dances by
Brahms for four hands. It really
highlighted the collaboration idea
between student and teacher.
Afterward, an equally stunning
display of virtuosity on the piano
was played by freshman Andrija
Andjeli, who played Scherzo in
B fat minor, Frederic Chopins
second of four Scherzi.
This was a delightful, dreamy
piece of music that seemed to foat
like clouds from the piano in the
middle of the stage.
Composed with dramatic rising
and falling scales and beautiful lyri-
cal themes, it almost seemed familiar
without ever hearing it beforehand.
Associate Professor of Saxo-
phone and Music Education Scott
Meier, Ph.D., and senior Erin
Hepler were featured as the last
two performers for the evening.
The saxophone duo played Suite
en Duo by Guy Lacour, who was
a French composer that performed
professionally with classical and
pop groups.
This act contained three move-
ments: Allegro, Aria and Petite
Fugue. All three were a magnifcent
displays of musicianship and tech-
nical skill.
Overall, the concert was out-
standing. Sophomore Kathleen
Reveille, when asked about her
experience at the recital hall, said,
I loved seeing the collaborations
of students and faculty.
Senior Kelton Macke performs a piece with Shirley Yoo, Ph.D.,
during the faculty recital on Thursday, April 12.
Zach Dorsch photo
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 12 April 18, 2012
This weeks flm at the DAngelo
PAC will be the widely loved story
of Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronts
1847 book.
The flm is directed by Cary Joji
Fukunag, starring Mia Wasikowska,
of Tim Burtons Alice in Wonder-
land and Michael Fassbender as
Edward Rochester, as well as Dame
Judy Dench playing the part of the
housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax.
The story takes place in 19th-
century England when Eyre fees
Thornfeld Hall, a large and isolated
estate where she was working as a
governess for a young girl named
Adle Varens who was under the
custody of the brooding and dark
Rochester, Thornfelds master.
Thornfelds, as well as Roches-
ters, daunting nature wears Eyre
down and severely tests her spirit.
At the age of 10, Eyre was mis-
treated and abused and kicked out
of her childhood home by her Aunt
Reed, forced to live a life empty of
love and affection.
She went to a charity school and
ran into further harsh treatment;
however, she was able to receive an
education.
Through this she met Helen
Burns, a kind and soulful person,
and the two became dear friends.
Eyre was devastated when Burns
became fatally ill and died, but this
encouraged Eyre to consciously
only make decisions for herself.
As a teen, Eyre arrived at Thorn-
feld Hall and was treated with
kindness and respect from the
housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax.
Rochester caught Eyres interest
with his games of wit and captivat-
ing stories and revealed some of his
deepest thoughts.
He proposed to Eyre, but as they
were about to exchange vows, Eyre
is troubled by the strange events
happening in the attic, which was
strictly off-limits.
Upon fnding out the secret
that Rochester had been hiding his
insane wife in the attic, she fees.
After leaving Thornfeld, Eyre
was taken in by a minister, St. John
Rivers, and his family. Shortly after,
Eyre discovered that her uncle died
and left her 20,000 pounds.
She also uncovered that the
Rivers family was, in fact, her cous-
ins. When St. John proposed to
Eyre, she refused and hurried back
to Thornfeld in pursuit of the man
with whom she is in love, Roches-
ter.
Upon her return, she found it
burnt to the ground by Rochesters
deranged wife who died in the fre.
Rochester was blinded and lost
one of his hands in the tragedy.
Eyre goes to his new home where
the two rebuild their relationship
and marry.
A New York Times review of
the flm says, It trims and win-
nows some of Bronts empurpled
passages, preserves important ele-
ments of the authors language,
including, above all, Janes repeated
invocations of freedom as an ethi-
cal and personal ideal.
The flm tells the revered tale
with vigor and a smart sense of
emotional detail, yet fails to capture
the passion and romance of the
book.
Tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for
seniors/students and free for Mer-
cyhurst students with an ID.
The flm will be shown at 2:15
and 7:15 p.m. in the PAC.
By Emma Rishel
Staff writer
Movie Jane Eyre
charms audiences
Jane Eyre will show on Wednesday at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.
Pac.mercyhurst.edu photo This weekend an electric performance of John Cari-
anis play Almost, Maine will be performed in Taylor
Little Theatre.
This show is a riveting showcase of nine vignettes
about love that take place in the fctional, yet emotion-
ally tangible town of Almost, Maine. The script entices
the actors to portray the actions and feelings of new,
lost and rekindled love in the cold winter of the north-
ern United States.
The performance consists of two acts, each with
four vignettes, and with a bizarre scene that starts as
a prologue and continues through the interlogue and
epilogue.
The prologue starts with Pete and Ginette, who sit
on a bench beneath the vast night sky, and although
theyre sitting next to each other, theyre thousands of
miles apart.
Scene 1 is titled Her Heart and begins with a young
woman named Glory, who isnt native to the little town
of Almost, but she sure does fnd herself oddly at
home with a repairman Easton.
The two strangers then discover what it means to
mend broken hearts and become more than either of
them could have anticipated.
The next vignette is a story of love lost and found.
Jimmy is a regular guy who sees his ex-girlfriend, San-
drine, at their local hang out.
After a plethora of awkward moments and uncer-
tainty, it becomes apparent that fate works in a quirky
way for Jimmy. Sometimes, even mistakes can be
reversed.
Scene 3 involves Marvalyn and Steve who both are
lacking emotion in their lives for different reasons.
After a freaky turn of events, they fnd out that love is
a magical thing and can be found anywhere if you try
hard enough.
Marvalyn is afraid to love, and Steve isnt sure hes
able to. Together, they help sort out each others love
lives.
The last vignette of act one uses love as something
you can physically give a person, and Gayle wants all
hers back from Lendall.
It appears that Lendall gave much more love than
Gayle, but size isnt everything. The love Lendall gives
to Gayle is proof that sometimes big things come in
small packages.
In the beginning of Act 2, there is an interlogue,
where Pete from the prologue is still looking off into
the distance waiting for Ginette to return.
The lights go up in the frst scene on Randy and
Chad, two buddies who just got back from a horrible
night of failed dates. They soon fgure out through a
rough turn of events that sometimes all you need is
your best friend, and it doesnt always come along in a
way you expect.
Scene 2 focuses on a couple, Phil and Marci, who
had just got done ice skating in their old hang out spot
when they realize their marriage has been put on the
back burner for quite a few years.
Anniversaries are forgotten, planets are mistaken for
stars and the couple realizes that maybe everything isnt
what it used to be.
Scene 3 opens on Hope, a girl in her mid-20s search-
ing for the house of the boy she loves but hasnt seen
in years.
After knocking on the door, she realizes that the
man who now lives there isnt who she expected and
that her love may be lost for good.
In the fnal scene, Rhonda seems to have the roman-
tic situation between her and her best friend, Dave,
under control.
Rhonda has gotten through life by being tough, and
Dave sees a need to break this trend. This last scene
is proof that a person can fnd love even in the most
unlikely place.
The cast features many of the theatre programs
veteran actors, including junior Katie Cecchetti, soph-
omore Mat Anderson, senior Nikki Zeak, post bacc
Chris Cummings, junior Marie Glaser and sophomore
Ally Peterseim, all of whom portray two or more
roles.
The production is showing Friday, April 20, and Sat-
urday, April 21, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 22, at 2 p.m.
in Taylor Little Theatre.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and
seniors, $4 for youth (12 and under) and $2 for Mercy-
hurst students with an ID.
By Mathew Anderson
Staff writer
Almost, Maine showcases
veteran student actors
Almost, Maine is showing Friday through
Sunday, April 20 to 22. Tickets are $2 for
Mercyhurst students with ID.
Contributed photo
Editors
Kelly Luoma
Alaina Rydzewski
Liz Zurasky
Caitlin Handerhan
Spencer Hunt
Alex Stacey
Chrissy Mihalic
Kaitlin Badger
Jill Barrile
Ethan Johns
Max Rivera
Bill Welch
@mercyhurst.edu
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The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst
College. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of
finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is
(814) 824-2376.
The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed
and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the
letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters
are due Mondays. by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit
letters to box PH 485 or via e-mail at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
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Positions
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Graphics
Photo Editor
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September 3, 2008
OPINION
Page 13 April 18, 2012
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 e-mailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
TOMS campus club gives back
Students organize One Day Without Shoes
It may sound clich, but I think it is safe to say that today
many Americans (and those in industrialized nations in gen-
eral) are obsessed with material possessions.
Let me start by saying that this is not an article on which I
will stand on a soapbox.
I am as guilty as anyone else in this respect, constantly walk-
ing around with my nose to my iPhone screen checking that
email that just cant wait or being disproportionately upset
when I get something on my favorite shirt.
Sometimes, I think we should all take a second and refect
on what is truly important in life, or how genuinely lucky we
are to simply have the opportunity to attend college.
There is much we can do to improve our daily lives, and
even the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.
For example, you may have heard that Tuesday, April 10,
was designated as One Day Without Shoes, an annual effort
by shoe-maker TOMS to raise awareness of children in less
developed countries who often live in dangerous areas with-
out basic footwear.
For every pair of shoes you buy, TOMS gives a pair to a
child in need.
This is an ingenious idea, as it appeals to the customer who
gets a new pair of shoes and also to the children, who need
shoes to avoid the risk of deadly infections or to even attend
school.
While some may not see a good reason to walk around
barefoot on campus for all or part of the day, it serves to
teach people about this valuable cause.
The entire day makes us aware (at least for 24 hours and
hopefully more) how much we truly have. How many of us
have more than two, three or even seven pairs of shoes in our
closets?
It helps us to focus our attention on innocent children who
have not even one pair and will maybe even spur us into doing
more to help them.
And this is just one example of basic material needs we
have in abundance and take for granted almost every day (see:
clean water from a tap, a roof over our head and food on-the-
go in Egan or the Laker).
Im not saying we should all put away our technology or
live an ascetic lifestyle. But even awareness of how fortunate
we are and small efforts to help those around us can certainly
make a world of difference.
By Brian Lombardo
Staff writer
Are chivalry and manners dead?
Women have not killed chivalry, men have
Im just going to throw it right out therechivalry
is dead. Vanished, obsolete, gone. At least, that is my
interpretation of this waning social phenomenon.
I have never been one who was bitter about this until
now. Normally something like this would not bother
me, but my patience has worn thin. It is as if males are
not aware of what courteous behavior is anymore. This
is quite a tragic fact, if you ask me.
I literally cannot remember the last time I saw a guy
on campus or around town open a door for me or any
other woman for that matter. I have noticed it seems to
be primarily with men from my own generation who
are the main culprits. Older generations of men seem
to have it down to an art form.
Where did it get lost and why? What are they so afraid
of ? Are men afraid that it makes them look weak or that
the girl may get the wrong message? Or is it simply a
self-absorption that plagues our generations males?
Well, let me clear things upopening a door for
women is not a lifelong commitment or a marriage pro-
posal. It is simply polite, respectful and in my humble
opinion, manly.
Comedian Dave Chappelle jokes that chivalry is
dead because women killed it. That is just ridicu-
lous. Feminism and the womens rights movement
have not ended chivalry or curbed womens apprecia-
tion for a kind gesture. Yes, feminism has changed
many things about being a woman in society, but it
does not call for a complete abandonment of man-
ners.
Sure, women are much more independent nowa-
days than they have ever been. But despite that, a
considerate Y chromosome has always been and will
forever be appreciated and respected in the eyes of
a woman.
If chivalry, is however, still alive, it is most defnitely a
rarity. So gentlemen, please, next time you see a woman
coming through a door with her hands full, or not, give
her a refreshing glimpse of hope and open the door for
her or offer to carry something. I promise you, it will
not make you look feminine.
If anything, do it to show off those muscles that you
have been working so hard at sculpting in the gym.
Be a testosterone-flled humanoid to your hearts
content around your bros, but when you are around
a woman, step it up and be that dignifed fellow that
women are convinced is extinct. Otherwise, R.I.P. chiv-
alry. Carry on.
By Courtney Hartline
Contributing writer
I literally cannot remember the
last time I saw a guy open a
door for me or any other girl
for that matter.
- Courtney Hartline

September 3, 2008
OPINION
Page 14 April 18, 2012
The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Mer-
ciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be e-mailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
Since the Laker Vapor
update on Good Friday,
students and faculty
alike have been suffer-
ing with sluggish wire-
less internet, trouble
with webmail and an
inability to regularly
access webadvisor. With
fall term scheduling
looming, lets hope stu-
dents can actually use
Laker Vapor.
Students received a
survey on various admin-
istrative departments,
giving students a chance
to voice their opinions.
As spring temperatures
warm dreary Erie, intel
students and profes-
sors are sweating it out
with no air conditioning
and numerous fans in
the classrooms of their
old academic building.
Rockets: Theyve been around for about 70
years. But just because theyre senior citizens
doesnt mean theyre technologically decrepit.
As North Koreas latest failed rocket test shows,
launching a rocket into space is still, well, rocket
science. Koreas lame attempt to launch a rocket
this past Friday drew condemnation from the
White House, with press secretary Jay Carney
saying in a statement that the provocative action
threatens regional security, violates international
law and contravenes its own recent commit-
ments.
North Koreas much-touted satellite launch
ended in a nearly $1 billion failure, bringing
humiliation to the countrys new young leader
and condemnation from a host of nations. The
United Nations Security Council deplored the
launch but stopped short of imposing new pen-
alties in response.
The rockets disintegration Friday over the
Yellow Sea brought a rare public acknowledg-
ment of failure from Pyongyang, which had
hailed the launch as a show of strength amid
North Koreas persistent economic hardship. For
the 20-something Kim Jong Un it was to have
been a highlight of the celebratory events sur-
rounding his ascension to top political power.
It was timed to coincide with the countrys
biggest holiday in decades, the 100th birthday of
North Korean founder Kim Il Sung, the young
leaders grandfather. The United States and
South Korea declared the early morning launch a
failure minutes after the rocket shot out from the
Norths west coast. North Korea acknowledged
its demise four hours later in an announcement
broadcast on state TV, saying the satellite the
rocket was carrying did not enter orbit.
I guess the late founder of North Korea is
disappointed. His birthday toy wont arrive on
time, a senior U.S. offcial emails, along with a
request to keep his name out of his jokes. In
fact, it wont arrive at all. And if it did, some
major reassembly would be required. In fair-
ness, its not just North Korea. The list of coun-
tries to have successfully launched a satellite into
space is in the single digits.
Still, North Korea has some specifc disad-
vantages. Not only are they short on money,
but also expertise. Developing this technology
requires expertise across a range of felds, from
fuid dynamics to metallurgy to materials science
to fight dynamics, says Brian Weeden, a former
offcer with the U.S. Air Force Space Command.
Countries that have been successful in this area
all have extensive science, technology, engineer-
ing and mathematics programs to develop people
with expertise in those felds.
In particular, North Koreas short-range mis-
sile technology is based on work the Soviets did
with their own rockets. But thats really diff-
cult to scale up as Pyongyang seems not to
have fgured out. Of course, all bets are off if
the North Koreans decide a modifed intercon-
tinental ballistic missile is too hard and opt to
go shopping. On the other hand, North Korea
seems to like to export its missile technology.
Documents revealed by WikiLeaks indicated
that North Korea had passed on its missiles to
Iran. That may not actually be true. But judging
from North Koreas unbroken streak of failed
launches, if Pyongyang really is sending missiles
to Iran, thats a two-fer for Washington.
By Jaslyne Halter
Staff writer
Missile launch by North Korea a failure
Rogue nation shamed politically, scientifcally
Mass media distorts images of women
Victorias Secret models, Cosmopolitan arti-
cles and overly skinny models such as Kate Moss
are only a few examples of the images that some
women in the 21st century judge themselves
against. But so what, right? How will a picture of
the skinny, voluptuous and provocative Megan
Fox plastered on the cover of this months April
Cosmopolitan affect women?
The answer is: a lot more than one might
probably think.
The fact is, women today are consistently
surrounded by unrealistic images in the media
that tend to sit placidly in womens psyches. Just
browse the magazines in any grocery store and
without a doubt there will be images of perfectly
toned and perfectly Photoshopped women with
an impractical body size.
Actually, browse the April 4 issue of The Mer-
ciad to read Jaslyne Halters article Weight loss
always an option.
In the article, Halter bravely wrote that she
felt she was the poster child for the fat college
student and admitted to giving in to societys
interpretation of beauty. In other words,
Halter compared herself to the media image of
beauty, and after, deemed herself fat.
Now dont get me wrong, I completely agree
that trying to live a healthy lifestyle is a defnite
must in anyones life. But I wanted to rebut and
ask women to look at things from a different per-
spective.
Instead of women comparing themselves and
giving in to the medias image of women, they
should frst ask how many people in the world
actually look like the medias depiction of the
perfect women.
Specifcally, try and remember that the women
in Cosmo or the woman modeling the new
summer 2012 bikini line, are not real. Literally,
they are not real.
Their bodies are morphed with technology
and Photoshop to the point where they are, in
sum, computerized and made up.
Therefore, I wanted to stress that women
should not agree with societys interpretation of
beauty because in turn they will only be agreeing
with, and then comparing themselves to, a lie.
Ill admit that it feels great to get a good work
out in when its possible and that being over-
weight can be unhealthy, but women should
not compare themselves to the contestants on
Americas Next Top Model because its idealistic,
unhealthy, false and non-progressive.
Remember, those who run mass media may be
in charge of what is seen on TV, in magazines,
and in daily lives, but by choosing not to agree
with, and comparing oneself to, the unrealistic
images is a progressive step in changing the way
beauty is measured in society today.
By Chrissy Mihalic
Copy editor
Writer responds to weighty claims
My article wasnt about ftting in with societys
push for Thin America, but rather that I want
a lifestyle change.
I think I am beautiful and that everyone needs
to love themselves and their bodies despite what
America might think; its more about living a
healthier life in a busy world.
By Jaslyne Halter
Sports
Page 15 April 18, 2012
Grimes has breakout sophomore season
Having a smaller than normal
team can be a struggle for any col-
legiate athlete. Sophomore Allison
Grimes hasnt let it show for the
womens water polo team.
The team was coming off a
strong 2010-11 campaign, fnishing
with a 16-10 record.
This season, the Lakers started
poorly and hit a low point when
they lost fve straight games during
the Chapman Invitational at the
end of winter term. Even so, play-
ers like Grimes are stepping up and
trying to make the team one to be
noticed.
We are doing well, but the down-
side is that we do get hit around a
lot because there are only 12 of us
this year, and we had 18 last year,
Grimes said.
Being the only sophomore starter
and the second-highest scorer with
51 points behind junior Lisett Cal-
dron, Grimes is making a name for
herself.
We have a lot less people this
year, so there is more playing time
and more opportunities. I feel a lot
stronger from lifting and training
too, so that has helped me overall,
Grimes said.
Grimes leads the team in assists
this year with 20 total. This is a big
step up from her freshman year
where she totaled 16 points the
entire year.
I had to step up this year since
many key players left last year. It
was nice sitting on the bench my
frst year because it allowed me to
see how the team works together
during games, Grimes said.
Grimes is a math education major
and has been playing water polo for
the past eight years.
Water polo is a very tough and
dangerous sport, and I dont think
many people realize this. I love it,
though, she said. I just wish more
people got to see us play because
we dont have a pool on campus.
We have to go to North East for
practice, and our home games are
usually at Gannon or Penn State
Behrend.
Among all the colleges and uni-
versities in Division II, Grimes
chose Mercyhurst to further both
her academic and sports career.
I didnt really want to go to a
DI school even though I had a few
offers. I really loved the campus
here. It was so beautiful, and I loved
the small school and how I was able
to know people a lot closer here,
Grimes said.
The Lakers are practicing hard
six times a week at North East and
are trying to bounce back from the
three straight losses they suffered in
the Southern Championship against
Harvard, Brown and George Wash-
ington University.
The Lakers next home game is
at Gannon University on Friday,
April 20, at 7 p.m.
By Samantha Bante
Contributing writer
Sophomore Allie Grimes has made a 35-point jump in points
from her freshman to sophomore season.
Sports Information photo
Baseball team has sights set on postseason
When a team has a successful
season, is it fair to compare the next
years team to it?
This is a question the Mercyhurst
baseball team has been dealing with
during the 2012 season. The team is
28-11, compared to the 42-12 cam-
paign a year ago. Coincidentally, last
season was also the best in program
history.
The 2012 team has dealt with
the comparisons well and is ranked
third in the most recent Atlan-
tic Regional rankings. The Lakers
returned a number of key players
from last years squad, but it isnt
the same according to Coach Joe
Spano.
Each team is unique, but
we have new faces especially on
offense, said Spano. We have less
experience offensively, and its com-
pletely different.
The Lakers are getting key con-
tributions from freshmen as they
have had to step in at some point
this season.
Freshman Kolin McMillen
leads the team in batting average
with .389 and is third on the team
in hits. This type of production
is certainly welcomed especially
when more experienced players
graduate or go down because of
an injury.
When you recruit a player you
never expect that type of produc-
tion, but you certainly hope for it,
said Spano. Its always a pleasure
when you hit on a recruit.
With the loss of redshirt junior
Zak Blair, Spano had to adjust his
lineup with younger players taking
on bigger roles. The Lakers havent
skipped a beat. Three of the seven
Lakers hitting over .300 are fresh-
men.
The one luxury Spano had
coming into the year was a pitching
staff that was relatively unchanged.
Spano returned six key members of
the staff and had high hopes for
them.
I thought it could be an excel-
lent staff, said Spano. Offensively
we need to take the pressure off of
them.
Junior Ben Rawding has a spot-
less 7-0 record with a 2.51 ERA.
Rawding, along with senior Eric
Aschley, gives Spano two aces to
work with. Rawding and Aschley
combine for seven of the teams 10
complete games.
Seniors Shane Latshaw and
Ethan Santora have been helping
keep some of the pressure off the
pitchers. Latshaw was named Penn-
sylvania State Athletic Association
(PSAC) player of the week this past
week and leads the team in home
runs and is second in RBIs.
Santora has had a down year to
his standards, but he set the bar very
high for himself. As a freshman he
hit 16 home runs and recently broke
the schools home run record for a
career.
He will never sit out; he hurt
his hand early in the season and has
been really impressive, said Spano.
Every record he breaks he gets a
bigger bulls-eye on his back.
With Latshaws emergence, San-
tora has protection in the line-up,
and they are both tough outs for
opposing pitchers. So far, they have
been just that.
The team still has its sights set on
another PSAC west championship
this season. The Lakers are in frst
place but only after a tie-breaker.
Six teams still have a shot at the top
seed, and no spot is secure.
We wont know until the last
week of the season, but we can only
control our end, Spano said.
The Lakers have a busy few
weeks ahead as their last eight
games are four double-headers. In
fact, the teams next home game is
a double-header against Clarion on
Friday, April 20, starting at 1 p.m.
By Spencer Hunt
Sports editor
Freshman Kolin McMillen has been a pleasant surprise for the
Lakers. He leads the team in batting average in his frst year.
Jill Barrile photo
Senior Kyle Kallay took home
his second East Coast Confer-
ence (ECC) player of the week
honors this week.
Kallay helped the No. 1 ranked
mens lacrosse team to two victo-
ries during the week with 10 total
points.
Over the course of his career,
Kallay has made his mark as a
goal scorer, but this week he
scored and assisted. Six of the 10
points were assists.
Of course, Kallay added four
goals as well. He now ranks
seventh all-time with 76 in his
career. He has 21 goals for the
year which leads the team.
Kallay and the Lakers skated
through two unranked oppo-
nents last week, but their next
game might not be as easy. The
team will travel to New York
Institute of Technology (NYIT)
on Saturday, April 21.
NYIT is currently No. 7 in the
country and is the last ranked
opponent on the Lakers sched-
ule.
Kallay named
player of the
week
Sports
April 18, 2012 Page 16
Scheetz is model student-athlete for mens lacrosse
Choosing what sport to play
growing up can be a diffcult deci-
sion for any kid. The choice is inf-
nitely more diffcult when your dad
is the junior varsity baseball coach
and you choose lacrosse.
This was junior Brian Scheetzs
dilemma as he grew up.
He began playing lacrosse in kin-
dergarten, but he also played base-
ball. For a while he could do both,
but once organized leagues began,
one of them had to go because
both are played in the spring.
In ffth grade I had to pick,
said Scheetz. It was a tough deci-
sion because I was the ball boy
for the baseball team, but baseball
wasnt fast enough for me.
A slow, pitch-by-pitch game was
not what Scheetz was looking for,
even in ffth grade. He wanted to
run up and down the feld with the
ball in his hands.
Even so, lacrosse wasnt the only
fast sport he played prior to his
collegiate career. Scheetz played
football and basketball throughout
high school, along with lacrosse. He
was captain of each team his senior
year. This was a characteristic that
Mercyhurst mens lacrosse coach
Chris Ryan loved about Scheetz.
I could tell he was going to have
a pretty quick impact on the team as
a freshman, Ryan said.
After earning accolades in all
three sports, Scheetz chose lacrosse
full time for college. But the other
sports helped Scheetz on the
lacrosse feld as well.
Basketball has a lot of similar
defenses, and the lanes are similar,
said Scheetz. Football helped from
being a team game and talking to
your teammates.
Time management was not going
to be an issue for Scheetz as his only
major adjustment was playing one
sport all the time, instead of three
different sports. The mental transi-
tion to full-time collegiate lacrosse
was a natural transition.
Scheetzs experience and leader-
ship led to an explosive frst season in
Erie. He led the team with 61 points
as a freshman, but his impact wasnt
a surprise to the coaching staff.
He was one of very few fresh-
men in the programs history that
we handed the ball to day one as
a freshman, said Ryan. We knew
early on he was going to be a good
lacrosse player.
Good is an understatement when
describing Scheetz.
In only his junior season, Scheetz
has already secured the universitys
all-time record for assists in a career
with 90. He is on pace to break the
school record for points in a career.
So far, he has 152 points, only three
away from the record. With these
records, it is easy to forget he still
has one full season left to go.
Even with all the accolades and
attention, Scheetz is still focused on
the current season and helping the
younger players.
I prefer to stay quiet and let
my play speak, but I will defnitely
speak up if I have to, said Scheetz.
This year I tried to take a bigger
leadership role.
Scheetz is still progressing as a
lacrosse player, even though it seems
he can do just about anything.
I am more confdent in big
games now, said Scheetz. My frst
two years I was a little shaky, but
this year Im more experienced so I
am more even keel.
After watching Scheetz play for
almost three full seasons, Ryan is
very pleased with his progression.
He is a fully mature lacrosse
player and on his way to becoming
a complete player, said Ryan. He
has a high lacrosse IQ, and we have
a high level of confdence in him.
One unexpected aspect of
Scheetzs game is that he puts up
spectacular numbers despite being
the shortest player on the team.
Although he is only 5 foot 7
inches, he has tremendous athletic
ability, said Ryan. I would say he
is arguably, pound-for-pound the
strongest guy on the team.
Despite his time and effort being
focused on the lacrosse feld, Scheetz
also excels in the classroom.
He is over a 3.0 in the class-
room and mature, said Ryan. He
is a pretty good example of what it
means to be a student-athlete.
Scheetzs hard work in the class-
room has led to good grades and
his work on the feld to a National
Championship. With continued
dedication, Scheetz and the Lakers
could be headed for another title.
By Spencer Hunt
Sports editor
Junior Brian Scheetz, center, is three points away from being
Mercyhursts all-time leader in points in a career.
Sarah Hlusko photo
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