THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MERCYHURST COLLEGE SINCE 1929
MERCIAD
The
Vol. 78 No. 21
Mercyhurst buys land for $1.8 million
By Josh Wilwohl
Layout assistant
With the decision to purchase 400-
acres of land in the western county for
the new Girard campus, Mercyhurst set
into motion only the beginning stages
of a lengthy and difficult process.
Last week, the board of trustees voted
to pay $4,500 per acre, or $1.8 million,
to the Society of the Divine Word, in
order to purchase the land.
According to Interim President
Michael McQuillen, the purchase was
financed by transferring monies to the
endowment fund.
The idea, according to McQuillen, is
to sell a part of the land to regain the
money.
“We can sell a portion of the property
to other developers and form more
money from the land in the endowment,
instead of cash,” said McQuillen.
According to McQuillen, there have
been enough studies to warrant the
purchase.
“There was sufficient information to
buy (the land) and now we just need to
plan ‘Mercyhurst West.’”
The idea of Mercyhurst West campus
Who is this colorful pair?
Jesse and Ricardo are regularly seen riding around campus. Find out all about them on page 4.
Seniors pledge to stay green at heart even after graduation
By Jennifer Ciccone
Contributing writer
Underclassmen are ready for classes
to be done and for summer to begin.
Seniors, on the hand, are packing up
their belongings for one last time at
the Hurst.
The truth is they will not be returning
come fall, they will be in the “real world,”
working to make a living and executing
the skills that they have learned through
their four years at Mercyhurst.
News
inside this issue
 New programs, summer
courses? There is a lot
going on with the Mercy-
hurst graduate programs.
Page 2
 It’s almost time to move
out, but your garbage may
be someone else’s treasure.
Page 3
Mercyhurst College 501 E. 38th St. Erie, Pa. 16546
began when Fairview and Girard High
School superintendents, who, accord-
ing to McQuillen, spoke to Mercyhurst
about mirroring a North East to stu-
dents in the west county.
“They were an important voice in
urging the college to offer programs (in
that area),” he said.
McQuillen feels that with the expan-
sion of such programs will help increase
the student population.
“With this new campus, we hope to
attract a regional and national student
population,” he said.
However, in contrast to North East,
which has around 1200 students, Mer-
cyhurst West plans to only begin with
500 to 600 students and “later expand,”
said McQuillen.
Even with the buying of such a large
property, McQuillen noted that there
seemed to be “no opposition,” just
some concern.
“There was some concern in the
beginning, but the board wisely decided
it was best to buy the land,” he said.
“We now just have to work on the
major plans and decisions for the
campus.”
Please see College on Page 3
But getting a job is not the only thing
seniors are considering at the moment.
There are a lot of loose ends and final
commitments that are in need of some
serious attention.
The Graduation Green Pledge is one
of those things seniors are being asked
to reflect on as they embark on the new
stage of their lives, what life is like after
Mercyhurst. According to Sister Michele
Schroeck, “The Graduation Green
Pledge is a national effort to promote
civic responsibility among graduating
seniors. It was started by a student at
Opinion
 Find out what some ’Hurst
seniors have planned after
graduation.
Page 6
Arts & Entertainment
Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ will be per-
formed by the Erie Opera The-
atre, featuring many Mercyhurst
students, faculty and alumni.
Page 9
The rendering above shows what a Mercyhurst West building would look like.
Melissa Jack/contributing photographer
Mercyhurst in 1998.”
In early May, seniors will receive a
letter explaining the origin of the Gradu-
ation Green Pledge and what exactly it
entails when committing the pledge.
Seniors will soon be among millions
of Americans that are working to make
a living and the letter explains why they
want people to sign the pledge prior to
graduation.
“The college hopes that you will
continue to carry out the social and
environmental responsibility that you
learned as part of your liberal arts educa-
Features
Learn about the differences
between school in Poland and
the U.S.
Page 4
Sports
Softball finishes with 7-1
stretch to make GLIAC Playoffs.
Page 12
Neighbors speak out
Over 200 neighbors of Mercyhurst
voice concerns to Erie City Council
By Kelly Rose Duttine
Editor-in-chief
Real world neighbors are complaining
once again about “MercyWorld” to the
City Council.
According to the Erie Times-News in
an April 30 article, nearly 200 neighbors
of Mercyhurst College attended an Erie
City Council public hearing last Friday
at St. Luke’s School to complain about
the destructive nature of Mercyhurst
students, including students that live off
campus and those traveling to and from
off campus parties and bars.
Neighbors cite everything from the
littering of beer cans to students ruin-
ing flowers and plants in their yards
from passing out or vomiting, said the
article.
City Council President Jim Thomp-
son, along with the Erie Police Chief
Charles Bowers promised to crack down
on students based on a growing number
of complaints by neighbors, according
to the article.
Mercyhurst College’s Office of Resi-
dence Life is also trying to crack down
tion at Mercyhurst,” states the opening
paragraph of the letter all seniors are
soon to receive.
This year’s pledge committee has
been working hard trying to get the
word out to inform graduating seniors
of their options. The pledge commit-
tee consists of: Amelia Vanessa Diaz,
Matt Goodrich, Jen Helbig, Ashley
Herrmann, Dana Hyland, Tara Tel-
lerito, JoEllen Taylor, and Sister Michele
Shroeck, RSM.
Schroeck reinforces the concept by
saying, “It is an excellent opportunity for
May 4, 2005
BSI photo
on the situation, according to Assistant
Director of Residence Life, Joe Howard.
Howard attended the meeting last
Friday, along with other members of the
Mercyhurst College Residence Life staff,
Administration and some concerned
students.
“It was mostly the same complaints
of inconsiderate behavior that we have
heard all year,” said Howard.
The city has already proposed some
changes to pacify neighbors for the
remaining weeks of school.
One way the city will try to help
neighbors is through a Neighborhood
Action Team (NAT) who will patrol
the area around Mercyhurst College.
Typically, a NAT is used in inner-city
neighborhoods to deal with drugs, crime
or violence.
The NAT is only responsible for a
particular neighborhood, and does not
have to answer other police calls, so they
can devote more time and attention to
one area.
“The NAT will be used where neigh-
bors complained most heavily,” said
Howard.
Please see Neighbors on Page 3
seniors to put the values they learned at
Mercyhurst into practice.”
The mission statement complements
Mercyhurst’s own mission statement and
goals for what it wants to instill in it is
students. The Green Pledge mission
statement reads as follows: “I pledge to
explore and take into account the social
and environmental consequences of any
job I consider and will try to improve
these aspects of any organizations for
which I work.”
Please see Green on Page 3
Index
News...............................2
News...............................3
Feaures..........................4
Feaures..........................5
Opinon............................6
Opin................................7
A&E................................8
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
A&E................................9
Sports...........................10
Sports...........................11
Sports...........................12
PAGE 2
NEWS To contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Students help with Special Olympics
By Missy Mulvihill
Contributing writer
On Wednesday, April 27,
education students, members
of the Council for Exceptional
Children and volunteers alike,
came together to take part in
the Special Olympics Track and
Field meet held at Penn State
Behrend’s Junker Center.
The event was organized by
Special Olympics coordinator,
adjunct professor Kim Whalen,
and junior Kelly Dombrowski,
the Special Olympics officer
for the Council for Exceptional
Children, or CEC.
“It’s great to be able to be a
part of something so special to
so many students with disabili-
ties,” said Dombrowski.
“I think it’s also a great oppor-
tunity for Mercyhurst students
to be involved in something off
campus, helping out the Erie
community and spending some
quality time with the population
around us.”
About 40 volunteers from
Mercyhurst joined with other
volunteers from Gannon and
Graduate programs continue to expand
By Jamie Myers
Contributing writer
The Mercyhurst Adult and
Graduate program is getting
more popular by the day.
Mercyhurst offers five gradu-
ate programs.
In 1978, the Administration
of Justice program was started,
the first-ever graduate program
at Mercyhurst.
In 1982, Special Education,
and in 1998, Organizational
Leadership were launched.
This year, Mercyhurst was put
on the national map with two
more graduate programs: Ap-
plied Intelligence and Forensic
and Biological Anthropology.
More than 50 applicants
from all over the country are
hoping that they get one of the
few spots for each of the new
programs.
Because so many applied, no
more applications will even be
accepted.
Applied Intelligence has 25
available spots and Forensic and
Biological Anthropology has
only eight spots to fill.
“The word is out now and
wow,” said Dr. Michael Lyden,
director of adult and graduate
programs.
The success of the Intel-
ligence Studies Program has
helped to spread the word and
get Mercyhurst on the map.
Before these programs can
Graduate school offers summer classes
By Brent Vlcek
Contributing writer
Despite the exodus of the ma-
jority of the student population,
classes will remain in session at
Mercyhurst over the summer.
This summer the college will
be offering several new gradu-
ate courses.
These courses will compli-
ment the five graduate programs
already offered by the college:
Special Education, Administra-
tion of Justice, Organizational
Leadership, Applied Intelligence
and Forensic and Biological
Anthropology.
The Special Education gradu-
ate program will make available
two courses: Culture of Dis-
ability and Curriculum Based
Assessment and Instructional
Planning. These Special Educa-
tion courses begin June 20.
The Administration of Justice
graduate program is offering a
week-long seminar this summer.
The seminar in Organized and
White Collar Crime begins June
13 and concludes on June 17.
The Organizational Leader-
ship graduate program will
offer a new course titled Orga-
nizational Communication for
For the Special Olympics Track and Field meet student volunteers prepare lunch.
Penn State Behrend to help the
75 students (ages ranged from
kindergarten to adult) who came
from all over the Erie School
get any bigger there needs to be
more faculty and more facilities,
such as labs.
It is hard to recruit faculty
because Mercyhurst has some
of the best. “We have major
league people,” said Lyden.
“We’re lucky.”
The Intelligence program
is spreading its wings to reach
Washington D.C. for distance
programs.
This summer, people that
work in our nation’s capital
will be taking part in an online
course taught to those who can-
not be taught in Erie.
These people will work
through Blackboard to interact
with each other and do an inde-
pendent study.
The course will be interac-
tive and not just reading. It will
include links to videos, archives
and references.
The Special Education pro-
gram is growing as well. This
year, the application record was
broken.
Many of these students come
from a 50-mile radius.
This is the same for the Ad-
ministration of Justice program.
If you go down to Erie’s county
jail, social services or the parole
or corrections offices, many
of these people are participat-
ing in Mercyhurst’s graduate
program.
The Organizational Leader-
ship program is small and has a
more intimate setting.
Leaders.
Students of the Applied Intel-
ligence graduate program will be
working on various projects and
internships.
While the undergraduate An-
thropology program offers
summer courses, the Forensic
and Biological Anthropology
graduate program will not host
summer courses.
Regular faculty and adjunct
professors will teach the new
graduate courses.
Academic Dean Mary Breck-
enridge is enthusiastic about the
new graduate programs. Accord-
ing to Breckenridge, graduate
programs offer students further
venues of study and academic
progression. “Students consider
the graduate programs because
they want to accelerate their
progress,” said Breckinridge.
The summer graduate pro-
grams also offer students a con-
venient opportunity to complete
their studies.
“Most of the Special Educa-
tion, Administration of Justice
and Organizational Leadership
students work during the day
and they usually take only one
or two courses a semester,”
Breckinridge said.
According the Breckenridge,
THE MERCIAD
District to participate in the track
and field meet.
“I think this Special Olympic
Track Meet touches the hearts
There is a fair amount of
Mercyhurst graduates that go on
in this program and the Special
Education program.
Recent graduates usually be-
come established somewhere
and come back to take graduate
courses.
Mercyhurst also has 275 adult
students.
Whether they are parents
whose children have graduated
from college and now it is their
turn, or people who were in
the military and now have their
chance to get further education,
they are coming here.
Other students come back af-
ter graduation to get a post-bac-
calaureate advanced certificate.
Most of these students at
Mercyhurst are young, coming
back to get a degree in another
major.
Some come to get teaching
degrees so they can teach biolo-
gy or psychology for example.
Mercyhurst is not advertising
these programs, but people are
finding out about them. They
are seeking them out.
Lyden explained it is easy
when we have a good foun-
dation. Mercyhurst has the
dynamics and diversity of pro-
grams like bigger schools, just
on a smaller scale.
“These are very different
people with very different pur-
poses,” said Lyden.
Mercyhurst’s graduate programs,
while limited in number, are pro-
gressing. “They are becoming
more and more well known both
regionally and nationally,” said
Breckenridge.
“Our goal is to bring more
people into these programs
from around the country,” said
Breckenridge.
Mercyhurst’s graduate pro-
grams are a definite part of the
college’s future. According to
Breckenridge, the college has
been considering expanding the
graduate programs.
“We have been engaged this
whole time in a task force to
look at graduate education and
its role at Mercyhurst college,”
said Breckenridge.
The primary issue for the Col-
lege is how graduate programs
fit into a primarily undergradu-
ate institution. “We are waiting
for the results of the task force
before we move. We probably
will add a few programs over
the next couple of years,” said
Breckenridge.
For those interested in gradu-
ate programs contact Susan
Smith of the Adult Education
Department at (814) 824-3363
or ssmith2@mercyhurst.edu.
Photo courtesy of Missy Mulvihill
of many of our education stu-
dents, as we see many of the
participants in our practicum
placements for our education
Student housing update
Residence Life issues guidelines for off-campus commut-
By Kristen Piquette
Advertising manager
The housing department has
been making some minor chang-
es to both on and off-campus
housing.
Though the housing process
has stayed primarily the same,
there is some new information to
inquire about when looking for
housing in the upcoming years.
“The process for housing has
not changed much; turn your
papers in, sign up in the Student
Government Chambers. How-
ever, we are always tinkering with
the process for improvements,”
says Justin Ross, Assistant Direc-
tor of Freshman Housing.
Due to the number of neigh-
borhood complaints, the housing
department is making it their
priority to be more involved with
off-campus housing.
Next year students must inform
the school that they are living off
campus and where their housing
arrangements will be.
There will also be a new student
handbook especially designed for
commuters.
“The same rules from the pre-
classes, as well as at other com-
munity events we volunteer for
(E.S.O. Dances and SABAH),”
said Dombrowski.
“We are able to develop greater
relationships with the students
we teach at our practicum place-
ments, because we get to know
their interests and are able to
connect with them at more
events instead of just within their
classroom.”
The students competed in
events such as the 50-meter dash,
100-meter run, softball throw
(similar to the shot-put) and the
long jump.
“The athletes were so proud
of themselves no matter what
place they took. They wanted
to show everyone their award
ribbons,” said senior volunteer
Ashley Vuono.
Competing in an athletic com-
petition was not the only thing
for the students to take part in.
To occupy the students between
events, Mercyhurst volunteers set
up an Olympic village where they
helped the student athletes with
arts and crafts.
Some activities included noodle
necklaces, noisemakers, sidewalk
vious years apply to commuters;
however, they are now written in
an actual document,” says Ross.
“Only one-fifth of the hand-
book actually consists of written
rules for off campus students
the other half is full of helpful
tips and guidelines for first-time
renters.”
Some of the helpful guidelines
consist of “Things to look for in
a lease” and “How to look for the
best deals when renting,.”
This book will be the off-cam-
pus version of the on-campus
guideline.
There is also a new “Commut-
ers Club,” so if there are any
problems or issues that need
to be raised, that is the place to
do it.
“These tips would have been
a big help to us before signing
our lease this past year,” says
Amy Hopta, a junior business
advertising major.
“We learned the hard way about
what to look for in a lease.”
There are also some changes
to on-campus housing. Next year
will be the first year for Mercy-
hurst’s Green Apartments.
The Green Apartments are a
result of the Green Team’s’ ef-
May 4, 2005
chalk, artwork, making s’mores
and much more. The hardwork-
ing volunteers also grilled hot
dogs and made lunches for all of
the hungry athletes.
Not only did the student
athletes have a great time, the
volunteers did as well.
“It was a truly successful track
meet,” said Dombrowski.
The track and field meet is not
the only Special Olympics event
held annually.
Every February, volunteers
participate in the Winter Olym-
pics at Peak ‘n Peak Resort and
volunteers are always welcomed
and needed.
You do not have to be an
education student or member of
CEC to volunteer.
After all, these events would
not be successful without them.
“The volunteers make a huge
difference just by talking with
the athletes and hanging out with
them; every one of them feels
important,” said Vuono.
“The volunteers really made
the day possible, without them it
would be complete chaos.”
forts to provide students with
a chance to live more economi-
cally.
“We have one apartment build-
ing already full of students who
wish to participate in the Green
Apartments,” says Ross.
“The students living in these
apartments will receive a weekly
report on their energy usage so
that they can be more aware of
their efforts.”
According to Allison Moore
in the April 20 issue of the Mer-
ciad, “Some perks to living in
the Green Apartments are that
students will receive a Whole
Foods Co-op membership, re-
cycled paper and other green
products. There will also be an
environmentally designed lounge
in the basement for all residents
to share.”
“A vegetable garden is being
planned for the future,” says
Ross.
“This will allow students to
grow their own food.”
So be sure to look at all your
options before choosing your
housing arrangements for the
upcoming year.
May 4, 2005
Literary festival comes
to a close, with Espada
By Chelsea Boothe
Contributing writer
Internationally renowned poet
and translator Martin Espada did
an outstanding job bringing the
third annual Literary Festival to
an end on Thursday, April 28.
Espada was both inspiring and
enthusiastic. He captivated the
audience with one poem after.
While some have referred to
him as a political poet because
of the issues he writes about, he
believes that he is just like any
other poet, writing his feelings
and concerns.
He said of his poetry, “I give
history a human face. I try to
individualize and humanize by
being particular about certain
things.”
All who attended would agree
that his poetry has both real life
and real feeling.
Espada is a Puerto Rican from
Brooklyn.
He has worked as everything
from a bouncer to a gas attendant
to a legal pad factory worker to
a tenant lawyer for people living
in substandard housing.
In each one of his poems his
life is somehow reflected in it.
He read from a collection that
dealt with his experiences in
Puerto Rico, his many various
occupations and his horrifying
in-laws.
Each one was filled with hu-
mor, love, honesty, truth and
devotion to the art.
He moved and swayed with the
words of his poems, and the au-
dience could feel his excitement
and willingness to share.
Richard Roth, a junior at Mer-
College purchases land for new branch campus
Continued from Page 1
According to McQuillen, the
campus will focus on one and
two year programs.
“It (Mercyhurst West) will
mirror that of North East in
programs,” he said.
“But, the campus will have its
own unique programs as well.”
McQuillen plans to build a
group of “internal” members
that will help to organize the
campus’ programs.
“There are two questions that
the group will undertake,” he
said. “What programs are most
valuable? And most viable?”
The campus’ programs, how-
ever, seem to be moot when the
concern rises about draining re-
sources from the main campus.
“It will obviously take away
some of the college’s resources,”
Next Fed action unclear after raising rates again
By Kevin G. Hall
Night Ridder Newspapers
The Federal Reserve hiked
its benchmark interest rate by
another quarter-point to three
percent on Tuesday and hinted
that further rate increases may
be needed to curb inflation even
if they further slow the U.S.
economy.
Tuesday’s rate increase was the
Fed’s eighth consecutive quarter-
point hike in the federal funds
rate, which banks charge each
other for overnight loans, since
last June. Mortgage rates and
consumer loans tend to rise and
fall with the fed funds rate.
The Fed is at a fork in the
road after 10 months of credit
tightening: The rationale for
raising rates further is balanced
by the argument for pausing,
an issue the Fed will have to ad-
dress at the next meeting of its
policy-making body, the Federal
Open Market Committee, on
June 29-30.
“There is no clear direction.
We are not `obviously’ going to
continue in a tightening cycle,
and we are not `obviously’ at
the end of one,” said Stephen
Martin Espada
cyhurst majoring in English said,
“Espada’s enthusiasm for his
poetry is contagious.”
Espada’s poetry is a beautiful
blend of Spanish and English.
Words, phrases and customs
are intertwined magically within
each poem.
He has been called the Pablo
Neruda of North America be-
cause of all he has offered the
world of poetry and the world
in general.
Dr. Karen Williams, a Spanish
said McQuillen.
“But I do not feel it will drain
them.” McQuillen stated that
other sources such as govern-
ment and state funds will also
be used.
“Though some resources will
be taken away from campus, in
the long run, it will be an asset
and we will be paid back in the
future handsomely,” he said.
Former Faculty Senate Presi-
dent David Livingston, who feels
the purchase is “fine” and will
help diversify the endowment
portfolio, said that “resources
need to be supplied for a plan,
and I do not see any strain on
them from the main campus.”
Resources, however, will be
needed in the next year (Sep-
tember 2007) if, according to
McQuillen, “we decide to start
the Girard campus as an interim
Wood, a portfolio strategist for
the Russell Investment Group
in Tacoma, Wash.
Fed Chairman Alan Greens-
pan and his fellow central bank-
ers are struggling to check rising
inflation without stalling a slow-
ing economy. They’re trying to
get to a “neutral” zone, where
credit policy neither stimulates
nor slows the economy.
Their work is complicated by
conflicting, even contradictory,
trends.
High oil prices are spark-
ing inflation throughout the
economy, prompting the Fed to
raise interest rates. Core inflation,
not including volatile food and
energy prices, continues to rise
worrisomely, according to gov-
ernment measures of wholesale
and retail prices, as well as the
gross domestic product deflator,
a broad inflation barometer the
Fed favors. The trend argues for
raising interest rates further to
curtail borrowing and thus slow
economic activity.
But other data indicate that
economic activity already is
slowing, and there are ample
warnings that too much credit
tightening by the Fed could trig-
ger a recession.
THE MERCIAD
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
teacher at Mercyhurst, said she
has always taught Espada’s work,
but it had become a list of facts
on the man, and not the poet.
After hearing Espada read, Wil-
liams said, “He made it real for
me again.”
Espada has the ability to make
everything real, and he takes that
reality and sometimes blurs it,
but most of the time he illumi-
nates it to give it life.
by leasing facilities.”
Some of these resources Mc-
Quillen mentions include faculty,
which, according to Livingston
have “mixed” views. “We (the
faculty) believe it is very impor-
tant to have a plan in place about
the degrees and classes offered
at the west county campus,” said
Livingston.
McQuillen agrees the faculty
has a “variety of viewpoints.”
According to McQuillen,
“some strongly support to bring
in students from the west county
and northern Ohio,” he said.
“I feel that the faculty believes
this is part of the Mercyhurst
mission.”
Livingston believes that even
though there are no definitive
plans yet, “people should wait
and see if it will work before
making opinions.”
Business spending is down
sharply. Consumer spending
drives two-thirds of all U.S. eco-
nomic activity, but inventories
are growing in warehouses and
stockrooms, signaling consumer
retrenchment. And first-quarter
growth in the gross domestic
product, the broadest measure
of goods and services produced,
slowed to a 3.1 percent annual
pace. That was well below expec-
tations, as the Fed acknowledged
Tuesday.
Although job growth is im-
proving, it said, inflation pres-
sures “have picked up in recent
months and pricing power is
more evident.”
Central bankers promised to
continue pushing up rates “at
a pace that is likely to be mea-
sured.”
At the same time, the Fed
hedged by issuing a follow-up
statement two hours after its
initial one. That suggests that the
Fed believes inflationary pres-
sures are temporary.
Many analysts say the Fed now
faces a conundrum. The Fed
could go either way at its June
meeting.
To contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Student’s participate in Trash to Treasure
By Allison Moore
Opinion editor
For the past three years, the
Trash to Treasure program has
been in operation at Mercy-
hurst.
This innovative program, start-
ed by Stephanie Davison (’04),
was created to reduce the amount
of waste produced by students
at the end of the year during
move-out.
Davison, an environmentally
conscious student, noticed that
much of this so-called ‘trash’ was
actually reusable.
Hating to see so much go to
waste, Davison created the pro-
gram Trash to Treasure.
Neighbors complain to Erie City Council
Continued from Page 1
“The Erie community has
now committed themselves to
respond to these complaints,”
Howard said, of the meeting.
“Mercyhurst is committed to do
the same.”
Mercyhurst already has rules in
place for students who want to
live off campus. Currently, you
must be a junior or senior. Only
about 280 students live off cam-
pus, and Residence Life expects
about the same number next
year, although the official num-
ber has not yet been calculated.
Also, the necessary paperwork
must be completed.
A new initiative that Res Life
is working on for off-campus
Green Pledge to be made before graduation day
Continued from Page 1
It is important to remember
that “signing the pledge is a
voluntary action. If you should
decide to take part in this pledge
drive you will be asked to sign
your name in a pledge book.
This will indicate that you are
willing to make the commitment
to lead a socially and environ-
Laker Spring Term I n n
Galley Grill
NEW ITEMS:
Tropical Island Oasis
Fruit Smoothies
Strawberry
Banana
Piña Colada
Potato Skins
French Toast
1/2 lb. Galley Burger
Laker Express
NEW ITEMS:
Meals in a Minute
Macaroni and Cheese
Stuffed Shells
Chicken Parm
Hours of Operation:
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Board Equivalency Available: Saturday & Sunday Closed
11:30-8:00pm
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PAGE 3
News
The program places bins in Students are encouraged to
the basements and lounges of participate, either as donors or
campus housing. volunteers. There will be an in-
These bins are filled with un- formational meeting on Wednes-
opened food, clothing and other day, May 4 in Hirt 103, where
useful household items that are further specifics such as dates
in good condition. and times will be discussed.
Volunteers collect the items If you are unable to attend
in the bins and distribute the the meeting, or have further
goods to several charities in the questions, contact Dana Hy-
Erie area. land (dhylan78@mercyhurst.
Over the past three years, Trash edu, x3955) or JoEllen Tay-
to Treasure has grown in partici- lor (jtaylo52@mercyhurst.edu,
pation and awareness. x3715).
Local organizations are ex- Trash to Treasure is a great way
tremely grateful for the dona- to help the environment and the
tions and students get to see first Erie community.
hand the difference that can be Students are encouraged to
made by recycling certain goods help make a difference this may.
and keeping them from being
added to the waste in a landfill.
students is an off-campus living minology and easy recipes.
guide, similar to the current stu- Off-campus students will have
dent handbook for on-campus to attend a brief orientation to
residents. off-campus living at the begin-
The off-campus living guide ning of the school year. Howard
will be an essential tool for any- believes the meetings will last
one planning to live off campus. about an hour on one evening.
The guide covers everything In the upcoming weeks, stu-
from handling a lease for the first dents living off campus and trav-
time, to a guide to neighborhood eling to and from parties should
life, Mercyhurst’s off campus be on their best behavior and
living policies and tips for keep- watch out for the extra patrols
ing safe. and upset neighbors.
It even offers a checklist for Howard believes that just a
those who live off-campus, with few students will be affected by
things to do for Mercyhurst, a the changes of the city council.
landlord and neighbors. Even re- “ninety-five percent of our stu-
cent graduates and non-students dents are good neighbors,” said
will appreciate the sections such Howard. “Most students won’t
as how to handle a lease, includ- have any problems with what
ing definitions of confusing ter- Erie is doing.”
mentally conscious lifestyle.” 7 p.m., where you can sign the
But if you do choose to sign book or ask any questions you
the Green Pledge, “You will also may have. You may also stop
receive a green ribbon to wear on by the Service Learning Office,
graduation day and a pledge card Preston 107, and see Sister Mi-
to keep in your wallet to serve as chele Schroeck any time during
a reminder.” the month of May.
If you would like to participate You must sign the book be-
there will be a table located in the fore graduation, as there will be
Bookstore May 9 through May no opportunities on the day of
13, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. or graduation.
OLD FAVORITES:
Chicken Fingers
Sizzling Salad
Ruby’s Famous Pizza
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 8:00am-1:00 a.m.
Saturday 1:00pm-1:00 a.m.
Sunday 5:00pm-1:00 a.m.
OLD FAVORITES:
Grilled Chicken Salad
Turkey Bagels
Crispy Chicken Salad
Ham and Turkey Subs
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Monday-Thursday 11:30-8:00 p.m.
Friday 11:30-3:30 p.m.
FEATURES:
Meatball Sub
Baja Chicken
BBQ Chicken
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 11:30-9:00 p.m.
Saturday 1:00pm-9:00 p.m.
Sunday 5:00pm-9:00 p.m.
PAGE 4
FEATURES
Get inside the minds of the dynamic duo
Ricardo and Jesse explain the philosophies and nuances that are their life
By Melissa Jack
Production editor
What life is more admirable
than the one devoted to the pur-
suit of scholarly knowledge?
With so many complaints
concerning school work it is
refreshing to see two adult stu-
dents on campus who are here
to learn because they want to,
not because they feel obligated
or forced by the system.
They are Ricardo and Jesse.
They do not go by last names.
“We get our mail as Jesse and Ri-
cardo. . . people know us in Paris
as Jesse and Ricardo,” Ricardo
explained.
Many of you have probably
seen them around Erie or the
Mercyhurst campus riding their
tandem bicycle in their matching
clothing. It is difficult not to no-
tice them, with their unique array
of hats and accessories.
Ricardo, against most stereo-
types, is white and comes from
what he calls “the ghetto.” He
was born in Harlem in New
York City.
Jesse, on the other hand, is in
Ricardo’s words a “very nice,
upper-class, African American
man” from Erie.
How did these two men, one
from the ghetto of New York
City and the other from Erie,
happen to cross paths?
Much to Ricardo’s dismay, his
father was adamant about getting
him out of the city, so, instead
of enjoying all the cultural and
artistic events New York City had
to offer, he was in Ohio “milking
cows and butchering hogs.”
Ricardo then made his way to
Moonsense coffee shop review
A new coffee shop arrives on the scene for college students
By Josh Wilwohl
Layout assistant
It seems that it is always hard
for college students to find the
“right place” to hang out, study
or even do work in general.
However, it seems lately that
the student population is rising
in the coffee shop scene. But
it’s time for Starbucks to make
room for a new competitor is
in town.
Moonsense – a locally owned
café – is reeling in students
from Starbucks and offering
more than just a selection of
coffees.
“We have a lot to offer,”
said store manager Shannon
Arquitt.
A lot to offer indeed. From a
wide selection, one can choose
to stay for breakfast, lunch and
even dinner.
There is an assortment of
baked goods from donuts
to muffins for the breakfast
crowd.
For later customers, lunch
and dinner offers include turkey
Student has internship with NBC
By Missy Mulvihill
Contributing writer
Junior communication student
(concentration in production),
Lindsay Kezlarian, is getting a
chance of a lifetime. This sum-
mer she will be an intern on the
set of “Last Call with Carson
Daily,” which airs on NBC at
1:35 a.m.
“I honestly could not believe
that I got the internship...I think
it still really hasn’t set in yet!”
she said.
The process of applying for
an internship with the NBC net-
work was long and competitive,
but Kezlarian stuck it through
and found out that it was worth
the time and effort.
To start with, she went on-line
and filled out an online ap-
plication. After this, Kezlarian
To contact: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Ricardo and Jesse on their tandem bicycle.
Erie to visit his sister, and also
to distance himself from his
previous, narcotic-addicted, pro-
basketball partner.
This was about 12 years ago,
and while Ricardo was in Erie
he met Jesse at the Erie Jazz and
Blues Festival at Frontier Park.
Now the two are committed to
each other.
Two of the things in life both
men are passionate about is art
and culture.
To sate their curiosity and quest
for knowledge, they not only take
classes in these areas, but travel
around the world to get first-
hand experience of what they’ve
been learning.
Together they have traveled to
every continent except Australia
and have seen most of Central
and South America.
“We have climbed Macchu Pic-
basil pesto, veggie sandwiches,
roast beef gorgonzola, chicken
salad, grilled cheese and even
homemade soups.
Arquitt’s personal favorite
includes the turkey and basil
pesto, priced at about $5.75
with tax.
If you do not wish to chow-
down on any of Moonsense’s
delicatessens, then a coffee can
easily be arranged.
“We can make anything with
the espresso machine,” said
Arquitt.
“Cappuccino, espresso, mo-
cha…we offer such a variety.”
And if you are not a lover of
the Italian javas, a regular cup
of coffee can be arranged for
$1.44 a cup.
Once you decide upon your
food or beverage, the café’s
surroundings begin to seep-in:
an elegant, yet jazzy atmosphere
that juxtaposes with its soothing
wall colors and paintings.
In addition, its New Orleans
ambiance is complemented by
the sounds of bands from all
over the states, and even ama-
teurs on certain nights.
received an e-mail telling her
that she would receive a phone
interview.
“I tried to prepare myself as
much as possible for the ques-
“
tions they
could po-
tentially I know this will
ask, and
w h e n
help me so much
it came with my future
”
down to
the inter- plans.
view day I
was pretty - Lindsay Kezlarian
well pre-
pared,” Kezlarian said.
The phone interview lasted
about 45 minutes and right up
front, they informed Kezlarian
that around 3,000 people applied
for a summer internship and
NBC usually only takes on 100
interns. Each show that offers an
internship usually takes about 10
chu to see the ruins and flown
over the ancient etchings there
in the Earth known as the Nasca
Lines,” Ricardo said.
Jesse, who is talented with
languages and is multi-lingual,
was also interested in honing his
Spanish speaking skills.
The two recently returned from
a trip to Italy where they tracked
down much of the Renaissance
art they had learned about.
They visited Rome, Florence,
Venice and Milan, where they
viewed the original “Last Sup-
per.” Their next stop will be
Vietnam where they can practice
the classes they are taking now:
French.
Many observers on campus are
curious about their unique choice
of clothing and transportation.
“We don’t think of ourselves
as ‘out there,’ but other people
“We offer a variety of enter-
tainment,” said Arquitt.
“Thursday is karaoke. Friday
is ‘open mic night,’ and we also
have bands that play.”
Among Moonsense’s selec-
tion of singers include Kev-
Rowe and the Mulligans from
Michigan.
Moonsense also offers a va-
riety of kooky, yet interesting
entertainment in case the suave
music scene is not your cup
of tea.
On Tuesdays, the café hosts
“Star Trek” night when anyone
interested in the television
saga is welcomed to meet and
join others who share their
interests.
Additionally, on the third
Monday of every month is
ladies night, with the café open
for the ladies to relax and talk
“girl talk.”
The café also offers a chil-
dren’s hour on Thursdays from
10 a.m. until 11 a.m. where kids
participate in reading and other
activities.
Moonsense, however, accord-
ing to Arquitt, seems to cater
interns. The interview ended and
NBC said they would get back
to her if she were to receive a
second interview.
Two weeks later, the call came
and lasted
only about
10 minutes.
But, it still
wasn’t over.
There were
still 15 more
people to
interview.
Three
weeks later,
the call came and Kezlarian was
in!
From May 29 through August
24, Lindsay will live in New York
City. She will stay at Marymount
College, which is located only
a few blocks from Rockefeller
Plaza in Manhattan, where she
will work.
THE MERCIAD May 4, 2005
If your mind wants to University, they enhance their
pursue it, it’s there to be learning by taking classes at
pursued.” Mercyhurst.
While neither of them “Mercyhurst offers courses
claims to be making a that Gannon does not offer,
fashion statement, the especially in the language depart-
pair realizes that everyone ment. . . and we love Dr. Ed-
will believe what they wards,” they said. “We also love
want to believe. the art department, the warmth
Now, about that bike. of Peggy Brace and the stimula-
Who in their right mind tion of Daniel Burke.”
would want to put them- They also used to enjoy meals
selves through the hard- in the Grotto, which they said are
ship of bicycling around delicious, until it got too expen-
Erie in the winter, or sive. “The meals are wonderful.
even during the pleasant They’re bordering on gourmet,
months? but they should really have a
“We’re a couple,” said discount for students,” Ricardo
Ricardo. “I could go my said.
way and Jesse could go They adore Mercyhurst for
some other way, but we
Melissa Jack/Contributing photographer have sort of decided we
want to do things to-
gether, be together, and
have used that term,” said Ri- that means we’ve realized
cardo. at this stage in our life that those
“The matching clothing began are the important things. We
from making a world statement could go buy a Chrysler or Volvo,
about identity, sameness, differ- but we don’t do those things. We
ence: What is your identity? Do own a bike.”
you know? Don’t you know? Next, they think of themselves
Does it make a difference?” said as non-consumers and ecologi-
Ricardo. cally-minded citizens. “We only Photo courtesy of Ricardo and Jesse
It eventually evolved into spend money on the necessi- Jesse and Ricardo in
the desire to stimulate, surprise ties: food, shelter and scholarly Bilbao, Spain.
and provoke. They consider knowledge,” Jesse said.
themselves to be like an abstract “We do not have regular jobs bringing cultural events to the
painting. because most of our time is campus like the Literary Festival,
Ricardo said, “Not everything spent in study,” they said. dance performances and the
can be explained, and certainly Still, they do have some oc- Guelcher Film Series.
not to the viewer’s satisfaction, casional odd jobs. At one point “We like the fact that the school
so, therefore, it’s your interpre- while they were in Buenos Aires, is pushing the boundaries to
tation and there is a message Argentina, they had an installa- bring things to campus that aren’t
there. There’s something being tion art piece in a museum there normally seen,” said Ricardo.
said, but your mind has to ferret – and the installation was them. “We are here to stimulate, to
it out. It can just be enjoyed on It was called “At Home in the surprise, to provoke, to bring
the surface: you don’t know what Gallery,” and it featured them some kind of joy, negative or
it means, and you don’t have to. actually living in a gallery room positive to the public,” said
for a month. Ricardo.
Since they enjoy art, they some- They are interested in leaving
times get requests from some of an impression on everyone who
their artist friends to help with a sees them. “Vivons de vivre la
project. At one point they were vie culturelle,” said Jesse. (We live
even the subjects in a painting to live the cultural life.)
that sold for more than $3,000. They both see art as the mecha-
toward the college student. “We So, what do these “world trav- nism through which this works.
are always packed with tons of elers” think of Mercyhurst Col- “Art is the joy of life and being
college students studying dur- lege? open to whatever confronts you,”
ing the day – before and after Though they will be receiv- said Ricardo. “What can be more
classes,” she said. ing their degree from Gannon progressive than living art?”
Students wishing to do work
at the jazzed café may want to
bring their laptops since wire-
less internet service is provided,
free of charge.
Farewell from Kathy
“We are geared more toward
college students and teenagers,” I just wanted to say good-bye and good luck to all of
said Arquitt. you. I wish you the best with your future endeavors.
“The owner opened it (the I really enjoyed getting to know a lot of you: your
café) for teenagers to ‘hang out’ families, friends and, of course, listening to your daily
and this is a great opportunity events.
for them to do so.” I think each of you are very special and I will miss
Located directly beside the you.
Ford dealership on Peach Street, I am moving on to start my own business, so please
Moonsense opened on Decem- wish me luck!
ber 13. Thanks for all the fun, laughter and wonderful
It is open Monday through friendships.
Wednesday, 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.
and Thursday through Saturday Take Care.
7 a.m. until 12 a.m., closed on
Sundays. Love,
An incredible selection of Laker Express Lady
foods, coffees, and activities Kathy
that anyone – kids, parents,
students alike – can enjoy, surely
makes Moonsense anything but
nonsense.
YEARBOOKS
ARE IN!
“I know this will help me so
much with my future plans...I
originally wanted to go to film
school after this…” Kezlarian
said, “…last year Teresa Gardner Seniors come pick them up.
and I produced and directed the
school film, ‘Love is Blind.’ But
maybe this internship will make
WHEN:
me look into TV production.”
Of course, Kezlarian gives
In the Student Union
credit to the communication May 18th from 11-3
department for helping her out.
“Pretty much all of my classes May 20th from 7:30-9:30 pm
in communication helped me May 21st from 11-3
because they all focused on the
basics, which are writing and At Church preceeding
producing.”
“I hope to learn a lot about the the 9 and 11 masses
ins and outs of TV production.
I will be around a lot of people
who have been in the business
for awhile, so I know they will
have a lot of knowledge to offer.
Also I hope to get some connec-
Questions? call x2990
tions for a future job!”
May 4, 2005
Mercyhurst vs. Poland
An education in America is very different from one in Poland
By Jonelle Davis
News editor
Students travel from all around
to attend Mercyhurst and most
never think twice about their
education.
But, what is it like for students
from another country and bet-
ter yet, why don’t they just go to
school in their country?
Diana Osak, Mercyhurst com-
munications major from Lublin,
Poland, knows exactly what it
is like studying at Mercyhurst
compared to studying in Po-
land.
Transferring from Poland,
Osak noticed many differences
between education systems im-
mediately.
Osak came to Mercyhurst
after finishing one year of col-
lege.
“I finished my first year of
university in Poland and then
I was offered a scholarship to
study at Mercyhurst. In Poland,
universities are public and you
don’t have to pay for school,”
said Osak.
“That’s the first major dif-
ference. In Poland, it doesn’t
really matter how much your
family earns or how rich you are,
everyone has the opportunity to
get into college. But the exams
to get into the university are
really hard. In the end, only the
best students can get a higher
education.”
She went on to describe the
university system in Poland.
“We start college when we
are 19. We have to choose a
major when we start and then
it takes us four to five years to
get a diploma. We can’t change
our major. If someone would
decide to change their major,
Mikulec attends political conference
By Kacie Rea
Contributing writer
James A. Mikulec, Jr. is a senior
majoring in history, political sci-
ence and intelligence studies.
He had the honor of repre-
senting Mercyhurst College at
the 45th annual U.S. Naval Acad-
emy Foreign Affairs Conference
(NAFAC).
It ran from April 12 through
14.
NAFAC brought together stu-
dents interested in international
affairs from all over the world to
the Naval Academy campus in
Annapolis, Md.
Mikulec had the opportunity to
present his paper “U.S. Relations
with Libya: Policy for the Post-
WMD Era.”
“It was really great because
almost half of the people on
the committee were from Africa
including Nigeria, Niger and
Kenya” said Mikulec.
The conference included a dis-
tinguished body of speakers in-
cluding Her Excellency Barbara
Joyce Masekela, Ambassador of
South Africa to the U.S., former
NATO commander and presi-
dential candidate Gen. Wesley
Clark, Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE)
and former Senior Advisor to the
Coalition Provisional Author-
ity in Iraq Dr. Larry Diamond
“Style in the City” will provide ideas for all
By Jen Helbig
Features editor
The fashion merchandising
majors in the Fashion Promotion
Class are putting on a fashion
show titled “Style in the City”.
It will be held on May 10 at 6:30
p.m. in the PAC.
Patrons at various stores in the
mall have allowed the students to
borrow clothing for the show.
“We’re basing the show on the
show ‘Sex in the City’,” junior
they would have to start all over
again,” said Osak.
Along with not being able
to change majors, students in
Poland face a different class
schedule.
“Classes are divided into lec-
tures and practice sessions. An
example would be for one class
you would have one lecture and
“theThePolish
crucial word in
education
”
system is respect.
two practice sessions per week,”
said Osak.
“The lectures usually have
around 200 people. You just
take notes and then, after six
months, you take a test and your
final test is your grade. Profes-
sors do not usually care if you
attend lectures or not. During
practice classes groups are
smaller with around 30 students
and the professors notice who
attends and who doesn’t.”
Osak also said that students
in Poland have many more
classes per week then students
in the U.S.
“We have many more classes
in Poland than students in the
U.S. It probably averages out to
40 classes per week, each class
lasting 45 minutes.”
More classes usually means
more work, but for students in
Poland getting the work done is
not always a priority.
among others.
Mikulec commented positively
on his interaction with the speak-
ers.
“The great thing about the
conference was that it was small
enough where you could actually
ask questions of these speakers,”
Mikulec said.
Mikulec had the opportunity
to ask Sen. Joe Biden about the
crisis in Sudan and another to
Lee Hamilton, Vice-Chairman of
the 9/11 commission, about the
restructuring of the U.S. intel-
ligence community.
Mikulec not only had the op-
portunity to meet and hear from
distinguished professionals, he
along with the other students,
also had the chance to experience
what life in the Navy was like.
The students ate alongside
the midshipmen (the name for
students at the Naval Academy)
in what Mikulec describes as “by
far, the largest cafeteria I have
ever seen.”
The students also witnessed a
dress parade of about 4,000 mid-
shipmen complete with military
bands, dress uniforms, rifles and
swords.
Students also had the chance to
step aboard the 60 foot “Yard Pa-
trol Craft” one afternoon, upon
which the midshipmen are taught
how to work on a ship.
This is, without a doubt, a
Jaime Fox said. “We’re doing a
venue on each of the charac-
ters.”
The styles will be fashionable,
yet practical.
“We wanted to have styles that
students can re-create, and to
show them that there is a look
for everybody,” Fox added.
Volunteer students from Mer-
cyhurst will be modeling for the
show.
The money raised from the
tickets will be donated to the PA
Breast Cancer Coalition.
“They expect much more
from students in Poland. You
have to read five books for an
exam and do 200 exercises for
the next week. They do this to
eliminate students who they feel
aren’t smart enough to be at the
university,” said Osak.
“We are never really able to do
all of our stuff on time because
- Diana Osak
there is so much, but teachers
often change their mind about
assignments, so it’s okay,” Osak
said.
“It’s usually better to start
projects last minute than to
start it early and have to change
it 10 times. The work system is
definitely different in the U.S.
because usually you have a syl-
labus that doesn’t change.”
Another major difference
Osak saw when she first came
to Mercyhurst was respect for
professors in the classroom.
“The crucial word in the Pol-
ish education system is respect.
We never eat or drink in class,
even water is disrespectful to
teachers. Whenever we want to
talk to the professor, we have
to say ‘professor, excuse me’,”
said Osak.
“The professors also have
their own offices, but they don’t
really have office hours. If you
Senior James Mikulec had the opportunity to listen to many
distinguished speakers in politics.
memorable event for a student
interested in international rela-
tions. “NAFAC was a great expe-
rience. It was really great getting
If you attend the fashion show on May 10, you will be as
fashionable and happy as these Sex in the City stars.
THE MERCIAD
To contact: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
go there, you usually won’t get
the information you’re looking
for. It’s your own responsibility
to get the information else-
where. Also, we usually avoid
giving gifts to teachers because
they think you just want a better
grade.”
Osak feels that, in the end, the
two systems are incomparable.
“I wouldn’t say that college
is harder in Poland or the U.S.,
it’s just completely different
for me. There are just different
priorities and you learn different
things. You have to depend on
yourself more in Poland, so I
would say it prepares students
for the real world better,” said
Osak.
There may be a difference in
the college systems, but Osak
likes studying at Mercyhurst.
“I like it here because I can
study what I really want, which
is communications. We don’t
have a communications degree
in Poland,” Osak said.
“When I finish college here,
if I would go back to Poland, I
would have a better chance of
getting a job.”
“There is a huge level of
unemployment and even people
who finish universities in Po-
land have difficulties finding
jobs,” Osak said.
“We still have the ‘American
Dream’, so we believe that a
person who is studying abroad
is better prepared, they have
more experience and they obvi-
ously know another language.”
Osak has noticed the differ-
ences between college systems.
After she graduates Mer-
cyhurst, she plans to head to
London to pursue a master’s
degree and find out what it is
like to once again study in a
new country.
Photo courtesy of James A. Mikulec
to meet people from all over the
country and all over the world
who are interested in the same
things that I am,” Mikulec said.
KRT photo
FEATURES
Learn a little more
about Thefacebook
By Jenny Allen
Contributing writer
More than 1,000 students at
Mercyhurst are poking each
other on a regular basis. Are they
getting annoyed? Not yet.
Poking is just one of the many
features on the new website The-
facebook, which is now being
used by over one million college
students at nearly 300 colleges
across the country.
On Thefacebook, poking is
nothing more than a way of
saying hi to your friends and
acquaintances without actually
talking to them.
“Poking just tells people that
you poked them,” Greg Tellex
explains. “It really isn’t used for
anything else.”
Tellex is just one of the many
students at Mercyhurst who have
joined Thefacebook over the
past few weeks.
“I heard about it and joined
just to see what it was about,”
Tellex said. “Most people joined
just to get information about
other people.”
Although Tellex checks his
profile daily to see if anyone
has requested him as a friend
or left a message for him, he
says that The facebook isn’t that
exciting.
“It’s really not that fun,” he
said. “You can spend a long time
on it searching for people, but it’s
basically for sending people mes-
sages, kind of like e-mail.”
Kelly Sharick feels much more
enthusiastic about Theface-
book.
“I found out about it a long
time ago through friends at other
schools who had it,” Sharick
explained. “I just heard people
talking about Mercyhurst having
it about a week ago and thought
I would check it out.”
So what did Sharick find on
Thefacebook?
“It’s like a directory of stu-
dents,” she explains. “You can
put up a picture, post a profile
and look up other people and
learn about them. You can also
send messages to your friends.”
“You can see the profiles of
anyone from your school, but
you have to be friends with
someone from another school in
order to see their profile.”
Aside from posting a profile,
sending messages and showing
everyone else who your face-
book friends are, there are also
groups that many people choose
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PAGE 5
to join.
“The groups are specific to
your college and there are discus-
sion boards for some of them,”
Sharick says. “I think some of
them show stuff about your
personality too.”
Mercyhurst has groups for sev-
eral of their sports teams, groups
for people from Pittsburgh, Buf-
falo, Cleveland, and other places,
and groups that let everyone
know what kind of music and
movies you enjoy. Sharick says
that there is even a group for all
those who detest the cold snowy
Erie winters.
Because of their specific na-
ture, people from outside your
college cannot be a part of your
groups.
“You can’t have people from
outside Mercyhurst in your
group, but they can see what
groups you are a part of,” Shar-
ick adds.
So how did this all come about?
The high school searches, pro-
files, friends and even the pok-
ing, are the work of a 20-year old
college student.
Mark Zuckerberg, a student
at Harvard University, came up
with the idea in January 2004
with four friends. Harvard had
facebooks for different residen-
tial houses, but students were
not able to search those that
they did not belong to, so Zuck-
erberg thought that it would be
a good idea to put an all-school
facebook online for anyone to
access.
The site was launched Febru-
ary 4, 2004, and since then more
than one million people have
joined.
“When it took off at Harvard I
thought it’d be cool to make it a
multi-school thing,” Zuckerberg
said in an interview with Wired
News.
“I expected that a few people
would do it at Harvard and
they’d tell their friends,” he con-
tinued. “I didn’t expect it would
take hold as this all-inclusive
directory.”
Though the popularity of the
site is booming, and the creators
are doing all they can to keep up,
Zuckerberg isn’t worried yet.
Although there have been
offers from people interested
in buying the site, the creators
are not interested in cashing out
just yet.
If you are not a member
already you need only a valid
college e-mail address to join at
www.thefacebook.com.
LOCATION
Main Floor
Hammermill Library
PAGE 6
OPINION To contact: opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Madam Malarky on summer:
With work and class, summers just aren’t what they used to be
Dear Madam Malarky,
Are there any real fun summers?
From,
Only has work and classes to look forward to
Ah, the joy of summer. Spending days in the sun
and getting tans to look like the California raisins
years from now. Well, that is the ideal anyway.
Once people have moved back home, the search
for summer jobs begins. However, since we attend
Mercyhurst, other college students most likely
have taken the jobs already. So, what is a person
to do?
Summer
classes, of
course. It’s
an excuse to Madam
stay on cam-
pus with only
Malarky
a few other
students. The
Lewis apart-
ments only hold three people instead of the
four. The days are warmer, although the lack of
central air could be bothersome during the few
days of intense heat.
The benefit is only having the maximum of two
classes to focus on. There is another positive to
summer classes. They benefit you in your senior
year. With a greater selection of electives and the
possibility of needing eight and nine classes in the
last year, what is there to lose?
Now, what is there to do without spending a lot?
The beach could be a good place to spend days.
However, tourists may make the beach unappeal-
ing. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to
be surrounded by a 100 other people in the water.
The water may also be a deterrent. How it looks,
the seaweed and the rocky sand could be a major
“ick factor.”
The positive side is that you’re at the beach! Nine
months out of the year the lake is frozen or just
too cold to visit. Bring a towel, sunscreen and a
good book (or many friends if you prefer). Spend
the worry free days next to the sounds of sooth-
ing waves. If you have many friends, plan a beach
party. Bring a volleyball, charcoal and a portable
boom box and you’re all set. I shouldn’t need to
Remember the brave this Memorial Day
By Rick Antin
Contributing writer
Since 1863, when Private Jacob Parrott and five
others were awarded the first Congressional Medal
of Honor, 3,460 brave soldiers have earned this
prestigious award.
This number may seem large at first glance, but
when put into perspective it is actually very small.
Since the American Civil War over 40 million
Americans have served either in direct combat
roles or through logistics, which means only .00009
percent of all who served can claim ownership to
the Medal of Honor.
This Memorial Day (May 30) one soldier’s fam-
ily can feel an added sense of pride knowing their
loved one was the most recent recipient of the
medal.
United States Army Sergeant First Class, Paul R
Smith (B Company, 11th Engineer Battalion, 3rd
Infantry Division) was posthumously awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor by President Bush
on April 4, 2005, for his selfless, heroic actions
that occurred exactly two years prior at Baghdad
International Airport.
Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry
and intrepidity that were above and beyond the call
of duty when he and his men fell under attack from
an enemy force of over 100 Iraqis.
Understanding that roughly 100 fellow Americans
were at risk, Smith quickly organized a defense
plan that called for the creation of two platoons of
Calling the men of Mercyhurst:
-Do you consider yourself to be knowledgeable?
-Think you have all the answers?
-Do you want to share your advice with the
student body?
-Want to get paid an extra $10 a week?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then
you’re in luck!
Next year, The Merciad is establishing a Mr. Malarky
column to go along with Madam Malarky, in order
represent the male population and give them a chance
to state their point of view.
If interested, email Allison Moore at opinionmerciad@
mercyhurst.edu for all the details!
THE MERCIAD May 4, 2005
Campus Question
mention bringing food, unless charcoaled seaweed What are your plans after
tastes good.
Instead of the beach, lying in front of the apart- graduating Mercyhurst College?
ments seems to be a popular thing for some females
to do. They lie out in their bikinis. I wish I had
their bodies and the ability to tan; although, it does
seem really boring.
However, as one of my friends pointed out, bring
a friend or two and make this a ritual. Females can
gossip about the men walking by and they will have
no clue. If you’re not in the mood to not check
out our lack of selection, bring a book. It could be
your school book or that book you’ve been dying
‘
to read but haven’t had time to. Enjoy the few nice
days Erie has. This morning when I woke up, wet
snow flakes were falling!
My next subject is jobs. If your lucky enough to Becoming a second lieutenant in
get one, be happy. Do not complain about getting
up at 6 a.m. Monday through Friday. You now have
the U.S. Army, going to the 82nd
Airborne in Ft. Bragg N.C.
‘
the time to work 30 hours a week without a bucket
load of stress. You’re making beaucoups of bucks.
For those three months, and you will feel rich. Now,
that is the greatest feeling in the world. Not car-
ing about the thousands you owe in student loans,
credit cards, and car payments is a luxury.
It will soon be summer, and we should all learn T.J. Fera, Senior, HRIM
to appreciate it.
With a somber end, this is the last article of the
year. I’ve decided to stay on as Madam Malarky for
another year. I’m honored to take the position once
‘
again. I did have fun with column. Next year’s Mr.
Malarky, whoever that may be, will have a good
time writing malarky as well. Hopefully attending graduate school for
To review, this year ends with me having ‘ma-
larked’ on love, student behaviors, stress, crushes, Elementary Education/Special Education-
holidays, clichés, gender differences, dating rituals, Whatever is paid. Otherwise, I will be
roommates, big fish in small ponds, future genera- working in a field with troubled youths.
tions, women, men, anime, school problems, shy-
ness, and finally motivation. A pretty impressive
list, if I do say so myself.
‘
The ending, of course, doesn’t bring up my usual
request for questions. However, if your inclined
to comment madam_malarky@hotmail.com will
still be the e-mail. As well as AIM’s mmalarky04. Kristy Badamo, Senior, Criminal Justice (Juvenile Justice)
Thanks for reading.
Hoping to finish the end of the term projects,
Madam Malarky
‘ Hopefully finding a job somewhere,
get drunk and look for the meaning
soldiers, a Bradley fighting vehicle and three other
armored vehicles. Throughout the ensuing conflict
of life. ‘
Smith fought bravely, leading his men in combat
by firing anti-tank weapons, throwing grenades
and positioning his men, while also overseeing the
evacuation of three wounded soldiers.
Later in the battle, Smith saw that his forces were
Josh Brown, Senior, Marketing
becoming overrun after a rocket propelled grenade
(RPG) and a 60mm mortar shell hit one of the
armored vehicles essential to the defense plan.
Placing his own safety aside, Smith exposed
‘
himself to the strongest concentration of enemy
fire in order to mount the .50 caliber machine gun
atop the damaged vehicle. Still vulnerable to enemy Move back to Cleveland and hopefully find
fire, Smith fired the machine gun (reloading three a well-paying job.
times) until he was mortally wounded. Smith’s ac-
tions resulted in 50 enemy soldiers’ deaths and the
safe evacuation of more wounded Americans, in
addition to preventing the enemy from overtaking
his unit’s position, thus saving the lives of more
‘
than 100 U.S. soldiers.
With so many negative insights regarding our
military on the news today, it is important to take
time and remember those brave men and women
that sacrifice their lives for the sake of others. Meghan Lang, Senior, Advertising
Regardless if one agrees or disagrees with gov-
ernmental policies that lead to military action, the
stories of personal sacrifice and brotherhood that
‘
come from the battlefield cannot be overlooked.
This Memorial Day take time to think about those
who didn’t take time to think about themselves.
Working to pay for a backpacking trip in
Europe.
‘
Matt Hambleton, Senior, Business Chemistry
‘ Right now I have no plans. I hope to get a
bartending job to pay off some bills and have
some money. Other than that I plan to enjoy
my last summer of freedom!
‘
Kerry O’Brien, Senior, Fashion Merchandising
May 4, 2005 THE MERCIAD PAGE 7

To contact: opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu OPINION

What’s your opinion?
There are always two sides to
every story. Maybe there are
even three, four or five versions
as well.
When an event occurs and it
is seen or heard and reported
to someone else, there is always
room for variation or bias. A
person’s personal opinion on the
matter greatly affects and colors
their perception of an incident
and how they will interpret the
situation.
Corrie
Thearle
This may occur when your best
friend tells you about her “lying,
cheating, good-for-nothing ex-
boyfriend” who was seen driving
another girl in his car late at night.
His defense to his “paranoid,
psychotic girlfriend” involves
giving a ride home to his biology
knowing full well that the Steelers
suck. The point is, opinions are
neither right nor wrong, and they
are open to agreement, refutation
and modification.
Another important aspect re-
garding opinions is that you can
state them whenever you want.
Freedom of speech is granted
to every American citizen in the
United States, and it is through
this medium that we convey our
opinions on every issue. You may
be alarmed over the influence of
the religious right in the political
process, or you may praise the
efforts of congressmen to enact
moral legislation.
You might feel that Mercyhurst
should continue to expand and
build more facilities, or that we
should stop the influx of fresh-
men and renovate and fix what
we already have.
You may think cuddling after
sex is sweet and romantic, or your
thoughts might be along the lines
of “It’s hot, get off me!”
There is even a heated debate
over whether carbonated drinks
are called “pop” or “soda,” and
to turn your thoughts, ideas,
complaints, praise and opinions
into tangible forces of change!
Instead of criticizing or ap-
plauding the procedures and
actions of Mercyhurst College
amongst your friends or room-
mates, how about going to a
MSG meeting and making your
thoughts become a reality.
If you have an opinion on a
religious, political, social or any
other issue, here’s an idea: write
an article in The Merciad or the
Freedom Zone! The voice of
Mercyhurst is expressed through
these publications; don’t let your
freedom of speech be silenced
by giving up your right to share
your opinion with others.
Write a letter to the editor in
response to an article you read
(even this one! My articles have
been hit numerous times). Better
yet, write an article expressing
your views rather than simply
responding to others, don’t let
others jump the gun on an issue
and dominate the page. Writing
a 500-word article is not that
excruciating, most of us are cur- KRT

lab partner after a late night study according to recent Facebook rently writing 5-10 page papers American soldiers in Iraq are responsible for countless acts of generousity and humani-
session. Both of these stories opinions, I hear that “its called pertaining to subjects we could tarian efforts done in order to help the citizens of the war-torn nation.
concern the same event; yet, they pop, not soda…b*tch.” Speak- care less about. You don’t have
are on completely opposite sides ing of Facebook, there may be to be a literary genius to convey

Iraq: a different view

of the fence. Which one are you
going to agree with?
This classic case of “he said,
she said” occurs everywhere in
society. It is not limited to male
versus female, but applies to each
and every individual. The world
is not simply black and white,
but a highly diverse spectrum
of thoughts, ideas and opinions.
What is amazing about this wide
array of views and attitudes is
that usually no two are exactly
alike. You may agree with your
roommate that the Steelers are
the greatest football team in the
AFC (which is, of course, true)
but disagree over whether Duce
Staley or Jerome Bettis is the
better halfback. If you’re from
Cleveland or Buffalo you might
be fuming as you read this article,
many of you who believe it’s a
sad waste of time for people who
are obsessed stalkers, or a way
to meet new people with shared
interests and to catch up with old
friends from different schools.
If there is one thing that I have
noticed while looking at Face-
book or even hearing comments
amongst college students, it’s
that as a group, we are extremely
opinionated!
Finally, I have arrived at the
point that I’ve been driving at
(and no, this is not another “lib-
eral leaning” directive): Voice
Your Opinion!
You are probably thinking to
yourself, “Well, I do that all the
time,” but does anyone really
hear what you have to say? There
are plenty of outlets on campus
a valid argument concerning
the parking situation here on
campus.
With the academic year coming
to a close, there have certainly
been hundreds of issues and
events that have provided fodder
for articles in The Merciad and
other campus publications. Next
year promises to supply even
more controversial and conten-
tious issues just waiting for your
comments.
There is always a story or issue
lurking about for a voice or pen
to bring it to the surface; claim
ownership of that voice! How-
ever, if you don’t agree with what
I have written, just remember: it’s
just my opinion, what’s yours?
By Rick Antin
Contributing writer
When one turns on the news to hear about our
soldiers in Iraq, there is usually a story like Abu
Ghraib or the controversial execution of an un-
armed Iraqi in a Fallujah mosque.
This anti-Iraq mindset has no doubt been the
template for most stories regarding our soldiers.
The public has been reminded of civilian casual-
ties and told heartwarming stories of Iraqi children
affected by the war. However, this is only one side
of the story emanating from the Middle East. The
post-war U.S. occupation has many positive effects
as well, from rebuilding the shattered infrastructure
to overseeing the first democratic election in Iraq
in decades.
One issue of particular interest to many people
is the military’s treatment of civilians. Traditionally,
J. Sanow who actively labors with thousands of
Iraqi workers (laborers, engineers, etc.) who are
only employed because the U.S. military offered
them paid jobs. He reminds Americans that these
people tell him frequently they are thankful for their
liberation from Saddam Hussein and for their first
well paying job in their life.
A different commentary tells of Lt. Col. Drew
Ryan overseeing the military’s reconstruction
efforts in Albu Hassan, an area taken by Sadam
Hussein for construction of airfields with no
compensation given. In an area with no electricity,
plumbing or sewers, Ryan’s crew installed water
heaters, running water, electricity as well as rebuilt
and supplied the local elementary school. Stu-
dents were even given small gifts like soccer balls
and dolls. A local mother in Albu Hassan, Imman
Habbeb A’acka was a single mother of two, one of
which is named Saffa, was affected with cerebral
palsy. After the Army doctor examined Saffa, she

Let the countdown begin
By Ellen Koenig
Contributing writer
Well, let the countdown begin.
The spring term is winding down and before you
know it, we will be spazzing out for the last time
this year over exams, projects, etc. However, three
months of separation from friends can, for some,
cause anxiety and a yearning to get back to school
to see those friends you left.
Wait. I am getting ahead of myself.
With the days growing longer, but the number of
them running out, this is the most pertinent time
of the year. Whether it be finishing the school year
with the effort that you may have lacked in the first
half., confronting a friend about an issue that has
been the “fat elephant” between you the past few
weeks or even getting back in touch with friends
from home that you have not spoken to all year.
Take the time in these last few days to introduce
yourself to that person that you see everyday at
the caf or the Laker, the one you have made eye
contact with and even exchanged expressions, or
you will have to wait another year for such an op-
portunity.
This is the time to step out of that comfort zone.
Yes, most of us are stressed with all of the end of
year assignments, but when is the next time you will
have a chance to enjoy yourself ? So if something
is stopping you, like your fear of taking a chance,
swallow it and act, do not regret the actions you
take.
At the same time, however, please do not act like
a fool by doing something you know is idiotic or
stupid. Enjoy the next two weeks within reason.
For graduating seniors, enjoy what time you have
left in college before you get to the ‘real world.’
For everyone else, enjoy yourself, hit up Spring-
Fest, go see Reel Big Fish perform and enjoy the
weather, when it is not raining, or snowing, of
course. But overall just live life like it was meant
to be enjoyed.
unreported by monguls such as CNN and MSNBC,
our soldiers are making a positive impact on the
lives of thousands of Iraqis but, unfortunately, that
news continually fails to make headlines.
A simple search on Google led to a non-profit
organization called Operation Iraqi Children. The
Website quotes letters from American soldiers
saying, “I have seen their smiling faces and their
attempts to say ‘I love you’ in broken English...I
saw hope in their eyes and gratitude in their hearts
for what was done for them.” The organization
works to collect school supplies and finances for
our soldiers to aid in the reconstruction effort.
To date, the group estimates 200,000 school kits
(that include notebooks, pencils, rulers etc.) for
young Iraqis have been sent to U.S. soldiers and
have been distributed to some of Iraq’s poorest
children.
Continued Internet searching led to other reports
of humanitarian efforts in Iraq as well.
One story mentions Army 1st Lt. Brian Cyr, who
led an effort to collect over 3,000 pairs of shoes
and sandals for Iraqi children that were distributed
to many poor areas where the children often walk
about barefoot.
Moreover, an added story mentions SSG Michael
was given a wheelchair; a device she could have
only dreamed of owning under Hussein.
The Iraq issue can offer a wide range of opinions
on both sides of the fence, but, unfortunately,
the biased media seemingly prefers to offer only
a dreary perception of how our soldiers interact
with Iraqi civilians.
Not denying that the Iraq war has brought hard-
ship to some Iraqis, it is clear that our soldiers are
responsible for far more positive changes in Iraq,
some of which have left Iraqi families forever
grateful to the red, white and blue.
Before one makes a judgment of the conflict in
Iraq, it is imperative to consult all news sources
coming from Iraq, not just liberally leaning ones
such as CNN or the New York Times. A simple
Internet search will offer hundreds of Websites
that provide accounts like these from the people
on ground in Iraq, not a secondary source from a
studio in New York.
One could argue the soldiers are speaking in their
own interests, but there is an undisputable addition
to these Websites, photography. A picture is worth
a thousand words, and one look at the photos of-
fered by our heroes will prove that.

The
Kelly Rose Duttine
MERCIAD Editor-in-Chief editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Jonelle Davis News Editor newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Jen Helbig Features Editor featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Allison Moore Opinion Editor opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Ryan Palm Sports Editor sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Meghan Sullivan A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Katie McAdams Photo Editor photomerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Melissa Jack Production Editor prodmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Kristen Piquette Advertising Manager admerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Sarah Dowden Copy Editor copymerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Emily Crofoot Graduate Assistant ecrofo81@mercyhurst.edu

The Merciad is the student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. It is

published throughout the school year, with the exception of midterms week
and finals week. Our office is in the Hirt Center, room L114. Our telephone
number is 824-2376.
The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and
names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters
for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due the
Thursday before publication and may not be longer than 300 words. Submit
KRT letters to box PH 485.
PAGE 8 THE MERCIAD May 4, 2005

ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT To contact: entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

tHe
BuZz
MAY 5. Dave Matthews
Tribute Band. House of
Blues, Cleveland.
MAY 6. Alkaline Trio.
House of Blues, Cleve-
land.
MAY 6. Green Day, My
Chemical Romance. CSU
Convocation Center, Cleve-
land.
MAY 6. Alkaline Trio, Co-
lossal, Mike Park. House of
Blues, Cleveland.
MAY 6, 7. BW&BK 6-Pack
Weekend with Trouble, Jag
Panzer, Exciter, Soilwork,
Dark Tranquillity, Hypoc-
risy, Mnemic, Death Angel,
Raven. Odeon, Cleveland.
MAY 6, 7. Hootie and the
Blowfish. Niagara Fallsview
Casino, Niagara Falls, Ont.
On sale at (888) 863-8118.
Guitarist Bill Frisell to perform
By Christina Ferranti
Contributing writer
Bill Frisell, nationally acclaimed
guitarist and Grammy winner,
will play at the PAC on Saturday,
May 7.
The contemporary jazz music
in his new CD, “Unspeakable,”
has created a sound so genuine
and new to the interpretation of
music that whenever someone
talks about famous guitarists his
name inevitably comes up.
He combines the sounds of
jazz, folk, country, rock and blues
to create a relaxed atmosphere
and coffee shop feeling.
He will be coming to Mercy-
hurst College to serenade us with
his modern beat.
Guitarist Bill Frisell explores
the musical possibilities of his
own multi-faceted compositions
and time-honored jazz and folk
Bill Frisell performs at the PAC on Saturday, May 7.
songs with this ever-evolving
constellation of extraordinary
Photo Courtesy of the PAC
musicians.
Their diverse backgrounds
and talents provide a wide-open
climate to interpret the full spec-
trum of Frisell’s repertoire where
an integration of many musical
directions become possible.
He will be accompanied by his
“Unspeakable Orchestra” that
hails not only from all over the
United States but places such
as Brazil, Serres (a province in
Greek Macedonia), Toronto and
Mali, each contributing their own
style and sound to this pioneer-
ing music.
Frisell has worked with various
artists all over the world and his
music appears in soundtracks
for movies such as, “Million
Dollar Hotel” and “Finding
Forrester.”
He has established his reputa-
tion and he knows no limits when
it comes to inventing new sounds
and rhythms for the guitar and
the instruments that accompany
him. He is known for combin-
ing the sounds of the guitar, the
trumpet, drums and saxophone
with the classical sounds of the
violin, viola and cello.
No one has ever made this
collaborative effort to unite the
sounds of classical music with
jazz and folk music, so you could
imagine how interesting this may
sound.
The tickets are available for
this performance at the Mary
D’Angelo Performing Arts Cen-
ter box office at 824-3000.
Ticket prices are Gold Circle:
$27.50, Adult: $22.50, Seniors:
$20.00, Student: $20.00 and
Mercyhurst Student with ID:
$10.00.
You won’t want to miss the
last show of the season at the
PAC, so take a break from your
rigorous schedules and come to
the show.

MAY 7. Jada Pinkett Smith

and Wicked Wisdom. Rex
Theater, Pittsburgh. On
sale at Ticketmaster.
MAY 8. Old 97’s. House of
Blues, Cleveland.
MAY 13. Tony Bennett.
Niagara Fallsview Casino,
Niagara Falls, Ont. On sale
at (888) 836-8118.
MAY 14. Stone Pony Band,
Stagepass. Music Hall,
Cleveland.
MAY 14. Reba McEntire,
Brad Paisley, Terri Clark.
Post-Gazette Pavilion, Bur-
gettstown.
MAY 18. British Sea Power.
Grog Shop, Cleveland.
MAY 18. Velvet Revolver,
Hoobastank. Chevrolet
Amphitheater, Pittsburgh.
MAY 18. Decemberists,
Willy Mason. Beachland
Ballroom, Cleveland.
MAY 20. Dick Dale Grog
Shop, Cleveland.
MAY 21. Paul Fayrewether.
House of Blues, Cleve-
land.
MAY 21. Kool and the
Gang. Bears Den, Seneca
Niagara Casino, Niagara
Falls, N.Y
MAY 22. Comedy. George
Carlin. Warner Theatre,
Erie. $39.50. Online at
www.ticketmaster.com.
MAY 22. Mary Chapin
Carpenter, Mindy Smith.
Allen Theatre, Cleveland.
MAY 24. Agnostic Front.
Agora Theatre, Cleveland.
MAY 24. Alison Krauss &
Union Station. Benedum
Center, Pittsburgh.
MAY 25. Sarah McLachlan.
Mellon Arena, Pittsburgh.
‘The Sea Inside’ plays next Wednesday at PAC
By Christina Ferranti
Contributing writer
“The Sea Inside” is a film cap-
turing the battle for the “right to
die” concerning the life of quad-
riplegic, Ramon Sampedro.
This is a tragic and heart-
wrenching true story set in Spain
documenting the endless strug-
gle Ramon put up in order for
the courts to allow him to die
with the assistance of another
person without that person being
prosecuted.
Ultimately, we see how the film
unravels and how Ramon han-
dles his own situation by making
it impossible to pinpoint blame,
legally, religiously and mentally,
for his eventual death.
We are introduced to various
characters from the inception of
the movie.
There are people close to him
that do not want Ramon to take
his own life, such as his father,
brother, sister-in-law, who cares
for him for 29 years and his
nephew.
Also, his story attracts other
various friends who come to en-
lighten and keep Ramon updated
with the occurrences of their
lives, which is always warmly re-
ceived by Ramon. One woman,
who saw his story on a main-
stream Spanish news channel and
Ferrell: kicking and screaming his way to success
Saturday Night Live comedy star releases new movie May 13
By Michelle Ellia
Contributing writer
Former “Saturday Night Live”
cast member, Will Ferrell, has
come to be a household name
which many have come to love.
From his off-beat sense of
humor to those memorable
impressions, Will Ferrell has
become a staple in anything and
everything funny.
With the release of his newest
film, “Kicking & Screaming” com-
terested in this case just recently
because it has been seven years
since the actual death of Ramon
Sampedro.
This is significant because
anyone that could be held re-
sponsible for the death of Ra-
mon cannot be punished due to
statute of limitations.
New information has been
released about the case, but the
movie does a fairly accurate
portrayal of what actually hap-
pened. The movie focuses on the
aspects of life and death and on
the relationships made through-
out the film.
This film is extremely contro-
versial in nature and stirs a lot
of different emotions in reaction
to the decisions made by each
Photo courtesy of the Performing Arts Center
character in the movie.
“The Sea Inside” will be playing next Wednesday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The actors perform remark-
ably well, especially in their roles
dealing with not having access
case to die legally, and she slowly
kept up with the developments This dedication is definitely to their own bodies to dealing
understands that even her life is
of the court proceedings, comes shown throughout the film by emotionally with this person.
not worth living.
to comfort and sympathize with maintaining the same disposition This movie earned the Best
The actor that portrays Ramon
Ramon; in the process she “falls that Ramon did while he was Foreign Film in the 2005 Acad-
Sampedro, Javier Bardem, does
in love” with him. still alive. emy Awards, the Best Foreign
an excellent job of elucidating
As the film unfolds, we gain Ramon always kept a warm Film in the 2004 Golden Globes
the life of Ramon and how he
insight to how Ramon deals smile on his face, welcomed and 14 Awards Including Best
yearned to be free from his en-
with his quadriplegia and how he everyone, kept up with the daily Film at the 2005 Goya Awards.
trapment, his bed.
forms somewhat of an intimate occurrences of the outside world It is highly recommended for
To take on this role, Bardem
relationship with his lawyer, Julia, and honestly enjoyed the com- anyone who is interested in the
spent time with people who have
who has a degenerative disease pany of everyone who came to case itself or anything surround-
disabilities in order to accurately
caused by a series of strokes. talk with him. ing euthanasia and just in general
depict someone who has no use
Julia plays a crucial role to Ra- The director of the film, Ale- for anyone who wants to enjoy a
of his body whatsoever.
mon in that she is fighting for his jandro Amenabar, became in- good movie.
the only cast member to ever Phil Weston, a lifelong victim of
receive a farewell from all the his father’s competitive nature,
current cast members at the who takes on the coaching duties
end of the season finale show. of a kids’ soccer team.
Since his time at “SNL,” Far- However, Farrell’s character
rell has stared in movies such soon finds that, despite his
as “Zoolander,” “Anchorman” best efforts, he’s also taking
and the college cult classic “Old on his father’s dysfunction-
School.” al way of relating to others.
In his latest flick “Kicking & Farrell’s sure to keep the
Screaming,” Farrell provides au- laughs coming when “Kicking
diences with his signature com- & Screaming” opens nationwide
edy as he portrays family man on Friday, May 13.

JUNE 2. Manowar, Rhap-

sody, Holyhell. House of
Blues, Cleveland.
JUNE 6. Raveonettes.
B e a ch l a n d B a l l r o o m ,
Cleveland.
JUNE 8. Asleep at the
Wheel. Beachland Ball-
room, Cleveland.
JUNE 9. Stephen Malkmus
and the Jicks Beachland
Ballroom, Cleveland.
JUNE 14-26. Musical.
“Hairspray.” State Theatre,
Cleveland.
Information Provided by
GoErie.com
ing up, it becomes clear that Far-
rell has no signs of slowing down.
A graduate of the University
of Southern California, Ferrell
became interested in perform-
ing while a student at Univer-
sity High School in Irvine, Calif.
where he made his school’s daily
morning announcements over
the public address system in
cleverly disguised voices.
Ferrell began his career as a
member of the Los Angeles
comedy/improve group, The
Groundlings, along with fellow
“Saturday Night Live” cast mem-
bers Ana Gasteyer and Maya
Rudolph. It was there Ferrell
met Chris Kattan and the two
became good friends, not know-
ing that they would both go on
to “SNL” later.
Farrel went on to appear on
several television programs,
including “Strangers With
Will Ferrell stars in new film “KIcking & Screaming.”
Candy,” “Grace Under Fire”
and “Living Single” during
his time at The Groundlings.
However, it was in1995 that Will
began his climb to the top when
he became a feature cast member
at “Saturday Night Live” during
the show’s rapid recasting.
Ferrell was declared quite pos-
sibly the worst cast member ever
Knight Ridder Newpaper
during his first season. However,
his talents of impersonations and
range of characters shot him
forward to making him arguably
the greatest “SNL” cast member
ever.
He’s appeared in every “Satur-
day Night Live” movie since his
premiere on the show in 1995.
In 2002 he left “SNL” and was
Open call to all
photographers!
CelebrateErie 2005 seeks photographic entries for juried exhibition
included within Faces of Erie, a photographic exhibit of the many
diverse faces of Erie. Images selected by the panel of judges will
be exhibited during CelebrateErie 2005, Aug. 19-21 in downtown
Erie. Images will be seen by approximately 100,000 festival visitors
and possibly included in Faces of Erie publicity in the Erie-Times
News. Photographs should reflect the many diverse faces of Erie
–a journalistic approach to the “day-in-the-life” of the not-so-well
known faces of Erie.
Photographers should submit a maximum of three photos on
35mm slides to Tammy Roche, City Hall, 626 State Street, Erie, 16501.
Slide images should be labeled on the back of the slide with the title
of piece and photographer’s name. CelebrateErie will print and mount
selected images for display in the Faces of Erie exhibit.
Entries must be received by Wednesday, June 1. Entrants will be
notified of their selection by Wednesday, June 22. For Additional
Information: Contact CelebrateErie at 814-870-1269 or visit online
at www.celebrateerie.com.
May 4, 2005
Famous opera ‘Carmen’ performed in Erie
By Meghan Sullivan
Arts & Entertainment editor
Each year the Erie Opera
Theater brings us a cultural ex-
perience with their spring opera.
This year’s production is the well
known story of “Carmen.”
Written by the French com-
poser George Bizet, “Carmen”
is a tale of love, lust, seduction
and eventually death. Bizet com-
posed 30 or more operas in his
time, but “Carmen” unquestion-
ably remains his greatest success
as it is the most performed opera
in the world.
It’s a really exciting experience
to work with some amazing pro-
fessional singers. Bruce Morton
Wright is a great conductor that
I have learned a lot from,” says
junior music education major
Mark Donlin who is playing El
Dan Ciairo in this production.
This production is the first pro-
fessional opera role for Donlin,
junior voice performance major
Kimberly Foradora playing Fra-
squita and sophomore music
education major Nicole Gasse
playing Mercedes.
Morton Wright has the pleasure
of conducting the Erie Chamber
orchestra. Among many other
talented musicians, the orches-
tra contains Mercyhurst faculty
member Mark Marchant and
adjunct faculty member Holly
Stackhouse-Sydow.
“It’s really an amazing op-
portunity for Kim, Mark and I
because we are able to work with
a professional orchestra and con-
‘Steel Magnolias’ closes a theatrical year at Mercyhurst
Drama directed by David Matthews to be performed in Taylor Little Theatre
By Michelle Ellia
Contributing writer
This weekend, Mercyhurst
College will be presenting, “Steel
Magnolias” which will close out
the college’s theatrical produc-
tions for the academic year.
Under the direction of David
Matthews and assistant director
Eleanor Logan, an all student
cast presents the humorous
and tender tale of a mother
and her courageous daughter
who cope with illness, mar-
Choir to preview Italy concert In a rock band? Sign up for
By Meghan Sullivan the Garage band blowout!
Arts & Entertainment editor
On Sunday, May 15 at 2:30 pm.
there will be a preview concert
given by the Italy Tour Choir to
raise funds for their rapidly ap-
proaching trip. The choir will be
traveling through Italy from May
24 through the 31.
The choir will perform a col-
lection of sacred songs that will
be later sung at a Mass in St.
Peter’s.
Such pieces include the “Exul-
tate Justi in Domino” by Viadana
and “Misere Mei” by Allegri.
“Misere Mei” will prove to be
a powerful piece in the Vatican
since it known for its historically
elusive overtone.
The choir is thrilled to have
been given the special honor of
performing a mass at the Vatican
during this period of transition
Hurst Productions’ student-produced film
Dr. Richard Welch’s sequel ‘Another Conundrum’ premieres on May 12
By Katie Walker
Contributing writer
Missing: Mad Scientist, last
seen in Erie, Pa. looking for the
Loch Ness Monster.
Well, that may not be true, but
it is the case the Mercyhurst cast
attempts to solve in this year’s
ductor in which we learn entire
roles that may be performed in
the future,” says Gasse. “I hope
more Mercyhurst students will
audition for these operas and
take advantage of the audition
process and singing with a pro-
fessional orchestra.”
The stars of “Carmen” are
actually three Mercyhurst alumni.
Mary Beth Sederberg plays the
sultry and seductive “Carmen.”
Alum and former voice faculty
member Kelly Lynch plays the
role of Micaela in this produc-
tion. Alum and current music
faculty member Robert Franken-
berry plays Don Jose.
“Mary Beth is incredible as
Carmen. She can sing through
the entire opera without her
voice sounding winded. All
three of them are doing such a
fantastic job. It makes me happy
to say they went to Mercyhurst,”
says Foradora.
The chorus of “Carmen” also
includes voice performance
majors Kasia Nowak, Amitabha
Chakrabarti and Katherine Hen-
ninger.
The story is set in Seville. Mo-
rales and his soldiers wait around
the square outside of a tobacco
factory for the cigarette girls to
come out. Micaela, a country girl,
searches for Don Jose but is told
to come back later.
The changing of the guards
brings Don Jose and his com-
mander, Lieutenant Zuniga, to
the square.
The cigarette girls come out on
break and the seductive gypsy
beauty Carmen emerges from
riage, childbirth and early death,
which is sure to draw tears
from the most skeptical eyes.
When “Steel Magnolias” first
debuted on Broadway in 1987
it became an instant success.
The show soon became one of
the most often-produced plays
in the world.
After its initial success, the play
went on to become a high-pro-
file movie starring Julia Roberts,
Sally Field and Shirley Maclaine.
Set in Lousianna, “Steel Mag-
nolias” is the tale of a close-knit
group of female friends who
in Vatican city.
“Many choral groups sing in
the square at the Vatican, but to
sing for a mass in St. Peter’s Ba-
silica is extraordinary,” said choir
director Rebecca Ryan.
The group will also be perform-
ing various concerts throughout
Italy in such cities as Rome,
Orvieto, Siena, Pisa, Florence
and Lucca.
Ryan brings the spirit of Erie
on this Italian adventure as the
choir performs two works of
Erie spiritual composer Harry
T. Burleigh.
The choir will perform in such
famous venues as Teatro Comu-
nale in Tuscany’s quiet medieval
town of Montecarlo where Puc-
cini had graced the stage.
Along with their repertoire of
choral music, they will also be
featureing opera solos by some
of the students.
The diligent accompanist
Hurst Production.
“Another Conundrum” will
premiere on Thursday, May
12, in the Taylor Little Theatre
on the campus of Mercyhurst
College.
“Another Conundrum” is a
short screen play written by for-
mer Mercyhurst professor Dr.
Richard Welch.
THE MERCIAD
To contact: entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Above is Mary Beth Sederburg as Carmen (bottom), accompanied by supporting cast
members Kimberly Foradora (right) and Nicole Gasse (left).
the crowd. Carmen dances the
habanera and tosses her rose to
Don Jose.
Micaela then returns. She
brings with her a letter from
Don Jose’s mother suggesting
he marry Micaela. Just then, a
painful scream is heard.
Zuniga discovers that Car-
men has attacked a co-worker
and Jose is ordered to arrest her
immediately. Carmen promises
Jose a passionate rendezvous at
Lillas Pastia’s tavern if he aids
her in escaping. Intoxicated by
her, Jose agrees.
Two months have now passed.
spend their days gossiping in a
Southern beauty parlor.
Freshman Allison Sturik stars
as Truvy, the owner of the beauty
parlor who acts as hostess of the
show and the center of town
gossip.
Truvy’s new assistant, Annelle,
played by sophomore Meghan
Smith, is converted from a wild
child to a simple-mined southern
girl and acts as the butt of much
of the script’s humor.
Truvy and Annelle provide the
gossip to regular parlor visitor
Ouiser, played by senior Jeannie
throughout the entire journey is
Janet Bischoff, the Mercyhurst
piano department chair.
Ryan has guided her students
through Ireland and Honduras
in previous years. She looks
forward to the memories she
will take back with her after this
trip.
Already thinking ahead to next
year, Ryan is planning to take the
choir on a tour of Czechoslova-
kia, Poland and Prague.
A few selected students will be
given the opportunity to take a
master class from former opera
singer and well-known conduc-
tor Herbert Handt, a resident
of Lucca.
The choirs concert on May
15 will be perfomed in Walker
Recital Hall.
The performance is free, how-
ever the choir would greatly
appreciate any contributions to
their tour fund.
Executive Producer Teresa
Gardner and Producer Esther
Claros have brought the script to
life with the help of some Mercy-
hurst actors and actresses.
The movie stars Mercyhurst
freshman Kody Hiner and soph-
omore Katie Goodwin, and it
also features several other Mer-
cyhurst students along with the
ENTERTAINMENT
Carmen leads a wild and seduc-
tive dance entertaining soldiers
at the tavern.
Zuniga flirts with Carmen
and reveals that Don Jose, who
was imprisoned for helping
her escape, will be released this
evening. The famous toreador
Escamillo arrives in a flurry of
excitement. He flirts with Car-
men but, she decides to wait for
Don Jose.
Two smugglers enter and ask
Carmen and her friends Fra-
squita and Mercedes to help
them with their trade. Carmen
hears the voice of Don Jose and
Jyurovat, and eccentric town mil-
lionaire, Miss Clairee, played by
junior Caitlin Dubsky.
However, the main plot of the
show revolves around the town’s
social leader, M’Lynn, played by
junior Lisa Kirschman and her
beautiful daughter, Shelby, played
by freshman Natalie Vindivich.
The production strikes a wide
range of emotions, starting with
the humorous family prepara-
tions for Shelby’s wedding to the
town’s best Southern boy.
However, the show turns to
tragedy when Shelby, cursed with
You can appear LIVE on stage
during CelebrateErie on the Lo-
calpalooza Stage!
Enter and your band may appear
live on stage for the Garage Band
Blowout during CelebrateErie
2005. Entries will be reviewed
by a team of music professionals
from CelebrateErie. All decisions
are final.
Requirements: 1. Majority of
band members must be 20 years of
age or under. 2. All musical genres;
NO profanity. 3. Submit one song
minimum; three song maximum
on CD or cassette tape. Studio re-
cording NOT necessary. 4. Cover
and original songs accepted.
Entry forms available at City
Hall, 626 State Street, Mayor’s
Office of Cultural Affairs.
Send submission to Garage
Band Blowout, 626 State Street,
Erie, PA 16501, deadline is May 1.
Information courtesy of Gen Biggs.
professors from the communica-
tion department.
“Another Conundrum” is the
third student-produced movie
that has been developed by
‘Hurst Productions.
“Another Conundrum” is the
sequel to “Synaptic Conundrum”
which premiered in May 2003.
ARTS &
Contributing photographer Mark Donlin
makes the smugglers hide before
greeting him.
After a touching reunion, Jose
is summoned by a distant trum-
pet call. Displeased, Carmen
questions if Jose really loves her.
She claims that if his love was
true he would join her and the
smugglers.
Zuniga then arrives intending
to seduce Carmen. Don Jose
tries to attack Zuniga and is left
with no choice but to join the
smugglers.
In the smugglers hideout, Car-
men has already grown tired of
Don Jose and they argue. She
diabetes, refuses to accept the
limitations of her disease.
Although her life weighs in the
balance, she risks her health to
persue a potentially problematic
pregnancy. Ultimately, her deci-
sion results in trajedy.
With the death of her only daugh-
ter, M’Lynn turns to her beauty
parlor girlfriends for support.
“Steel Magnolias” will run in
the Taylor Little Theater at 8
p.m. on Thursday, May 5, Friday,
May 6, and Saturday, May 7, and
again at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 8.
Tickets for Steel Magnolias
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PAGE 9
joins Frasquita and Mercedes
who are telling their fortunes
with cards. The mood turns
somber, for she turns over the
Death Card and resigns herself
to her fate.
When Don Jose discovers that
the toreador has come in search
of Carmen, the two men get
into a fight. Carmen intervenes
and Escamillo gratefully invites
everyone to his next bullfight, be-
fore returning to Seville. Micaela,
finding Don Jose, tells him that
his mother is dying and begs him
to come home. He agrees, but
only after promising to return
to Carmen.
The day of the bullfight has
arrived. Carmen walks to the
stadium on Escamillo’s arm.
The pair sing a love duet before
Escamillo disappears into the
stadium. Don Jose arrives pa-
thetically pleading for Carmen to
take him back. Carmen’s disdain
grows until she finally throws
the ring Jose once gave her in his
face. Clouded by his rage, Jose
stabs Carmen to death, as cheers
for the triumphant bullfighter
rise from the stadium.
If you are a stranger to opera,
then this is a good introduction.
“Carmen” is dramatic and capti-
vating. It is full of well-known,
famous melodies. Although,
originally written in French, this
version is being performed com-
pletely in English.
As always, the Erie Opera
Theater productions are free to
the public. It takes place this
Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday
at 2 p.m.
are available through the Mary
D’Angelo Performing Arts Cen-
ter box office.
Tickets can be purchased at
the box office or by calling 824-
3000.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $7.50
seniors/students/President’s
Cardholders, $5 youth and $1
for Mercyhurst students with
identification.
For more information call
824-3000 or check out www.
mercyhurst.edu/ne/.
2 Apartments
For Rent
Within Walking Distance of
Mercyhurst
1 Four Bedroomt w/
appliances including
washer and dryer.
1 Two Bedroom
w/ appliances.
Both include off
street parking.
Call 814-882-2857 for
more information.
All calls will be
returned within the same
day.
 PAGE 10 THE MERCIAD May 4, 2005

LAKER
SPORTS To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Draft Day has some surprises

By Brady Hunter
Contributing writer
As happens every year, there
were a few surprises, intriguing
decisions and disappointing
oversights in the 2005 NFL
Draft.
Here is a brief rundown of
some of the interesting tidbit.
Some players, like quarterback
Aaron Rogers, dropped quite
a bit from the spots they were
projected to be picked.
Green Bay took Rogers with
the 24th pick, but at one point,
Aaron Rogers topped many
mock drafts as the number one
selection.
Instead, Alex Smith went to the
San Francisco 49ers with the first
overall pick.
The Packers may have picked
up quite a gem here, someone
capable of taking over for Brett
Favre, should the super-human
quarterback decide to hang up
the cleats any time soon.
One strange note about quar-
terbacks who went late in the
draft has to do with Heisman
Trophy winner Jason White.
White went undrafted, but
was invited to the Kansas City
Chiefs’ minicamp this weekend
to tryout.
White completed the tryout,
but was not offered a contract.
One team that made more
than one interesting pick this
COMMENTARY
year is the Philadelphia Eagles,
who picked running back Ryan
Moats from Louisiana Tech in
the third round.
This choice is intriguing be-
cause the team reportedly turned
down a trade offer that would
have sent that third round selec-
tion to Buffalo for running back
Travis Henry.
At a third round price, Henry is
an absolute steal; in just his sec-
ond year in the NFL, he amassed
1,438 yards and 13 touchdowns
and had another solid season in
2003 with 1,356 yards and 10
touchdowns.
Last year his numbers suffered
from injuries and the emergence
of Willis McGahee, but Henry is
still an elite back.
Perhaps the Eagles knew what
they were doing, however, when
they turned down this proven
commodity.
KRT Photo
Moats gathered a staggering 49er’s first-overall pick Alex Smith proved to be a surprise to many on Draft Day.
1,774 yards on his way to 18
touchdowns last year, and run- roster and need someone to act Philadelphia. Mankins, continuing their tradi- in the first day and seven in the
ning backs traditionally make as more of a power runner. The defending Super Bowl tion of finding and selecting first five rounds.
the easiest transitions into the Also, the Eagles selected a champion New England Patriots quality players of whom no one The true test for all of the
NFL. player who should be familiar to had only one pick in the first two has ever heard. teams involved, however, will
The only problem that might many at Mercyhurst, at least on rounds this year, which is a low Tampa Bay is hoping that this come over the next three years.
arise is that Moats, at 5-8 and 210 the football team, that person number considering they have year’s draft will pay great divi- If players from this draft do
pounds, is an elusive, scat-back being Todd Herremans. had at least three in the same two dends, as well it should, given the not make an impact on their
type who relies on speed. Herremans played offensive rounds since 2003. Bucs had 12 picks this year. team by then, they may be seen
The Eagles already have at least tackle for Saginaw Valley and was With their first pick, New Those 12 are a league high, and as busts.
two of that type of runner on the selected in the fourth round by England selected guard Logan they include an impressive four

Women’s lacrosse finishes GLIAC Tournament signals

campaign with 6-9 record the end for women’s golf the season, while Liberati led was not thrilled, but was not
By Jimmy McCann the team with 36. By Chris Van Horn disappointed by the team’s per-
Contributing writer Bunker was credited with nine Contributing writer formance this spring.
saves between the pipes for the “We had problems with in-
Lakers and finished the season The Mercyhurst women’s golf juries. The weather played a
The Mercyhurst women’s la- with 140.
crosse team closed out its 2005 team concluded their season on big factor too. It’s tough to be
The Lakers finished their April 29 at the GLIAC Champi- consistent when you can’t play
campaign this past weekend season with a 6-9 record while
when they hosted the Knights onships. consistently, and that’s what the
nationally ranked No. 6 Gannon The Championships were held weather did to us this spring,”
of Gannon University for the finished 10-4.
Senior Day. at the Ashland Country Club in Coach Hewett said.
The Lakers will return 12 of Ashland, Ohio. The team’s two best finishes
This game marked the last their 21 player roster next season
time in which seniors Carrie The Lakers sent three golfers were a second place finish at the
and hope to continually improve to the championships this year, Behrend Invitational and a third
Kramer, Michelle DeLong, with each season to come.
Kristen Jankowski, Dara Libera- Senior Kristen Jankowski
File Photo each placing in the top 40 for File Photo place finish at the Westminster
Next season comes with a individual competition. Junior Hilary McCall Invitational.
ti, Kelly Beck, Steph DiCamillo, great deal of promise as Coach
Andrea Bement, Holly Sienkie- themselves in the driver’s seat. Junior Hilary McCall finished the team championship, as they Looking ahead to next year,
The Knights never looked Cecil Pilson will bring in his first tied for 22nd with rounds of 91 have been most of this spring. the Lakers will have four new
wicz and Jess Bunker would put recruiting class as he completes
on a Mercyhurst jersey and take back as they opened an 11-3 lead and 89 for a total of 180. Freshman recruit Abby Letson recruits coming in, which will add
before the Lakers scored the his first season, Freshman Jennifer Halinda fin- missed the entire spring season depth to a team that desperately
the field together. Nevertheless, each of the
The Lakers were given a re- final two goals of the game. ished tied for 32nd with rounds of with a wrist injury. needs it.
Jankowski finished with three nine seniors will be missed by 92 and 97 for a score of 189. The team’s only senior, Sarah “We’re excited about next year.
sounding Mercyhurst farewell coaches and teammates as they
to the tune of nearly 300 fans goals on the afternoon and 32 Junior Amy Natalie finished in Jaecks, was unable to participate Everyone will be healthy and we
for the season, while fellow all brought their own special 37th place with rounds of 98 and in the GLIAC Championships are adding new players. Hope-
in attendance. skill to the program and each
The Knights, however, were seniors Liberati and Bement 97 for a score of 195. because she had to attend to fully the weather will cooperate
contributed in any way that they Grand Valley State took home personal matters the day of the more with us so we can get out
out to play spoilers on the day rounded out the goal scoring could.
as they scored four of the first for the Lakers. the team title with a score of 613. tournament. and play some golf,” Coach
five goals of the game to put Bement totaled 23 goals for Mercyhurst was shorthanded for Overall, coach Dave Hewett Hewett stated.

Two new inductees selected for membership ATTENTION

in the Athletic Department Hall of Fame GRADUATING SENIORS
Former Mercyhurst College coming the women’s head coach He played football from 1995 In his senior year alone, Kis-

women’s soccer player Noreen
Herlihy and football quarterback
Matt Kissell will be inducted
into the Mercyhurst College
Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday,
May 21, when the Department
holds its annual Senior Student
Athlete Recognition Luncheon
at the college’s Egan Hall Din-
ing Room.
Noreen Herlihy played soc-
cer for two years at Mercyhurst
(1990, 1991) and was a two-
time All-America, an Academic
All-America and an All-Region
selection.
She led Division II in assists in
1990 and was a member of the
1991 Mercyhurst College NCAA
playoff team.
She graduated from Mercy-
hurst in 1992 with a degree in
Sports Medicine.
Following graduation, she
remained at Mercyhurst as an
assistant women’s soccer coach
and admissions counselor from
1992-94. She helped the 1993
and 1994 Lakers to the NCAA
Division II final four before be-
at Slippery Rock in 1995.
Four years later, she led SRU to
its first-ever trip to the Pennsyl-
vania State Athletic Conference
playoffs.
In 2001, Herlihy’s women’s
team earned an NCAA regional
tournament berth, scoring an
opening round win and earning
a spot in the regional final.
Herlihy recorded her 100th ca-
reer win on September 16, 2001,
during The Rock’s sweep of a
women’s/men’s doubleheader
against PSAC-rival Shippens-
burg.
She led The Rock to a PSAC
championship and the NCAA
playoffs for the second time in
the team’s history in 2003 and
was named Northeast Region
“Coach of the Year”.
The Rock followed that with
a PSAC-West title last fall. SRU
finished 13-3-2 last season.
Herlihy owns a 10-year mark of
114-60-8 with the women.
Matt Kissell owns nearly every
career and one-season passing
record at Mercyhurst.
through 1999 as the Lakers made
the transition from Division II
non-scholarship football to the
scholarship Great Lakes Inter-
collegiate Athletic Conference
(GLIAC).
He moved into the starting
QB job in the fifth game of his
sophomore season and started
every game thereafter.
In just 25 games as the starter,
he completed 488 passes for
6524 yards and 56 touchdowns.
Matt had one 500-yard game,
three 400-yard, four 300-yard and
two games of 250 yards-plus.
He owns the three longest
pass plays in school history – 95
yards against Gannon, 90 yards
against Hillsdale and 86 yards
versus Michigan Tech – all for
touchdowns.
As a junior, he directed Mercy-
hurst to victory in its first game
at the D-II scholarship level, a
24-17 thriller at Wayne State.
He finished second in the con-
ference in total offense, third in
passing average, and was chosen
Honorable Mention.
TEACHER
sell completed 231 of 446 for
2983 yards and 27 touchdowns,
all one-year records and, with
four rushing TDs to his credit,
factored in 31 of 38 Mercyhurst CERTIFICATION
offensive touchdowns.
He established new one-game OPEN HOUSE
marks for most plays (75), most
pass attempts (60), most comple- Learn about programs for college graduates in:
tions (35), most passing yards
(512) and total offense (508). ♦Early Childhood Education♦
He was USA Football’s Divi-
♦Elementary Education♦
sion II Player of the Week in
mid-September but, to illustrate ♦Secondary Education♦
just how strong GLIAC football ♦Special Education♦
is, he was chosen only as confer-
ence Honorable Mention. Fol-
lowing his senior season, Kissell
All majors welcome to attend!
was invited to play in the Division
II All-Star Game. He graduated May 18, 2005 ♦ 5:30 – 7:00 pm
with a B average in accounting/
finance. RSVP today!
Mercyhurst began an Athletic
Hall of Fame in 1996. Herlihy Mercyhurst Adult College
and Kissell will be the Hall’s 28th
and 29th members. (814) 824-2270
Article courtesy of Mercyhurst www.mercyhurst.edu/adult
Sports Information.
May 4, 2005
Softball makes GLIAC Playoffs
Team wins seven straight games to earn seed in tournament
By Brady Hunter
Contributing writer
The Mercyhurst softball team
finished the season with a 7-1
final push this weekend to reach
the GLIAC playoffs.
For the second season in a row,
the first two of head coach Sara
Headley’s career at Mercyhurst,
the Lakers had a strong finish to
cap off their season.
On Saturday, the women de-
feated Ashland twice, 1-0 and
2-1, in their first of two double-
headers this weekend.
This was the first time that
Mercyhurst has ever swept the
Eagles.
“Our past record against
Ashland was 2-23 until this
weekend,” said sophomore Jen
Feret. “But we came out to play
and they definitely didn’t.”
In the first game the only score
came from senior Kim Roberts,
who scored on a Feret single.
Two unearned runs, via two
infield errors and one outfield er-
ror, helped the Lakers overcome
their rivals in the second game.
Feret had a stellar weekend to
conclude a remarkable season for
the Lakers.
On her way to being named
the Mercyhurst Female Athlete
of the Week, she allowed only
three hits in pitching both games
against Ashland.
It was a memorable perfor-
Baseball sweeps Gannon, splits with Northwood
By Michelle DeLong
Contributing writer
The Mercyhurst baseball team
traveled to Midland, Mich., this
past weekend to partake in a
pair of doubleheaders against
Northwood.
The weekend ended evenly
with Mercyhurst and the Tim-
berwolves picking up two wins
each.
Mercyhurst is now 21-22-1 and
9-14 in the league after splitting
the weekend series.
The first night of the confer-
ence series ended with the Lakers
following their 5-3 loss with an
11-3 win.
Although Mercyhurst out-hit
Northwood by three in the first
Hockey coaches Gotkin, Sisti get
contract extensions until 2008-09
By Ryan Palm
Sports editor
Director of Athletics, Pete
Russo, extended the contract of
both ice hockey coaches through
the 2008-2009 season last week.
Men’s Head Coach Rick Gotkin
and women’s coach Mike Sisti
both came off stellar seasons
behind the bench and look for
many more to come.
Gotkin steered his Lakers to
the Atlantic Hockey title this past
season. Although they finished
second in the regular season
standings, the Lakers were able
to win the postseason tourna-
ment, including playoff wins in
overtime against Holy Cross and
Quinnipiac.
Mercyhurst was also well recog-
nized by the conference for their
play this season, as they had one
All-Conference First Team selec-
tion, two Second Team choices
and the Rookie of the Year in
Atlantic Hockey.
Earning an automatic NCAA
bid by winning the AH Tourna-
ment, the Lakers got into the
playoffs for the third time in
five years.
Mercyhurst took on the peren-
nial powerhouse Boston College
in an semifinal game March 25,
The defense of the infield was crucial to the Lakers’ seven-game winning streak.
mance for Feret, as this was
the first time that she was able
to take the mound in six years,
including high school, on the
Eagle’s field.
“It definitely helped pump me
up. After six years of waiting, I
was determined to take out Ash-
land from the mound this time,”
she explained.
File Photo
Junior Matt Echan
game, the Timberwolves were
able to obtained two runs in the
bottom of the fourth and fifth
innings to take a 4-0 lead.
The Lakers mustered three
runs in the sixth and seventh
innings to push the Northwood
and skated toe-to-toe with them
for 60 minutes.
The Lakers came up just short,
losing 5-4, but made their pres-
ence known.
Under Gotkin’s tenure, Mercy-
hurst owns a six-year Division I
record of 129-75-17.
Earlier this season he tallied
his 300th win, the only coach in
Mercyhurst history to do so.
His 316 total wins is by far
the most by any coach in school
history.
Sisti completed his 12th year
coaching the blue and green. Un-
til early 1999 he was an assistant
under Gotkin.
In March 1999 he was given
a new task, to create a Division
I women’s program and make
it successful as quickly as pos-
sible.
Sisti has done more than any-
one could have expected in the
short six-year span, especially
when this past season is taken
into consideration.
In what was perhaps the great-
est contest in Mercyhurst athlet-
ics history, Sisti’s club qualified
for and traveled to the NCAA
Playoffs in mid-March.
The team took on last year’s
runner-up Harvard and jumped
ahead of the Crimson 3-1 after
the first period.
THE MERCIAD
But she was very quick to
point out that it was not an
individual effort that brought
home the wins: “I am nothing
without my defense,” Feret said.
“I rely on them and they give
me the confidence I need on the
mound, knowing that they are
right behind me. Our defense is
spectacular.”
lead to only one.
That was as far as the Laker
comeback would go as North-
wood took the first game with a
score of 5-3.
Retaliation was on Mercyhurst’s
mind for the second game.
As early as the second inning
the Lakers were able to jump out
to a 4-0 lead, courtesy of Dan
Bertolini’s double up the middle
that brought Jamie Pochatek and
Devin Kowalski in to score.
Two batters later, freshman
David Lough doubled down the
right-field line to bring Bertolini
and Joe Mariano onto the score-
board.
Lough continued to produce
for the Lakers, ending the game
going 3-for-4 with two runs and
two RBIs.
The two teams played to a tie
in regulation, and then remained
tied for two overtimes before a
Harvard skater scored in the third
extra period to send the Lakers
packing.
The effort put forth by the
Lakers on that Saturday was not
unnoticed, as honors were plenti-
ful following the game.
Sisti was honored by his fellow
coaches as the Division I Coach
of the Year in early April.
Senior goaltender Desi Clark
made 78 saves in the epic, and
her efforts all year long were rec-
ognized when she was named a
CCM First Team All-American.
The award was the college’s
first ever at the Division I level.
Sisti’s record over his tenure as
women’s coach is 140-55-11.
The Lakers have won five
regular season conference cham-
pionships, two in the Great Lakes
Women’s Hockey Association
and the last three seasons in Col-
lege Hockey America.
The Lakers also have won the
CHA Postseason Tournament
each of the last three years as
well.
The team was also ranked in
the top 10 in the country for then
entire campaign, getting as high
as sixth in the polls.
To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
On Sunday at Saginaw Valley,
Feret racked up another win,
making it five in a row and 13
on the season.
This gave her sole ownership
of the record for most games
won by a Mercyhurst pitcher
since the Lakers joined the con-
ference in 1995.
In game one, Roberts and
“We were really able to pick
it up in the second game. We
were not going to leave with two
losses that night,” said junior
Matt Echan.
Mercyhurst closed the game
with an 11-3 win on top of a
5-3 loss.
The Lakers pounded out 17
hits in the two games against the
Timberwolves.
The second night of the con-
ference series produced similar
results with the Lakers and
Northwood splitting another
doubleheader.
Mercyhurst won the first game
10-7, before falling in the closing
game 8-3.
Mercyhurst recorded an im-
pressive 15 hits in the first game.
Unfortunately, those hits were
File Photo
senior Shanna McDowell each
recorded three hits.
McDowell also logged her sec-
ond homerun of the year.
Although the first game was
quite a spectacle, an 11-0 Laker
victory, the second game was
disappointing.
However, with no one player
attaining more than one hit, the
followed by only three hits in the
second game.
Both Matt Echan and David
Lough were 3-for-5 in the first
game with three runs and three
RBIs between them.
Sophomore Greg Tellex was
able to pick up his first win of
the season.
After pitching four innings,
he allowed only two runs on
six hits.
Junior Mike Cahoon relieved
Tellex for the remainder of the
game.
Entering the bottom of the
sixth inning of the second game,
the Lakers were tied with North-
wood, 3-3.
However, Northwood was able
to force out five runs in the sixth
to pull out the victory.
Page 11
LAKER
SPORTS
Lakers fell by the score of 4-1 to
Saginaw Valley in game two.
The loss in the final regular-
season game dropped the Lakers
to 20-19 overall and 10-10 in the
GLIAC.
“We are twice the team Saginaw
is,” Feret assured, “I think we just
laid back for the second game.”
Whatever the case may be, the
Lakers take their 7-1 finish into
the GLIAC playoffs next week-
end at Midland, Mich., to face the
Northwood Timberwolves.
The Timberwolves enter the
playoffs as the first-place team,
but Feret is confident in her
team.
“I believe that we can tear up
this tourney this weekend. We
have what it takes. Northwood
got lucky last time, they’d better
be ready for us.”
The game is set to start at 11
a.m., and the winner of that con-
test will play the winner of No. 4
Gannon against No. 5 Hillsdale
at 3 p.m. With a loss the Lakers
fall into the losers bracket and
play at 1 p.m.
“I’m proud of how we came
together this weekend,” Feret
said, “It was a team win, we didn’t
lay down and die.”
Indeed, the women have
showed a remarkable amount
of vitality in the last eight games;
hopefully they can keep the
blood pumping as they move on
to post-season play this week-
end.
Mercyhurst is now 21-22-1 and
9-14 in the league after splitting
the weekend series. Northwood
is 17-25 and 10-12.
“We have been doing well this
season. We all worked really hard
on the field and in the weight
room, and it has definitely shown
thus far,” Echan commented.
As many other Mercyhurst
spring sports have already come
to a close, the baseball team will
continue to play.
“I am very impressed with how
our season has gone so far,” re-
marked Echan. “I am confident
that we are going to continue
playing well for the rest of the
season.”
They will host Allegheny Col-
lege at 3 p.m. on May 3.
 PAGE 12 THE MERCIAD May 4, 2005

LAKER
SPORTS To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Men’s lacrosse drops third straight

Team slips to No. 5 in polls, but still has postseason goals
By Kelly Rose Duttine
Editor-in-Chief
The Mercyhurst men’s lacrosse
team’s record fell to 10-3 this
weekend when they played the
C.W. Post Pioneers at Hartwick
College, in Oneonta, N.Y.
The Pioneers handed the Lak-
ers their third loss of the season
when they fell 17-10.
Additionally, Mercyhurst fell to
a No. 5 ranking nationally, after
being ranked No. 3 since the end
of March.
C.W. Post improved to 8-4 and
climbed to a No. 4 ranking, after
previously being tied for No. 5.
New York Institute of Tech-
nology fell into the Laker’s third
place ranking after previously
being ranked No. 4.
Post led 5-0 before the Lakers
could get on the board in the
second quarter.
With 6:31 left to go in the first
half, the Lakers scored two goals
within a minute of each other,
and the score was 5-2.
C.W. Post answred back with
three of their own goals and
Mercyhurst then scored with just
44 seconds left in the half.
Post squeaked another by the
Lakers and the score was 9-3.
In the beginning of the third
quarter the Pioneers were able
to score four more goals before
Mercyhurst could score two.
C.W. Post put in two more and
the Pioneers lead 15-5 at the be-
ginning of the final quarter.
Despite five goals scored in the
last quarter by Mercyhurst, the
Lakers could not edge out the
Pioneers and fell to a final score
of 17-10.
Mercyhurst was still able to
outshoot the Pioneers by 43-31,
but C.W. Post won 15 faceoffs,
compared to the Lakers’ 13
wins.
C.W. Post was also able to make
17 saves, compared to only four
by the Lakers.
Senior Mike McLellan led the
team with five total goals, while
senior Jason Lappies had three
goals in the contest.
Joe Poole and Simon Stocks
each tallied one goal.
Jerod Felice, Andrew Sands and
Ted Winslow each had one assist
for the Lakers.
The loss compromises the
chances for the Lakers to host
the first round of the playoffs File Photo
and have home field advantage, Senior Jason Lappies tallied three goals in the 17-10 loss to C.W. Post.
but it is still a possibility for the
men to make the playoffs this 21 for the NCAA semifinals. St. Paul’s, in Baltimore, Md. season for the Lakers, and many funding from MSG, the athletic
year. The Lakers take on longtime ri- The No. 2 ranked Saints have a Mercyhurst student fans will Department and Dr. Michael
The team will find out this val, the Limestone College Saints perfect 14-0 record on the line. travel to the game on a fan bus to McQuillen. The game is sched-
weekend if they will play on May this weekend at a neutral site at The game will close the regular cheer on the Lakers, courtesy of uled for a noon start time.

Rowers train hard to get Men’s and women’s tennis

the desired level of success given bid by NCAA committee
By Matt Jackson
Contributing writer
After results from the past few
years it would be hard to argue
against the notion that the Mer-
cyhurst rowing squad, both men
and women, is one of the most
successful athletic programs at
the college.
Last season the women’s team
capped off a tremendous year
with an overall NCAA Cham-
pionship in June and just a
week previous to that the men’s
team had two of their compet-
ing teams finish second at the
ECAC National Invitational.
Despite this success, the ma-
jority of campus, including this
writer, is still unaware of what
it takes to be a rower. It is still a
mystery to many how much time
and effort it has taken for the
rowing program at Mercyhurst
to achieve the success it has.
To get a better idea myself,
and to inform others in this
article, I recently talked to the
head coach of the rowing team,
Adrian Spracklen.
Spracklen has been a part of
the Mercyhurst program for
many years now, attending the
school himself in the mid-80s.
“To be good you have to
train and we train very hard,”
said Spracklen. “We get a lot
of people who like the sport,
but they’re not in love with the
sport, which is what it takes to
be successful.”
The training for the Lakers
rowing team begins in Septem-
ber, when the students first ar-
rive on campus and from there
on is a grueling season of early
morning and midday workouts
to get in shape for the champi-
onships in June.
The current workout schedule
for the rowers consists of an
early morning two hour practice
on Findlay Lake in New York,
about 30 minutes from campus.
The rowers meet at McAuley
Hall at around 4:50 a.m. for this
workout.
For some of the squad a
second two-hour practice takes
place at around 2:30 p.m.
“They are pushed very hard,”
said Spracklen. “If you look at
it collectively, we train about six-
teen hours for every one minute
of a race.”
Erie weather has proved to
make things even more strenu-
ous and difficult for the rowers
this season, setting back the
team’s schedule and also making
practice even more painstaking
due to the cold windy weather.
“This is the worst spring we’ve
ever had,” said Spracklen com-
menting on the weather.
All of this hard work for the
rowers does not amount to any
individual success stories. In-
stead, it is a team success story
with each individual playing a
part.
“In rowing you usually get
people that don’t want atten-
tion,” said Spracklen. “They like
being a part of something that
is bigger and greater than what
they are.”
Judging by the results it’s easy
to see that this mindset should
continue to payoff for Sprack-
len and the Mercyhurst rowing
program in the future.
By Ryan Palm
Sports editor
The words NCAA-bound are
becoming familiar around the
Mercyhurst College campus,
and the tennis programs are no
stranger to the phrase.
For the second time in as many
years, Coach Ray Yost is taking
both of his teams to the NCAA
Division II Tennis Champion-
ships.
The announcement came this
past week, as the Lakers were
chosen by the Division II Selec-
tion Committee.
Both teams will be traveling to
Midland, Mich. for the action,
with the men playing the earlier
of the matches.
The men’s team finished their
campaign at 13-8 overall and
finished the regular season at the
No. 4 seed in the Great Lakes
Region
They will square off against
conference rival Wayne State at
9 a.m. on Thursday, May 5.
The Warriors are 13-10 and
ranked No. 4 in the Great Lakes
Region.
The women will play later that
afternoon, as they will square off
against the University of India-
napolis at 3 p.m.
The Lakers finished the season
15-10 overall and No. 5 in the
Great Lakes Region.
Coincidentally, Indianapolis is
also ranked No. 4 in the region
and stand 17-11 overall.
“This is quite an accomplish-
ment having both teams chosen
now for two straight years,”
noted Head Coach Ray Yost.
The Lakers and the Warriors
squared off twice during the
regular season, where both ended
in wins for the men’s team.
The Lakers won 5-4 during reg-
ular season play and also topped
Wayne State 5-3 in the GLIAC
Championships in mid-April.
“It will be a great challenge to
defeat a very good team three
times in one season,” cautioned
Yost.
On the women’s side Mercy-
hurst has never seen Indianapolis,
but welcomes the challenge.
“Our women are looking for-
ward to the challenge of playing
an out-of-conference team – and
a very strong one – in the Uni-
versity of Indianapolis,” said an
excited Yost.
Both matches will be played
outside, weather permitting, with
indoor courts available should
the Michigan weather not co-
operate.
Mercyhurst boasts several post-
season accolades, most notably
from Yost, who was named the
GLIAC Coach of the Year.
John Nichols and Mariano
Farva both earned First-Team
nominations, and on the women’s
side Natalie Paparella was given a
Second-Team award.
The women’s team has not
been in action since April 2, when
they defeated Indiana University
of Pennsylvania 8-1 on the Mer-
cyhurst home court.
Rust should be less of a factor
for the men’s team, who played
last in the GLIAC Tournament
against Grand Valley State on
April 16.

‘Joe’ will forever be a legend at Mercyhurst well-done.”

By Ryan Palm
Sports editor
Few people are as passionate
about Mercyhurst College as Joe
Hepfinger is.
For those who think you do
not know Joe, you probably
already do.
Take a look at the older gentle-
man in the middle of this picture,
and I am sure his face rings a
bell.
He is an employee of the
college and has been keeping
the Mercyhurst Athletic Center
looking good for more than
twenty years.
He is by far one of the friend-
liest employees of the college,
especially once he gets to know
your name.
In addition to his normal du-
ties on a weekly basis, he attends
nearly every home athletic event,
whether he is working or not.
For some teams he makes sure
that their uniforms are washed,
or perhaps gets the officials a
bottle of water after each period
In my two years of Student
COMMENTARY Government work, I have been
privileged to et to know Joe very
well.
during a hockey game.
Also serving as a work-study
Joe knows all the athletes, and
in the Sports Information De-
they know him as well.
partment, I would often talk to
He will be the first to say hello
Joe before, during and after the
when they walk by, and he’ll
games.
never shy away from striking
He always would want to chat
up a conversation about last
about the games, about Student
week’s game.
Government or about the college
Joe also serves as the Sergeant
in general.
of Arms for Mercyhurst Stu-
Joe Hepfinger has been a great
dent Government, a position
worker for this college for many
he has dutifully held for longer
years, not only in his daily duties
than most can remember.
in athletics maintenance, but in
He keeps our body in check
uplifting the spirits of students
on a weekly basis, and keeps us
and more specifically student
up-to-date on what is going on
athletes.
in Mercyhurst athletics.
Just about anyone can do the
He knows when everyone is
job, but no one can do the job
playing, who they are facing and Katie McAdams/Photo editor
Joe Hepfinger (sitting, center) pictured here with the new MSG Executive Board, has like Joe does. In my book, he
what they did last week.
been a fixture around the Mercyhurst campus for over 20 years. goes down in Mercyhurst as a
He knows every coach by
legend, someone I, for one, will
name and never is bashful about
very soon. fixture in the athletic department and early ‘80s. never forget.
saying hello.
John Leisiering, who himself for a long time. I met him initially “His loyalty, dedication and Next time you walk by Joe in
The man has a heart as big
has been with the athletic de- when I did play-by-play for Mer- support of all our athletic pro- the MAC or see him getting a
as anyone on this campus, and
partment at the college for many cyhurst College football and grams have been greatly appreci- sub from the SubConnection, be
when given the 10 minutes to
years, remarked, “Joe has been a basketball games in the late ‘70s ated. Thanks, my friend, for a job sure to say hello and strike up a
talk to him, you will find that out