THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MERCYHURST COLLEGE SINCE 1929
CAMPUS LIVING
Page 5
MERCIAD
Vol. 80 No. 7
THE
15th career fair
biggest in history
By Merissa Frank
Contributing writer
From freshmen to seniors, now is the
time in life when we must define who
we are in terms of a career. Those of us
who didn’t become an astronaut or an
actor will be looking for other options
at the Career Fair this week.
A record number of employers, from
local to national, will gather at the Ath-
letic Center on Nov. 2 from 1-4 p.m.
What does that mean to us?
Well, for those seniors, it means find-
ing a niche for after graduation. For
underclassmen, it is an opportunity to
seek out internships, which could lead
to future employment.
Frank Rizzone, associate director of
Career Services, expects at least 700
Mercyhurst students at the 15th Annual
Career and Job Fair this Thursday.
In addition to Mercyhurst, Gannon,
Penn State Behrend, Edinboro and
Allegheny will be sending students to
the fair.
“Groups come up and take advantage
of the Career Fair. It’s a cooperative
effort,” Rizzone said.
Students asked questions and raised concerns about the campus
community during the town meeting on Oct. 30.
Students voice opinions
By Jessica Kocent
News editor
Turnout was small for the first Stra-
tegic Planning Town Meeting.
An estimated 50 people, about fifteen
of them students, were timid at first, but
warmed up a little after the microphone
had to be passed around the crowd.
The evening began with an introduc-
tion from Heidi Hosey, Vice President
of Strategic Planning, encouraging all
attendees to say whatever they want in
Campus news briefs
Compiled by editorial staff/from mercyhurst.edu
News briefs submissions
If there are any news-related activi-
ties in academic departments or
campus clubs, please submit a brief
paragraph describing the event to
editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu or call
(814) 824-2376.
Open mike night
Lumen, the student literary and arts
journal of Mercyhurst College, will
host an “open mike” event on Wednes-
day, Nov. 1, from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Seniors get ready for
graduate school
admissions
Mercyhurst College 501 E. 38th St. Erie Pa. 16546
The record number of employers
this year may indicate a better market,
Rizzone believes. “After 9/11, campus
recruiting took a hit. An improvement
in the economy is being shown,” Riz-
zone said.
Students can expect to see employers
from the CIA, Border patrol, WJET TV
and Enterprise Car Rental.
In addition, there are 26 nursing
companies, several police departments,
25 HRIM companies and 20-25 groups
geared towards Intel.
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and
Cleveland Clinic will make their first
appearances at the Career Fair.
Locally, White Lodging Services will
also be at the Career Fair. They are
the lodging service associated with the
Bayfront Convention Center opening
in summer 2007.
This is an opportunity for seniors to
spread their résumé, meet with com-
panies and find opportunities they may
not have otherwise found.
Please see Career on page 3
Andy Finkel photo
response to five questions.
The questions included how would you
describe Mercyhurst; why is Mercyhurst
special; how can Mercyhurst achieve
“academic excellence;” what are Mercy-
hurst’s challenges; and what is missing
from Mercyhurst?
Hosey announced that all comments
are insightful and will be helpful in the
Strategic Planning process.
Please see Town on page 3
Student directories
Students should watch for MSG’s
student directories next week. MSG
representatives will bring the directo-
ries around to students.
Dodgeball tournament
The annual dodgeball tournament
hosted by the Student Activities Coun-
cil is planned for Saturday, Nov. 4 from
9 p.m. to midnight in the REC.
Stress free night
The Student Activities Council will
SPORTS
County Council is considering a ban on smoking
that could affect restaurants, bars and students
Curb your butt
Students smoke in front of the main entrance to the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center. The smoking
ban proposal may call for a greater proximity from buildings when smoking.
By Joshua Wilwohl
Editor-in-chief
It may soon be lights out for students
who like to smoke.
According to Erie County Depart-
ment of Health Tobacco Program
Coordinator Kelly Kidd, the board
made a recommendation to Erie
County Council last week proposing a
smoke-free county.
The recommendation, said Kidd,
encompasses all public places or
“…enclosed areas where the public is
permitted.”
Both public and private education
facilities are included in the ordinance
as well, she said.
Kidd noted, though, that she was not
sure about residence halls or apartments
on campuses.
“It (the ordinance) probably means
places like hallways and lobbies,” she
said.
Kidd also said that smoking in private
residences will not be monitored.
Mercyhurst College Associate Vice
President of Residence Life Laura
Zirkle said that the Office of Residence
Life will have to follow any rule stated
in the ordinance.
According to Zirkle, there are smok-
ing apartments on campus that allow
students to smoke in their living area.
Zirkle also said residence life consid-
ers the residence halls and apartments
host “Refresh from Stress” on Friday,
Nov. 3 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
in the Student Union. The night will
include free pilates and yoga classes
along with free manicures and pedi-
cures.
Mercyhurst nails WQLN
Collegiate Challenge
For the first time since 2002 when
WQLN launched the friendly fund-
raiser pitting area colleges against
each other in raising money for public
broadcasting, Mercyhurst came out on
Men’s and women’s
soccer makes NCAA
playoffs
Page 12
November 1, 2006
private areas.
Kidd said that outdoor places used by
the public could also be affected and
includes arenas like football stadiums.
According to Director of Athletics
Pete Russo, all athletic areas like the ice
arena and stadium are smoke free.
The ordinance, however, largely
affects those students who enjoy nights
on the town.
According to Kidd, the ban would
force restaurants and bars in the county
to become smoke free.
Kidd also said that current areas
where smoking is allowed outside build-
ings could be moved a greater distance
from the establishments.
She noted that the ordinance is still
under review by County Council.
College students have mixed opinions
on the possibility of having a smoke-
free county.
Freshman Katelyn Bundy said the ban
will help curb her habit.
“It will be easier for me to quit smok-
ing,” she said. “This had been a goal of
mine for months.”
Senior Katie Tredent supports the
ordinance.
“The boundaries of smoking and
non-smoking in restaurants and bars
are not nearly what they should be,”
she said.
“It’s proven that second-hand smoke
is unhealthy, and smoke carries through-
out any restaurant and/or bar, regard-
less of your placement, which makes
top. Of the five colleges participating,
Mercyhurst far outdistanced its com-
petitors, raising $10,782, a 55 percent
gain over last year’s total of $6,963.
Fall play slated for
December
This year’s fall play, Shakespeare’s
“12th Night,” is scheduled for Dec. 7-
9 in Taylor Little Theater. Admission
for students is $1. Times have yet to
be announced.
Andrew Finkel photo
for an unhealthy environment.”
Freshman Tyler Burton said the ban
should be passed because of health
concerns.
“Second-hand smoke is bad and
induces health risks,” said Burton.
Sophomore Rachel Auld thinks the
ban is good in restaurants, but not
bars.
“I think people could go outside if
they need to smoke,” said Auld. “How-
ever, I think it’s unrealistic to ban all
smoking in bars; maybe just restaurants
would be good.”
Auld said that bar customers seem
more interested in smoking.
“Bars attract a different crowd than
restaurants,” she said. “More people
smoke when they drink, so I don’t
think bar owners would be interested
in making their customers mad and not
allowing them to smoke.”
Not so, says the manager of Sherlock’s
and Park Place, Beverly Walker. She
thinks the ban won’t affect business.
“I think people will get used to it,” she
said. “You look at places like New York
and California where the ban is already
in place and it hardly has an effect.”
According to Kidd, the ordinance is
still in discussion with County Coun-
cil.
“Right now, council is dedicated in
considering the idea of a smoke-free
county,” she said. “We hope to see this
pass by the first of the year.”
Mass of All Souls
The All Souls Day Mass is scheduled
for Thursday, Nov. 2 at 8 a.m. The
Mass is for family members of the
college community who died Nov. 2,
2005, to Nov. 2, 2006.
Record number of
students get internships
During school year 2005-06, the
career services office placed and super-
vised 370 interns in 20 states and five
foreign countries, up from 305 interns
in 2004-05.
PAGE 2
NEWS To contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
World Briefs
International news
Compiled by
Jessica Kocent Spaniard held by
From BBC News gunman in Gaza City
A Spanish man has been kid-
napped by Palestinian gunmen
in the central Gaza town of Deir
al-Balah.
Roberto Vila, 34, an aid worker
with a Spanish charity, was taken
from his vehicle and forced into
another car, his colleague told AP
news agency.
The Hamas government and its
rival Fatah party have denounced
the kidnapping.
Many foreigners have recently
been abducted in Gaza. Most
of them have been freed un-
harmed.
Last week, a Spanish photog-
rapher for the AP news agency
was kidnapped in Gaza City and
Gaza has seen a lot of tur- released 16 hours later.
Stern says “Climate change fight can not wait”
A report by economist Sir Nicholas Stern suggests that global
warming could shrink the global economy by 20%.
But taking action now would cost just 1% of global gross domestic
product, the 700-page study says.
Tony Blair said the Stern Review showed that scientific evidence
of global warming was “overwhelming” and its consequences “di-
sastrous.”
Poland and Germany
attempt to bury past
The leaders of Germany and
Poland have pledged to improve
relations between the two coun-
tries.
In Berlin they discussed two
issues souring ties - a gas pipeline
that bypasses Poland, and WWII-
era claims against the country
made by Germans.
Polish PM Jaroslaw Kaczynski
won assurances that Germany
would not let Poland be stranded
without gas.
He described meeting German
Chancellor Angela Merkel as “a
good experience.”
He said he hoped it would help
“build good relations between
our countries ... and maybe also Prime Minister Jaroslaw
good personal relations.” Kaczynski
Cleric seeks health leave
Australia’s top Muslim cleric
at the centre of a storm over his
comments about immodestly
dressed women has asked for
“indefinite leave.”
Sheikh Taj el-Din al-Hilali had
asked for leave from his duties at
Sydney’s main Lakemba Mosque,
he said in a statement read on
his behalf.
Earlier, he was taken to hospital
with chest pains after collaps-
ing.
He again apologized for his
comments comparing immod-
estly dressed women to “uncov-
ered meat.”
He said his suggestion that
women who did not wear a
headscarf attracted sexual assault
had been taken out of context
Sheikh Taj el-Din al-Hilali and “misinterpreted.”
Sri Lanka and rebels clashes after talks fail
Sri Lankan forces and Tamil Tiger rebels have exchanged heavy
artillery fire in northern Jaffna peninsula, just a day after peace talks
failed.
Residents in Jaffna described hearing explosions and said the shell-
ing was heavier than usual.
Both sides accused each other of starting the fighting. It is not clear
if there have been casualties.
Government and rebel negotiators met over the weekend in Ge-
neva, but failed to break the deadlock.
Talks broke down over the issue of the main A9 highway connect-
ing Jaffna with the rest of the country.
Brazil’s Lula wins
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio
Lula da Silva has been re-elected
in a clear victory, polling more
than 60% of the vote against rival
Geraldo Alckmin.
In a victory speech, Lula said
he would govern for all Brazilians
and intensify efforts to alleviate
poverty during his second four-
year term.
“We will give attention to the
most needy. The poor will have
preference in our government,”
President Luiz Inacio Lula
he said.
da Silva
THE MERCIAD
Three Mercyhurst
profs leave their
traces in case book
By Kate Collins
Contributing writer
Every forensic expert knows
that with every contact lies a
trace.
Edmond Locard made this
statement famous in the forensic
world with the Locard Theory.
Now, this statement has be-
come a book title, a book that
features three of Mercyhurst
professors. Dr. James Adovasio,
Dr. Dennis Dirkmaat, and Dr.
Steven Symes will have their
expertise and real-life cases
showcased in the book “Every
Contact Leaves a Trace” by
Connie Fletcher.
The book was published in
August 2006. It showcases
crime scene experts knowledge,
work, and verdict. The experts
range from beat cops, detec-
tives, prosecutors and forensic
anthropologist like our faculty
members featured in the book.
Among the contributors found
in the book, Mercyhurst College
supplied the largest number of
case studies, experience, and
knowledge than any other insti-
tution of higher learning.
“I think it’s pretty cool that our
professors, the professors that I
am lucky enough to be taught
by, are contributing, still, to
things outside of Mercyhurst,”
said junior forensic science
major Ryan Cox. “It just goes
to show how much experience
and credibility they have.”
Adovasio, director of the
Mercyhurst Archaeological
Institute is the primary excava-
tor of the Meadowcroft Rock-
shelter as well as the author of
“The First Americans,” a book
that asks the question, who were
the first humans in America?
Funding provided
for documentaries
By Sarah Caram
Contributing writer
Faculty Advisor for Hurst
Television Brian Sheridan and
senior communications major
Esther Claros have both received
scholarships for their Diversity
Grant Awards.
“Diversity grants provide the
means for both students and
faculty to express their opinions
on what they believe are issues
worthy enough to be studied
and crafted in order to provide
the public with information and
promote understanding and
awareness on these matters,”
Claros said.
“To get the funding for the
creation of documentaries, both
Sheridan and Claros had to fill
out an application that was re-
viewed by Dr. Gamble,” Sheridan
said.
This application consisted
of explaining the scope of the
project, who would be involved
and how it would benefit Mercy-
hurst’s mission.
Sheridan will use the funding
for the creation of a documen-
tary called “Streetlights, Stage
Lights and the Nightlife” and
will have the responsibility of
the actual filming part of the
process.
“Streetlights, Stage Lights and
the Nightlife” is “…a documen-
tary of what African Americans
did for fun and entertainment
after dark in Erie, Pennsylva-
nia between 1945-1975,” says
Sheridan
Claros will also use the fund-
ing for the creation of a docu-
Got a beef? Need to share your opinion?
Send a letter to the Merciad.
e-mail: opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Adovasio has been in the ar-
chaeological field for 37 years
and has performed archaeo-
logical research in 27 different
states across the country along
with five foreign countries.
Dirkmaat, chair of the Applied
Forensic Science Department,
is known for conducting over
200 forensic anthropology for
nearly 40 coroners, medical
examiners, state police and has
even assisted the FBI in numer-
ous cases. Dirkmaat has also
been involved with some of the
biggest U.S. fatalities including
one that we all know well, the
crash that occurred near Som-
erset, Pa. on Sept. 11.
Symes is an expert in saw and
knife mark analysis, particularly
on bone structure. He has pro-
vided analysis of cut marks in
some 200 dismemberment cases
and 500 knife wound cases. He
has also served as a consultant
to pathologists, attorneys and
criminal investigators in the
U.S. and Canada. Along with
this, he has applied bone trauma
analysis to human rights inves-
tigations throughout the world.
Symes still awaits his copy of
the book and is excited to see
his expertise in print.
With this knowledge and
extensive experience, the
Mercyhurst forensic and ar-
cheology professors have pro-
vided Fletcher with information
regarding recovery at a crime
scene, the processing of the
scene, evidence collection,
evidence contamination, and
solving the crime through dif-
ferent types of evidence.
The book takes the readers in
to the world of the professional,
our professors, and shares their
words, their knowledge, and
their stories.
mentary. Hers will deal with the
subject of immigration.
“Immigration, is something
that is being covered in the news
on a day-to-day basis, more in
some channels than others. But
whether we are aware of it or
not we are on the brink of a
series of changes that will affect
the United States and the rest of
the world permanently,” Claros
explained.
“The U.S. has always prided
itself in being the land of the free
and of opportunities, it is for this
reason that many people cross its
borders in search of (the) ‘Ameri-
can Dream,’” Claros said.
Claros also believes that the
funding will benefit students.
“It is important for someone
who feels passionately about an
issue to speak their part, in order
to contribute to their general
understanding, and in turn pro-
vide the respect and importance
chosen topics deserve,” Claros
said.
“The individuals who will
contribute to this project are out-
standing not only in their passion
for the chosen field, but because
they are all in one way or another
part of and are directly affected
by the issue of immigration.”
Claros continued.
Sheridan believes it is impor-
tant for students to have the
ability to produce documentaries
within their reach.
“It offers them the opportunity
to be creative,” Sheridan said.
The production of documenta-
ries will also “… expose them to
different viewpoints and differ-
ent types of people,” Sheridan
continued.
Police and Safety Log
October 26
Larceny/Theft
Student union
Closed
College Discipline
October 28
Liquor Law Violation
Parking Lot #10
Closed
College Discipline
October 29
Liquor Law Violation
3923 Lewis Ave.
Closed
State Citation
The check will be presented to Gary Bukowski this week.
Ambassador Club
gives to Marchant
scholarship fund
By Katie Tredent
Contributing writer
This fall, the Ambassador’s
Club launched its annual spirit
basket raffle. The raffle was
to support a scholarship fund,
dedicated in loving memory of
former faculty member Mark
Marchant.
The Ambassadors decided on
the Mark Marchant scholarship
because of his impact on the
Mercyhurst community.
In addition, several Ambassa-
dors had Marchant as a teacher
through their involvement with
the music and dance departments
at Mercyhurst College.
Marchant, who died on Aug..
26 at 52, was the heart of the
D’Angelo School of Music.
Alongside his years of teaching
experience, Marchant’s astound-
ing musicianship was well known
within the community.
He played timpani and percus-
sion with Erie’s Philharmonic,
Chamber Orchestra, Ballet and
Opera Theater Orchestra.
He was also a highly regarded
conga player, well-versed in Latin
and Afro-Caribbean rhythms
and styles. Marchant also played
for many years with Key West
Express.
Marchant was an inspiration
to many. His patience and dedi-
cation to the students and fac-
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October 29
Liquor Law Violation
3807 Lewis Ave.
Closed
State Citation
October 29
Criminal Mischief
Parking Lot #23
Closed
Jessica Kocent Photo
ulty members of the D’Angelo
School of Music was selfless and
from the heart.
Sophomore Joe Jablonski not-
ed, “As my mentor, teacher, and
friend, Mark Marchant taught
me more than he knows. His life
impacted mine so much that I
will carry him, and his teachings,
with me forever.”
“Mark Marchant kept the
D’Angelo School of Music on
track. He helped us grow and
develop our department through
his vast knowledge of the cur-
riculum,” said choral director,
Rebecca Ryan. “Mark was our
familiar cry when we needed
help. We miss him terribly.”
Although Mark’s devotion
to the students and faculty will
forever live on in our hearts; the
Ambassador’s donation toward
his scholarship is one more ef-
fort towards securing his legacy
at Mercyhurst College.
“We would like to thank the
Mercyhurst College community
for their help in making this raffle
a success. We could not have
reached our goal without your
assistance,” said the adviser of
the Ambassador’s Club, Lindsey
Kole.
“The Ambassadors are very
proud to have reached their goal
of $500, which will be properly
dedicated to the scholarship fund
later on this week.”
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November 1, 2006
Town Meeting brings
campus problems to light
College administrators await their chance to speak out on
the future of Mercyhurst at Monday evening’s town hall
meeting.
Continued from page 1
Hosey said that the process was
important because this system
works “from the ground up.”
Debra Thompson, a represen-
tative from Strategy Solutions,
facilitated the Town Meeting.
The beginning of the meeting
had very little negative feedback
about Mercyhurst as a whole.
Attendees said that Mercyhurst
had a good sense of community,
a beautiful and safe campus, an
Career Fair to showcase MC
Continued from page 1
All seniors should already have
their résumé, but it may also be
useful to underclassmen.
“Undergrads looking for in-
ternships should go to the fair
to see what’s offered,” Rizzone
said.
Junior secondary education
major Pete Wilt doesn’t plan on
attending the career fair.
“I’m student teaching, so I
don’t really need to go,” Wilt
said.
“I’m going to the career fair
because I am interested in secur-
ing an internship for summer,
but I am also trying to spread
my résumé around,” said Ryan
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extended spirituality, a Mercy
tradition and loving people.
A few suggestions were made
about the future of Mercyhurst
College, as far as retaining the tri-
mester system, increasing inter-
national awareness, and making
sure that Mercyhurst remembers
it is a learning institution, not a
corporation.
The Mercyhurst community,
suggested that the college stay
ever-changing and aware of
the global marketplace. Online
Heise, a sophomore Intelligence
Studies major.
Heise, an Erie native, is inter-
ested in White Lodging for Erie,
but it is a Business Intel group,
so it’s not quite what he will look
for Thursday.
Anne Sobol, a junior Sports
Medicine major, plans on stop-
ping by the Cleveland Clinic’s
table for more information and
possible internship opportuni-
ties.
“As juniors, we’re going to have
to find jobs next year. It’s a good
opportunity because companies
are coming to us,” said Elyse
Lagana, junior Communication
major.
Lagana has an internship under
her belt, but plans on attend-
consider it moving forward.
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One of the 14 universities in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education
learning and the updating of
technological abilities, were also
a concern.
Finances and expansion were a
major concern as well. Including
what to do with the endowment
and how to expand while main-
taining quality of education.
Another interesting point,
brought up by administration,
not students was the lack of
discussion about student life and
how that can be improved.
Along the same lines, many of
the coaches expressed the lack of
student involvement at sporting
events, and to have more of a
concern for nontraditional stu-
dents on and off campus.
Despite meager attendance,
and a somewhat apathetic crowd,
Hosey said, that “she was glad
that students were given the op-
portunity to speak…and though
it was a small group, they were
vocal and there has been a lot of
information given already.”
She would also like to remind
students that if missed the meet-
ing they can attend the next Town
Meeting on November 9, or they
can leave their suggestions online
at stratplan.mercyhurst.edu.
ing to get out her name do a
little networking and use it as
practical experience in talking to
companies.
Rizzone hopes to see as many
as 1,000 Mercyhurst students at
this career fair. With over 130
possible employers, it would be
an easy goal to accomplish.
“We at Career Services would
appreciate a strong student turn-
out,” says Bob Hvezda, Director
of Career Services and Intern-
ship Opportunities. “This is a
key way to showcase the college.
Students should know the fair
is free to them and doesn’t cost
the college anything. We actually
make money from it, which goes
into a Breast Cancer Scholarship
Fund.”
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THE MERCIAD PAGE 3
News To contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Anthropologists
make their way to
‘Hurst for regional
forensics meeting
Cincinnati.
By Sarah Sheehan
About 70 people attended the
Contributing writer
meeting where 13 people pre-
sented papers on Saturday.
This past weekend, the Applied Topics covered in the papers
Forensic Science department included ethics involved in the
held the 22nd Annual Meeting field considering Native Ameri-
for the North East Forensic can remains and sympathy for
Anthropology Association (NE- family members.
FAA). Others presented cases on
This meeting was organized which they have worked, differ-
by Nicholas V. Passalacqua, a ent aging methods and discus-
second year graduate student in sion about trauma.
the Master of Science program On Sunday morning, Dr.
for Forensic and Biological An- George Milner of Pennsylvania
thropology. State University, presented a
Dr. Steven A. Symes, assistant File Photo
workshop entitled, “Transition
professor of the Applied Foren- Dr. Steven Symes hosted Analysis: A New Means of
sic Science department, hosted the event this year. Estimating the Age of Adult
the event this year. Skeletons.”
Forensic Anthropology is the it is a very good opportunity This workshop described a
study of skeletal remains as for students to get experience computer-based method for
it relates to legal significance. in a semi-professional setting estimating age from multiple
Different areas of interest for and to meet other students and age progressive changes in the
forensic anthropologists are age professionals in the same field,” skeleton.
at death estimation, stature esti- Passalacqua said. The method can only be uti-
mation, sex determination and The meeting was attended by lized with adult skeletal remains.
trauma analysis. undergraduates, graduate stu- However, statistically the method
All of this information is re- dents and professionals within is unbiased and yields 95% con-
vealed through a careful study the field of forensic anthropol- fidence intervals.
of the bones. ogy and anthropology. The workshop described the
NEFAA is an informal meet- People came from schools method, demonstrated how to
ing that gives students and pro- ranging from Florida State, In- use the computer program, and
fessionals within the field the dianapolis University, Michigan held a discussion afterwards.
possibility to discuss topics of State University, University of Symes explained, “We were
concern. Pittsburgh, Cornell University honored to host NEFAA at
It also gives students an op- and New York University. Mercyhurst College on its 25th
portunity to generate topics of Other professionals came from Anniversary.”
research. as far away as Toronto, Wash-
“NEFAA is important because ington D.C., Newfoundland and
Take an Online Class
at Clarion University
for the Holidays
Clarion University is offering a winter
intersession between the fall and spring
semesters.
All courses offered in the
session will be delivered
on-line.
Classes begin Monday,
December 18, after the last
day of the fall semester
examinations and run
until January 8, 2007.
Admission for this term
is quick and simple.
Students from other universities interested in
taking a winter intersession course can contact
the Admissions office at 814-393-2306 or e-mail at
http://www.clarion.edu/admiss/ or click on
http://www.clarion.edu/registrar/pdfs/
WinterIntersessionform.pdf to fill out a “Quick
Admit” form.
For a list of classes or
for more information,
check our Website at
http://www.clarion.edu/
academic/distance/
winter.shtml
If you have any questions
concerning winter intersession,
contact the Clarion University
Office of Distance Education
at 814-393-2778 or e-mail
lfleisher@clarion.edu.
Clarion University is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer.
PAGE 4 THE MERCIAD November 1, 2006

CAMPUS
LIVING To contact: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu

The truth about how to apply to grad school

Don’t understand the process, nervous about when to begin, overwhelmed by it all? This editor feels the same
By Chelsea Boothe
Contributing writer
I find myself near the comple-
tion of my first trimester of
my last year at the ‘Hurst, and
I realize how unprepared I am
for the process of applying to
graduate school.
It all began back in the begin-
ning of September when a pre-
pared friend of mine informed
me she was taking the GREs.
At that point, a seed had been
sown. I thought about it off
War or 20th century feminist
literature, respectively. Because
of the small amount of flexibil-
ity you have, where you apply is
rarely your choice, but seems to
be left up to fate.
Once you have narrowed your
field of study, the next step is to
locate schools with mentors in
your field who accept graduate
students under their tutelage.
E-mail works if these individuals
respond to student inquiries. It
helps if someone in your field,
like a professor, can help you
that suits you both academically
and financially, you need to look
into application requirements,
especially to see if your program
requires a GRE or subject GRE
score.
The weight of the GRE seems
asinine, because it doesn’t really
measure your intelligence; how-
ever, schools will look at this
first, if your score is nowhere
near their average they won’t
even look at the rest of your ap-
plication. It’s scary but true.
All graduate schools also re-
Also keep in mind that you will
get a better recommendation if
you give these individuals more
time to write them before the
deadline.
Next is the issue of the ré-
sumé. Much debate on the issue
has been going around about
whether or not it should be more
than one page long.
First of all, in the academic
world, it is not a résumé but
curriculum vitae.
The vitae can be longer than
a page, but you don’t want it
to be nauseating. Keep off the
Specifics of the GRE
The GRE is the standardized test for graduate schools that has
a quantitative, verbal and analytical writing section. The test is out
of 1600 and, on average, more competitive graduate schools will
expect at least a 1300. The entire format of the GRE will change
in January 2007. It will be longer with more writing sections but
calculator use will be permitted in the quantitative sections.
Additionally, this test is unique because the level of difficulty
of a question depends on whether you correctly or incorrectly
answer the one before it. For this reason the first 10 questions
are weighted heavier than the rest.
While some argue that there is not a way to study for the GRE,
they are crudely mistaken.

“
and on for a few weeks and it
occurred to me that I needed to
look into when my applications
high school information and too For instance, if math isn’t your subject, or if you don’t remember
Everyone in graduate many inconsequential factoids.
However, another very impor-
all the rules, then you need to study. I paid a math major to help
me go through the entire quantitative section of a GRE prep book

school is intelligent.
for graduate school were due. tant service your vitae provides and felt much more confident. If you have a weak vocabulary,
This is the point when I began is an exoskeleton for the people build it up with a study book. Because the test is completely
to panic. I discovered I did not who write your recommenda- computer based it is also important to try at least one online test
have until March to turn them in
as I was previously led to believe
Stamina is what will help tions. Not that they will copy it
down, but it will provide them
to get a feel for it.
Now you can take the test whenever you want but, starting in
by my own ignorance. In fact,
you succeed over the with a glimpse of you that January, there will be set dates, like the SAT or ACT. You will

two are due on Dec. 1.
I quickly began to gather as
much information as possible on
what action to take next.
Half the battle of applying to
graduate school is to find one
that has a professor who teaches
in your specific field.
If you apply in certain fields,
like history, English, religious
studies, psychology or art, real-
ize that schools you like may not
have a specialist in what interests
you the most.
For instance, if you seek to
study history or English in
graduate school, you specialize
in an area like the American Civil
”
others.
build a bridge.
Another criterion you need to
focus in on is whether or not the
school offers monetary compen-
sation. With correct financing,
graduate school should not put
students into too much debt.
However, smaller schools can-
not always guarantee financial
aid opportunities.
After you have located a school
quire recommendations. After
the GRE scores these are the
most important parts of your
application. When choosing pro-
fessors, employers, coaches or
someone else to write these for
you consider the person’s name
in regard to your field, their writ-
ing ability and your relationship
with them in order to get the
best possible letters.
perhaps they previously did not
have.
The last parts you will need
to provide in your application
are a writing sample and your
personal statement.
The writing sample should
be a strong piece of work that
shows your research capabilities,
grasp of primary and secondary
sources and ability to come up
with insightful observations.
Some schools will give you
specific page or word require-
ments. For those who don’t, try
to avoid more than 10 pages.
And last but not least is the
personal statement. For me this
want to know when these are so you don’t miss any application
deadlines.
When you take the GRE you can list the schools to which you
want your results sent. However, if you try to do this after the
fact it will cost you $25 per school.
was the most daunting experi- ing on the institution.
ence. The GRE tests you on a If I had realized all the steps
lot of things, but does not ask in the graduate school applica-
you to summarize yourself and tion process earlier, because life
why you want to study. gets busy and it is very easy to
It would be a good idea to procrastinate.
have someone who has written As my advisor told be, every-
one before look it over to see one in graduate school is intel-
what it is missing or if it has any ligent. Stamina is what will help
extraneous information that isn’t you succeed over the others.
needed. Length varies depend-

Lumen’s 2nd annual open mic

I
From the Lumen editors:
Coffee in Erie The Lumen, Mercyhurst’s
annual literary magazine, is
hosting its second annual Open
never tasted Mic Night.
It will take place in the great
so good as at room of the Union on Nov. 1
low anyone interested to share
their poems or short stories.
In addition, this year you will
also be able to have musical ac-
companiment with your work
if you so choose.
You may sing your poetry;
playing the instruments.
Along with beautiful po-
etry there will also be refresh-
ments.
If you are interested in sub-
mitting, but aren’t sure what
the Lumen is all about come

ERI
By Chelsea Boothe
Campus Living editor
Coffee houses have,
some would say unfortu-
nately, become hubs of
action and excitement.
No longer do big chains
make them a place to relax
and drink a good cup of
coffee, “good” being the
operative word.
However, there is now
an option for the coffee
drinker who craves peace
with their caffeine.
The French Street Café
is located at 410 French St.
right next door to another
Erie favorite, the Puffer-
belly Restaurant.
This quaint, extremely
relaxing café is not only in
an isolated, yet easily acces-
sible, location but it is also a
fabulous place to get either
breakfast or lunch.
While enjoying your
delight you can sit by the
window and watch a quieter
side of Erie stroll past.
A refreshing music blend
plays in the background,
as the cook in the kitchen
chimes in on the notes he
knows.
The French Street Café
is a place where no one will
pressure you to leave while
you enjoy both the intense
aroma of coffee brewing and
a delicious piece of turtle
cheesecake.
Not only can you sit down
with a perfectly brewed cap-
puccino, but you can decide
on which one of their many
soups, salads, sandwiches,
paninis, quiche or delectable
homemade pastries to con-
sume.
The French
Street Cafe
The food is absolutely
amazing. My walnut chicken
salad sandwich was served on
a huge, fluffy, buttery crois-
sant that literally melted in my
mouth.
The soup of the day was di-
ablo shrimp and corn bisque,
which was equally enticing
and warming.
As for the desserts, the
brownies were as big as my
fist and the fruit salad was
both fresh and perfectly
sweet. They also had home-
made bagels, muffins, French
toast and an assortment of
other sweets.
The lone drawback to this
new coffee is that it isn’t open
long enough.
Their hours are from 7 a.m.
to 3 p.m. Monday through
Friday.
While they have available
seating, space is limited to five
tables.
Each table is located near
an outlet, but there is not free
Internet access.
However, they do welcome
students who would like to
study in the café.
It is owned by Bruce and
Mary Ellen Hemme, who
Photo by Chelsea Boothe
also are the proprietors of
Pufferbelly Restaurant. They
have been open for a little
over two years.
They claim, “Our goal is to
provide our customers with
high quality food at afford-
able prices.”
Their menu speaks for
itself, and the price leaves
you with a smile.
The average large salad is
$4, the soup and salad com-
bination is $5, one of their
sandwiches is $5.50 and the
average cost of a large spe-
cialty coffee is under three.
They also offer a coffee
punch card; for every nine
coffees you buy the 10th
one is free.
For students really enjoy
the European style of
sitting in a quite cafe for
hours, while sipping an
espresso or enjoying a
comforting pastry, The
French Street Cafe is the
coffee house for you.
While it is a bit of a drive
it is worth the opportunity
to enjoy a great cup of
coffee and a moment to
remember that life really
isn’t all that complicated.
from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
This is an opportunity to al-
Christmas on Campus planning
By Courtney Stuempges
Contributing writer
Thanks to volunteers at Mer-
cyhurst, 100 underprivileged
kids from the Erie community
will get a chance to enjoy the
Christmas holiday this year.
Christmas on Campus is a
charity event hosted by the col-
lege and the Offices of the Stu-
dent Union & Student Activities.
The event will take place in the
Student Union.
Students, clubs, athletic teams
and organizations volunteer
their time to give these children a
taste of the Christmas spirit.
“It’s a great experience, to get
to spend time with the kids,” said
senior Lindsay Badger, a former
volunteer.
The children can look forward
to a variety of activities, com-
prised of: visiting and a picture
with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts,
free gifts, sandwiches, cook-
ies and milk, sing-a-longs and
New designers working for Target
By Kim Ossi
MCT Newspapers
For those of you who are ob-
sessed with Target, you may have
noticed an intriguingly hip-look-
ing section of women’s clothing,
“GO International.”
Here’s the skinny: Target part-
ners with an awesome new
designer.
Unfortunatley, it is only avail-
able for 60 days in stores and
online and then it’s gone.
Next is New York design-
er Behnaz Sarafpour,who has
worrked with Target darling-
Isaac Mizrahi. Sarafpour’s de-
signs ooze city chic, yet are
accented with classic girly trim-
mings like lace, bows and jewels,
resulting in a classically beautiful
however, while the equipment
is there you must be the one
a reading of Clement Clarke
Moore’s “‘Twas the Night Before
Christmas.”
“The joy you see makes you
realize it’s worth all the time
and effort you put into it,” said
junior, Jenee’ VanDeVelde, a
club representative.
With the help of the events
organizations, gifts, decorations,
publicity, volunteer and social
and refreshments committees,
the Student Union will be turned
into a Christmas wonderland.
“You know it’s worth your
time just seeing the smile on the
kids’ faces,” said VanDeVelde.
“It’s a really fulfilling event.”
Students volunteer as ‘buddies’
for each child. Each student
and child has a one-on-one in-
teraction for three hours. The
children are escorted around the
union to construct their various
crafts. They are then piled into
the great room to hear the read-
ing, participate in sing-alongs,
have snacks and receive donated
presents.
yet modern line - perfect for the
upcoming holiday party season.
Sarafpour’s line, which ranges
in price from $7.99 for a stone-
studded headband to $89.99
for a patent leather jacket, will
be available for 60 days starting
Nov. 1.
For more infomation go to
www.target.com and click on
this Wednesday to the Union.
“Not all these kids have the
chance to have a great Christmas,
so this could be the highlight of
their holiday,” said Badger. “It’s
a really fun event, and it gets
you into the Christmas spirit,”
she added.
Christmas on Campus will be
Saturday, Dec. 9, from noon-3
p.m.
Volunteers are still needed.
For more information, contact
Amy Todd at atodd11@mercy-
hurst.edu or at 220-812-4157.
women’s clothing and under
“Shop by Department,” choose
“GO International.”
Lush Cosmetics, known for
its natural ingredients and hand-
made products, has introduced a
line of deodorant powders.
The powders use natural as-
tringents to minimize sweating
and antibacterial essential oils to
help stop odors.
The powder is available in four
scents ($6.95 each, www.lush.
com). It is decidedly luxurious
feeling and silky smooth.
Up next was Mr. T.-the T
stands for the powdered tea tree
herb used in this powder. Mr.
T. which has antimicrobial and
antifungal properties, work to
keep toes smelling fresh even af-
ter a long day in formerly stinky
leather shoes.
November 1, 2006 THE MERCIAD PAGE 5

CAMPUS
To contact: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
LIVING
Soul warming recipes Winter Fashion
By Rebecca Tudi

Apple crisp is a great recipe to
try for the fall, especially if you
have the chance to go out and
pick the apples yourself.
But even if you do not have
the time to go to the orchard,
you can head to the grocery store
and pick up good baking apples,
which are designated on the label.
Typically you can’t go wrong with
Granny Smith apples, though.
This recipe is a staple during
the fall months and is a great
alternative to higher calorie des-
serts.
Apple crisp is a very flexible
recipe that you can add ingre-
dients, such as dry oatmeal, or
exclude some spices if you do
not have them. Other fruits can
also be included to add flavor
of the dish, a popular flavor
addition can be provided by
cranberries.
This dish can also be paired
with ice cream and a drizzle
of caramel sauce to add to the
dessert’s flavor and appeal.
This is actually a healthier des-
serts, without high fat content
With Meg
and lots of fruit. You can also
Contributing writer
reduce the high sugar by using
Splenda which can bought in
bags by the pound. Wind and rain cannot be for-
While adding ice cream and
whipped cream will add to the
calorie count, they are optional
and Kyle gotten, especially in Erie.
For those who love a new sea-
son’s start, the shops are brim-
and do not take away from the ming with all kinds of cozy new
Please email any ques-
flavors of the apples. treats, new colors and shapes,
tions or comments to
Dessert does not have to be and brand new accessories.
hurstflavorfiend@yahoo.com
fattening to be a treat! Fruit is The holidays will be rapidly
a great way to satisfy a sweet approaching and with fall almost
tooth. behind us, snow will soon dance
down, frosting the ground in
white.
So what are some of the winter
trends for 2006-2007?

Fall Favorite: Apple Crisp

Well, for girls fur-hooded jack-
ets, skinny jeans and stovepipes
are here to stay awhile. If you
Ingredients Equipment are sick of wearing (and seeing)
jeans tucked into winter boots
6 large apples (peeled, sliced, and cored) Large bowl then get your hands on some
ankle boots.
1 tbsp. lemon juice Large baking dish
It looks like shoemakers have
1 cup light brown sugar Paring knife seen the difficulty of teaming
1 cup flour Spoon winter boots with skinnies and
½ cup margarine, softened will be putting out some more
1 tsp. cinnamon practical variations.
Wear your belts round your
waist.
Or better still, tie a ribbon, the
rise of the belt has been evident
Directions
recently but in 2007 we see it
step up in size and style.
1. Slice, peel and core the apples. Then place them in a large baking dish and sprinkle them Backwards fastening belts were
with the lemon juice. spotted in ranges from newcom-
ers to established designers, and
2. In the large bowl combine the sugar, flour, margarine, and spices. cinching in waists with ribbons,
3. When blended together well, sprinkle the mixture over the apples and place in the oven to leather or meters of fabric.
bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. The apples should be soft and the topping should This winter, think mainly about
be crispy. the shape or rather silhouette
of you outfit. It needs to be
overblown one end and tight the
Recipe from The Boston Globe Cookbook, 4th Edition other, such as jumper dress and
leggings, or ribbed V-neck and
cocoon-shaped skirt.
This idea is called “volume.” It
will be around for a while so the
sooner you master it the better.
The key is to layer your clothes,
both to keep the wind and rain
out and to showcase many styles
and ideas in one fabulous fash-
ion fiesta.
For the holiday invest in a
velvet jacket, a LBD (little black
dress), which is a fashion staple,
but spice it up for the holiday
and add fun and frivolity, such as
beaded belts or sequined neck-
lines to the classic and refined.
Also cashmere, lace and the
holiday clutch are three pieces
to include in your closet.
For guys denim is always in,
and to pair with it American Ea-
gle is offering sweaters Vintage
fit t’s, Henley, graphic T’s and
thermal wear to keep you warm
from the 30 mph winds!
Be original, fashion loves indi-
viduality and creativity. Feeling
good and looking good, that is
what fashion is about.

Foreign exchange student studies at Oxford University

Vanessa Diaz, a student from Honduras, studied even farther abroad last spring
By Cara Nemanic
Contributing writer
Studying abroad had “always
been a dream of mine,” said
Amelia “Vanessa” Diaz.
Currently a junior, Diaz trav-
eled to Oxford University this
past spring.
Diaz is an international student
from Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Her major is pre-law and sociol-
ogy.
During her freshman year at
the Hurst, Diaz gathered infor-
mation regarding study abroad
programs.
However, she was unsure if she
would have enough money to go.
She was determined to apply and
found out that a portion of fi-
nancial aid from the college could
go toward studying abroad.
To apply for entrance into
Oxford University’s program,
Diaz was required to write an
essay and get letters of recom-
mendation.
It wasn’t until the spring of her
sophomore year that Diaz trav-
eled to Oxford, which took place
from April until July.
During her time there, Diaz
took three tutorials in Interna-
tional Studies, Themes of Sociol-
ogy and Jurisprudence.
She was one of two recipients
of a scholarship that required her
to write a daily journal while she
was there.
Tutorials are slightly different
from classes at Mercyhurst.
Students meet with professors
once a week for one on one time
over a 4-week period.
For each tutorial, students are
required to pick a theme, research
it, write a report and do a pre-
sentation.
During the weekly meetings,
professors discuss themes with
students and ask them ques-
tions.
This requires students to be
highly knowledgeable and pre-
pared on topics researched.
Diaz said, “Students are very
focused. They are there to study
because they want to, not because
it’s something they feel like they
have to do.”
Diaz was the first one from
Mercyhurst to study at Oxford
University.
Of the 49 colleges that make
up Oxford, Diaz attended Trin-
ity College.
She said that things were very
different there. “We were treated
like adults.
Students were more responsible
because the emphasis was placed
on academics,” said Diaz.
Students lived on their own in
houses near the campus.
Diaz stayed with two English
girls who were seniors and an
American girl from Seattle.
Because students had so much
free time, they were also able to
do some traveling to Italy, France
and Spain.
“Of all the sights in Europe,
the Eiffel Tower took my breath
away the most,” said Diaz.
“I encourage anyone to study
abroad,” she said, “Not only is
this good for your résumé, it Photo contributed by Diaz
also gives you real experiences
and gives you a chance to grow Vanessa Diaz in front of the Ashmoleon Museum at Oxford, which is the first public
and love life.” museum in the world.

Are your parents divorced or divorcing?

“Today, one out of two marriages story. “Before I came to college, additional reading.
MATH LAB

is expected to end in divorce,” said
Beth Levine.
“Demographers now tell us that a
quarter of adults under the age of 44
I had to pack away ALL of my
possessions…I don’t know what
I’m going home to…” It’s the
story of what divorce means for
AMERICAN
There are many ways to use this
book. It can be read alone for Located in the
personal reflection, shared with
a friend or a trusted older person
Library

are children of divorce. We are talking
about millions of people who are strug-
gling with the residue of an experience
that their parents would rather forget,”
said Judith Wallerstein.
“We are America’s first divorce
generation,” Stephanie Staal.
From Campus
Ministry office:
Statistics tell a story about the
experience of divorce in the
United States through numbers
that indicate trends. They talk
in calculated terms about what
has been called a “culture of
divorce.” The numbers bring
the public’s attention to the ways
in which children are deeply af-
fected by the experience.
But there is another part of the
young adults day by day.
Campus Ministry has pur-
chased several copies of “Shaken
Foundations: A Resource for
Young Adults Whose Parents Are
Divorcing.” The purpose of this
book is to give you support as
you consider your part of the di-
vorce story, as you ask questions,
seek wisdom and design and live
the next chapter of your life.
“Shaken Foundations: A Re-
source for Young Adults Whose
Parents Are Divorcing” is in-
tended to provide general infor-
mation about divorce and a lot of
opportunity to reflect on experi-
ence. It gives readers a variety of
options to get in touch with their
needs and a list of resources for
Coin Laundry
or discussed in a small group of 304 A & B
support.
You may borrow a copy of the
book from Rev. Lyta on Wednes-
day or Thursday afternoons. Her
office is to the left in the Prince
OPEN:
Sundays
Proofreading meets
of Peace Chapel (top floor of
Herrmann Student Union).
through
Thursdays
the Spin Cycle
If you choose to read a bit of
“Shaken Foundations: A Re- CALL: - Expert exam coaching and writing help
source for Young Adults Whose
Parents Are Divorcing,” share
Ext: 2078 from a Mercyhurst Graduate!
your thoughts with Rev. Lyta. If For exact hours - Only 5 minutes from campus
enough students are interested, - Clean, bright facility
she is willing to mentor a small
group that explores the ideas
TUTORIAL HELP - Handicapped accessible
FOR ALL YOUR
presented in the book.
MATH NEEDS!!! FREE WIRELESS INTERNET
1821 E. 38th St Open 6a.m. - 9p.m. daily
PAGE 6 THE MERCIAD November 1, 2006

OPINION To contact: opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Response to last week’s ad

Letters to the editor: Last week’s issue sparked a fuss
on campus regarding the Adagio
that provides the foundation for
Mercyhurst College, I cannot
Health advertisement printed on help but label it as backward and
Advertisement is practical Page Four. naive when applied to a college
Depression is not a “trait” sion before turning to medication for help, Both sides of the issue have setting.
and by no means can my efforts be consid- I would like to thank you and your staff valid points that deserve to be As college students, we are
I am writing in response to Ellen Koenig’s
ered “lazy” or “unmotivated.” for a surprising advertisement, Adagio addressed. faced with varying social situ-
article. Usually I am the type of person who
Science is meant to benefit society in any ations.
is not offended easily due to my beliefs that
way they can, and I am quite thankful for Health, on Page Four of the Merciad from We are human, we have hor-
everyone is entitled to their own opinions
their help with my depression. 25 October 2006. mones and not all of us are
and should feel free to express them. Allison
I feel Ellen’s statements were extremely I find it highly commendable that the Catholic.
I feel, however, that Ellen’s article has
naive, and while people are entitled to their Merciad was willing to run an ad for a Moore To deny access to, or the pro-
crossed the line, and that I am not the
own opinions, I think the Merciad should not health services business that caters to the motion of, birth control and con-
only student on campus offended by her
publish such ignorant statements. needs of college students, even if they are traceptive devices on a college
article.
misaligned with the Catholic college those campus is, in my mind, reckless.
How can Ellen describe depression,
Allison Sturik students attend. Opinion editor Some feel that providing such
insomnia, and tobacco habits as human
I am not Catholic and neither are many devices to students will en-
“traits” that can “be easily cured by a little
other students of Mercyhurst. The Merciad staff realizes that courage sexual promiscuity and
bit of effort?” Clearly Ellen does not suffer
It is nice to feel there is a voice willing to Mercyhurst is a Catholic institu- activity.
from depression, insomnia, or tobacco hab-
appeal to non-conservative members of the tion. The Catholic Church is This argument is often tossed
its, because she believes that these problems
Merciad advertisement Mercyhurst student body. opposed to all forms of birth around in the political arena as
can be easily fixed.
against Catholic teaching I appreciate the fact that Mercyhurst is control and emergency contra- well, and I find fault in it.
As a sufferer from depression, I am tak-
indeed a Catholic College but I equally ception. We are well aware of the Those who are committed to
ing anti-depressant pills which I consider
It has come to my attention that there is appreciate the understanding that I do not Catholic tradition and meant no their faith and its doctrine re-
necessary for me to function normally day
an ad in the Merciad for Adagio Health. I am attend Mercyhurst for conversion. disrespect to the Church by pub- garding sexual activity will not be
to day.
concerned about this because it advertises If the Merciad was unwilling or unable lishing this controversial ad. swayed because they can get their
Perhaps when Ellen has no motivation
for birth control and emergency contra- to print ads that may run contrary to the On the other side of the coin, hands on a free condom.
to get up in the morning and sees no hap-
ception to which the Catholic Church is Church’s teaching perhaps starting a sec- Adagio Health paid money to However, those who do not
piness nor purpose in her life, she can see
opposed. ond, less inhibited, non-Catholic student have its services advertised in live strictly by the Catholic faith,
the benefits of taking a medication that
It is my understanding that a policy is in paper would be advisable. the Merciad. or who are not Catholic at all, will
balances your brain’s natural chemicals.
place to guide content decisions for Mercy- Thank you for again for running a use- At the end of the day, the news- benefit from such services.
Unfortunately, not all of us can have a
hurst publications to be in line with Catholic ful ad that appeals to many, if not most, paper uses ad revenue to help de- Instead of engaging recklessly
normal hormone balance in our brains that
teachings. I would appreciate your input in Mercyhurst students whether they would fray expenses. The Merciad staff in activities we all know are ram-
allow us to view everything in a reasonable
this matter with a prompt reply. I hope that admit it or not. was unaware that such an ad was pant on this campus, (I mean,
manner.
we can reach an amicable solution. prohibited from publication. let’s be honest people) safety
I think it is quite ignorant and offensive
Josh Tackentien On a personal note, I would will be emphasized, and that is
to state that people who suffer from these
Abby Wayman like to address the larger issue beneficial in its own right.
things should be considered “lazy.”
at hand.
I spent a year suffering with my depres-
While I understand the doctrine

Ask the Ethicist: addressing homelessness and poverty in society

We were discussing a comment that a friend made regard-
ing a recent service learning trip to a homeless shelter. Our
friend told us that the man running the shelter has been
there for over 25 years. The man in charge stated that he
sometimes sees the second and even third generations of
the same family coming into the shelter. So, we began to
wonder, “What is fueling this cycle of poverty and homeless-
ness?” It seems obvious that the parents of these children
are unable to support them. While we believed there was
some responsibility to be placed on their shoulders, we also
realized that the community in which they live also plays a
significant role in this situation. Our questions are, “How
can we balance having compassion for people in these types
of situations without neglecting the fact that their decisions to
have children are also contributing factors?” and, “To what
degree are they responsible for their current position and to
what degree does their environment contribute?”
A simpler form of the question is, “How can we have
compassion for others without ‘letting them off the hook’
for their actions?”
As with all social problems there are multiple,
complicated factors associated with homelessness.
Rather than focus first on what is a small, albeit sig-
nificant, segment of the homeless population (the
chronic homeless), it is useful to explore research
findings to gain a fuller understanding of the popu-
lation that makes up the approximately 3.5 million
people in the U.S. who are likely to experience
homelessness in a given year. Of the 3.5 million,
approximately 1.35 million are children (National
Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, 2004).
Families with children are one of the fastest grow-
ing segments of the homeless population.
Research indicates that for the majority of people
who are homeless it is a temporary circumstance,
not a permanent condition.
One study by Dennis Cullhane, who lived in
a Philadelphia shelter for seven weeks, tracked
those who used the shelter and discovered that 80
percent of people had very short stays—on aver-
age one to two days and then they were not seen
again. At some shelters the stay is longer. A 2005
U.S. Conference of Mayors report indicated that
in New York, families stayed an average of seven
months before securing permanent housing and
other reports indicate the average time families
with children are homeless is closer to a year. Still,
this does not equate to generational or chronic
homelessness.
One of the most significant factors behind
homelessness is the lack of affordable housing.
Today many poor families spend 50% or more
of their income on housing. A family with one
adult working full-time for $8 an hour makes ap-
proximately $16,000. This amount is right at the
poverty threshold for a family of three and about
$4,000 under the poverty threshold for a family of
four. (Gallup polls indicate that those polled believe
that the poverty line should be set 33 to 55 percent
higher than it currently is.)
Given the low wages earned by many families,
without help from formal sources (government and
private agencies) and/or informal sources (families
and friends) meeting basic needs is near impos-
sible or impossible for many low-income families.
Yet, many low-income families don’t receive any
government subsidies. For example, in 1999 only
21% of low-income working families received
help paying for child care from any government
source and more recently research indicates that
only 25% of the working poor who recently left
cash assistance receive what is considered a package
of government subsidies—that is Medicaid, food
stamps, child care subsidy and the Earned Income
Tax Credit. Moreover, waiting lists for subsidized
housing for those who qualify ranges from two
years in cities such as Erie to approximately five
to eight years in larger cities.
Therefore, a key question that must be asked is
how do we make sure that those who are playing
by the rules and being responsible have their basic
needs met. We heard the mantra in the early ‘90s
that no one who works should be poor and yet
according to the Catholic Campaign for Human
Development “more than two-thirds of all poor
families with children included one or more indi-
viduals who worked in 2003. And, family members
in working-poor families with children typically
worked combined totals of 46 weeks per year.”
“Justice for all” requires a public-private partner-
ship to ensure the working poor have adequate
housing.
Domestic violence, mental illness and/or
addiction are other key factors associated with
homelessness and it is the latter two who often
experience chronic homelessness. Still, just as we
must move past the notion that the majority of
people who experience homelessness are chroni-
cally homeless we must not conclude that mental
illness and/or addiction cause homelessness. And,
research suggests that programs that are making
progress toward ending chronic homelessness are
based on extensive investigation into the needs of
the chronic homeless and all available options.
Other lessons gleaned from research completed
by the Urban Institute on “community approaches”
that appear to be making headway in reducing
chronic street homelessness can inform addressing
chronic homelessness in general. While space does
not permit a discussion of all the lessons, a few
essential ones include a paradigm shift away from
heavy reliance on emergency shelters, transitional
housing and sobriety-based programs.
Housing first models that immediately place
homeless individuals into permanent housing
with appropriate support services, but don’t re-
quire participation in services as a pre-requisite
to housing.
There are those who would say that this allows
tenants to continue to engage in irresponsible
behavior and some tenants certainly do but many
choose freely to participate in the mental health,
substance abuse, and other programs that are of-
fered and among the chronic street homeless most
do not return to the streets. And, there are basic
conditions the tenants have to adhere to such as
not destroying property and paying rent.
Another lesson, already mentioned is that it
must be a community driven approach—agencies
that provide a range of services must work closely
together in the provision of services and in ensur-
ing an effective process for access to mainstream
agencies. Having multiple services administered
from a central location is also important as is good
discharge planning from mental health hospitals
and jails to prevent homeless in the first place
(Urban Institute, 2005).
I realize that this response does not directly
answer the question posed, yet it may be more
helpful to start with a different question—how do
we best reduce homelessness among the diverse
population that experiences this problem. The
social and economic costs of not addressing it are
high, not to mention our moral obligation. That
does not mean people should not be held account-
able for their behavior but if we are serious about
addressing homelessness we need to determine
what works.
Dr. Laura Lewis
Chairperson of Sociology/Social Work De-
partment
Associate Professor of Social Work
I want to first open with addressing the question
of “to what degree is a person responsible for their
current position” by mentioning that what we view
as reality, can be (and is very often) far from our
perceptions of it. We all (with humbled personal
acknowledgement) have made assumptions about
people that are completely wrong. When we dig
deeper than the surface, we can often find a geyser
of other issues that shoot forth. It is important
to make no judgments of a family’s current situa-
tion, even if the past seems to be the dictator of
current events. One just never knows what people
are carrying around with them and/or what types
of misfortunes someone may have faced. May I
even add that when we sit in judgment of people,
we sit on a throne that we are much too ignorant
to occupy. Let that be God’s purview.
Next, I feel strongly that there is never a wrong
time for mercy and compassion. Whenever some-
one is in need and whenever we are able, we are
called to try to help. However, it is important to
constantly evaluate our effectiveness and motiva-
tions in helping. We need to ask questions like,
“are we truly seeking a person’s best interest” or
how about, “are my actions helping this person to
grow, or enabling a bad behavior?” I tend to use
the answers to these questions to help give support
to the proper action. I remember a quote that I
heard when I was little, “Give a man a fish and feed
him for a day; teach a man to fish, and feed him
for a lifetime.” Our actions should patiently give
people the tools to grow and flourish; even if we
feel the pains of futility.
We are held accountable for our actions; the rest
is out of our hands. For me, it is important to offer
non-judgmental compassion and mercy uncondi-
tionally which, at the least offers the opportunity
for growth. We just never know the potential
impact which our actions have.
Paul J. Macosko III ‘03
Campus Minister
This question beautifully illustrates the vital im-
portance of this column as well as its inherently
maddening nature. It gives us the chance to think
about deep and relevant questions that deserve
close reflection, and yet it provides so little space
to provide a response that can address the many
ethical dimensions of such a thoughtful query! So
I approach this with both excitement and anxiety,
knowing I can barely scratch the surface. Of course,
only in scratching the surface might we begin the
work of ethics.
In her story “Conversations in Prosperity,” Cath-
olic author Mary Gordon narrates a close friend-
ship between two women who share “a concern
for virtue.” The friends recognize the difficulty of
embodying virtue, of doing enough. At the end
of the story, the two meet at the narrator’s son’s
private school. Nearby, an elderly woman, with little
clothing and no shoes, stands outside in the rain.
Gordon’s narrator confesses, “My friend and I don’t
say anything about her because we both know she’s
the woman we’re afraid of becoming. The one we
fear becoming when we have lost our prosperity.”
This example—the fear of acknowledging this
troubled elderly person—speaks to the issue at
hand. We might feel frustrated by the possibility
that poor persons contribute to their circumstances
and perpetuate the cycle of poverty, if only by hav-
ing children. However, does this frustration origi-
nate in a fear that we can’t do enough to eliminate
the social conditions that cause poverty? Are we
looking for other causes beyond the responsibility
of those of us who live in much better conditions?
The question is hard—indeed, every human being
can be held accountable for his or her actions. We
have to hope the homeless will commit themselves
to escaping their hard circumstances, but also that
they might be given the necessary resources to do
so. In the meantime, though, I am not sure we are
in a place to judge them for having children. Per-
haps, it gives their lives meaning as parents. Maybe
they were denied access to birth control and found
themselves without a choice. We must continue to
appreciate their dignity as people and recognize
that like us, they are engaged in this endless process
of figuring out what it means to be human. So, in
addition to the good work so many members of
this Mercyhurst community do for the poor and
homeless in Erie, I think we need to continue this
conversation in classrooms and dorm rooms, in the
cafeteria and around the Thanksgiving table.
Dr. Mary Ellen O’Donnell
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies
When you asked, “What is fueling this cycle of
poverty and homelessness?” you are asking the criti-
cal question that moves charity to systemic change.
While there are multiple reasons for why people
are homeless, there are policies that hinder the
movement out of homelessness. It is good news
that the minimum wage is going up. Individuals
working full-time at the current minimum wage do
not earn enough to provide safe housing and health
insurance. Currently, there are 45 million people
in the U. S. without health insurance. Lack of fair
wages and health insurance do not motivate people
out of the cycle of poverty.
Education and life skills when coupled with
housing and food/medical assistance provide the
potential path to self-sufficiency. Individuals walk-
ing this road face many obstacles and often addic-
tions. They need support. The Christian call to
love your neighbor and the Catholic social teachings
call us to respond to the dignity of all and to give
preferential option to the economically poor. At
Mercyhurst, the values of service and compassion
challenge us to “think critically, to comprehend the
richness of our global community, and to work for
positive change.”
Congratulations! You have integrated your ser-
vice with critical thinking. Moving students beyond
service to systemic change is the cutting edge of
service learning.
Sr. Michele Marie Schroeck, RSM
Director of Service Learning
The purpose of “Ask the Ethicist!” is to provide insight
and reflection on everyday ethical dilemmas facing individuals
on campus. The “Mercyhurst Ethicist” is not one person,
but a group of Mercyhurst faculty, administrators and staff,
a few of whom have responded to the following situation
which was received. We’re interested in student responses
to these reflections! Please send your thoughts (or another
question) to lseddig@mercyhurst.edu. You’ll see them in an
upcoming Merciad/Chancellor. If you are submitting a
question and wish to remain totally anonymous, send it via
campus mail to Rev. Lyta in Campus Ministry.
November 1, 2006 THE MERCIAD PAGE 7

Steering committee vital tool for students
I remember when I first arrived for Freshman
Year Initiative three years ago. Then President
Garvey addressed our freshman class during open-
ing ceremonies and explained to us the difference
between a university and a college. He made it per-
fectly clear that
Mercyhurst is a
college.
A university Ellen
is an institution Koenig
with colleges
that focus in
specific studies;
universities also Contributing writer
offer graduate
degrees and PhD’s. Colleges are generally smaller
and have departments rather than specific schools;
there is not a focus on research but rather learn-
ing.
Earlier this week I received a campus wide e-mail
from the steering committee for strategizing the
college’s evolving mission statement and plan. In
another string of e-mails, there was an advertise-
ment for the recently developed Student Research
Committee.
With the introduction of graduate degrees and
research projects, the college is becoming more
name worthy, and people from other parts of the
country now recognize the school. I do, however,
want Mercyhurst to remain a liberal arts college; I
would hate to see it stray from its roots grounded
in the liberal arts tradition. Such an education is
To contact: opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
OPINION
modeled after the ancient Greek format of lessons
and ultimately teach subjects that are not useful to
The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
everyday life. While this is not true for all classes at a The Good
liberal arts school, Mercyhurst does implement the
core and distributive classes that are instrumental in Thursday Nov. 2, Mercyhurst will host its annual job fair in the Athletic Center. This year, 130
developing effective and moral humans after they employers will be present, giving current seniors the opportunity to make contacts and hand our
leave 501 E. 38th Street. resumes, as well as giving underclassmen the opportunity to snag internships.
A word to students and members of the Mer-
cyhurst community: If you disregard the e-mails Recently, WQLN, Erie’s public broadcasting station, held its annual collegiate challenge to raise
please be aware the future of the college is being funds. Mercyhurst competed against other area colleges and came out on top, raising $10,782, a
developed and the steering committee is welcom- 55% increase over last year’s total.
ing input. This is an opportunity to address issues
students have with the school, whether it’s about Over 100 intelligence studies students were interviewed in the past few weeks for employment
academics, tuition spending, expanding Zurn Hall, and internships by a variety of private and government agencies. Several lucky students were
athletics or revamping certain departments. I am offered jobs. Congratulations!
sure the Sisters of Mercy will have their input and
certain topics may hit the chopping block, but this Women’s and men’s soccer secured a playoff berths this past weekend. Congratulations Lak-
is a great opportunity to map out the future of ers!
the college.
However, as a student of strategy, I must point
out you can strategize all you want, but putting such
The Bad
plans into action is where the problems lie. Turnout at the town hall meeting held Monday night in the PAC was dismally low. The meet-
Getting back to research though, I am happy the ing was designed for students and faculty to provide the Steering Committee with ideas for the
college supports students’ ambitions to branch college’s future. Nice to see we care.
out past the classroom, in fact, some should be
fun to read.
Simultaneously committees, students and com-
The Ugly
munity alike should remember the basics that make
High winds this past weekend not only inconvenienced wary, costume-clad Mercyhurst students
Mercyhurst College the institution it has become
hopping from party to party but damage was also done to property down by the bayfront.
so far, including the philosophy of a liberal arts
college with Catholic zeal.

Tell it to Tempest: How to act toward scorned roommates of the past

So some people say “ Move on,” or “ Get over it” and other people say “ Be an
adult.” But I am not sure what to do in this situation. My roommates from a
previous year of college and I ended things badly, and they continue to treat me
with no respect. Things took a downward spiral at the beginning of the year
and haven’t gotten any better. This year we are no longer roommates; however,
we still see each other around. How should I act if I bump into one of them
on campus?
Dear Wants To Forgive & Forget,
Having roommates can be tough. They’re not your family and they
may not even be your friends. Living with people you barely know
can be done, but it’s not always easy and doesn’t always work out
they way we want it to. When it doesn’t, things can be awkward to
say the least.
One way of dealing with roommates after a situation has gone sour
is to stick your tongue out at them the next time you come in contact.
This says to them that not only are they stupid, but that you will
never forget what went on between you. Pointing and laughing are
other good methods to employ when faced with your uncomfortable
feelings. Hey, if you do it first, you never have to feel awful when it’s
done to you because you’ve taken the initiative and have the upper
hand, right? By making them feel as uneasy as possible it says to
them, “Don’t mess with me; I’m in control here!”
Pretty good, huh?
Wrong.
You feel awkward enough as it is, you don’t need to project it onto
them, or worse, make them share in your suffering if they already
aren’t. Things happen and people don’t always get along, or abstain
from “drama,” as that may be. Chances are, they feel just as uneasy
around you as you do around them. If they don’t, they’ve either read
my mind and did what I’m about to tell you, or they’re just inherently
cruel people and you should say, “F-them!”
But in actuality, you don’t have to “get over it.” Rather delve into it.
Figure out what it is that makes you feel awkward about your chance
encounters. If it is that they are still treating you with no respect
and you can’t forget about it, confront them. Figure out why it is,
with all our craziness in full, fast terms, that they have nothing better
than to torment you with your pasts and harp on what was. If that’s
the case, it’s just pure childishness on their part and you should have
nothing to do with them. There are better things to be concerned
with than petty people, like class, homework or getting completely
wasted and making out with that guy you like! Point being, there’s
no use in worrying about it if you have no control over it, but you
don’t have to “get over it.”
If you find out why it is you feel uncomfortable then you can
overcome it and not just tell yourself to “move on.” The first
person you have to take care of in these situations is you. You’re
your number one priority. As far as what to really do when you see
them, just be civil. If they aren’t, freak the crap out of them and
be mature anyway. You may find that all can be well just by letting
them know you are above the whole mess. If they don’t take the
bait, at least you know that you have taken an offensive handle on
the situation. If you control it, it can’t control you and you won’t
have to worry anymore.
Just let bygones be bygones and live your life. Don’t stop to think
about how you should act and don’t try and guess they actions of
others. Realize that college is one big learning experience, take
from it what you can, ask the advice of others and make your own
decisions.
Peace,
Tempest

Students comment on possible smoking ban

“I believe it should be
“I personally like to go enforced. It is a gross “It is a good thing for
into bars and restau- habit. You are affected health reasons -- second
rants and smoke, it’s by the smoke in restau- hand smoke.”
sort of an infringement rants and bars.”
on rights. But I under- Charles Davis ‘08
stand the reasoning.” Charles Saylor ‘10

Would you like Liz McMurray ‘10

to see smoking “I don’t smoke so it is

banned in certainly a good idea.” “I support it because I
am from California and I
“I think it is a good
thing, especially for peo-
restaurants Engel Vargas ‘08 am not pro-second hand
smoke.”
ple with asthma.”

and bars in Nora Beckenstein ‘09

Jacqueline Edford ‘10

Erie?

The
Joshua Wilwohl
MERCIAD Editor-in-Chief editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Jessica Kocent News Editor newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Chelsea Boothe Campus Life Editor featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Allison Moore Opinion Editor opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Ryan Palm & Matt Jackson Sports Editors sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Melissa Brandt A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Andrew Finkel Photographer photomerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Katie Diley Production Editor prodmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Melissa Brandt Advertising Manager admerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Noelle Lelakus Copy Editor copymerciad@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 Old Main, Room 314. 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
MCT
letters to box PH 485.
PAGE 8
ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT
tHe
BuZz
NOV. 1. Atreyu, From
First to Last, Every Time
I Die. House of Blues,
Cleveland.
NOV. 1. Paul Stanley. Pal-
ace Theatre, Greensburg,
Pa.
NOV. 1. Kathy Mattea. By-
ham Theater, Pittsburgh.
NOV. 2. Rascal Flatts, Gary
Allan, Eric Church. HSBC
Arena, Buffalo.
NOV. 2. All-American
Rejects, Starting Line, For-
mat, Gym Class Heroes.
Bryce Jordan Center, State
College.
NOV. 3. Switchfoot. Agora
Theatre, Cleveland.
NOV. 3. North Mississippi
All Stars. House of Blues,
Cleveland.
NOV. 3. Rev. Horton Heat.
Icon, Buffalo.
NOV. 4. Jonny Lang. House
of Blues, Cleveland.
NOV. 4. The Rapture (later
show). Grog Shop, Cleve-
land.
NOV. 4. Duran Duran.
Seneca Events Center, Sen-
eca Niagara Casino & Ho-
tel, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
NOV. 4. She Wants Re-
venge, Placebo. Agora The-
atre, Cleveland.
NOV. 5. Leon Russell and
His Band. Beachland Ball-
room, Cleveland.
NOV. 5. Mat Kearney.
House of Blues, Cleve-
land.
NOV. 5. Misfits, Osaka
Popstar more. Agora The-
atre, Cleveland.
NOV. 5. Ziggy Marley.
House of Blues, Cleve-
land.
NOV. 6. Black Crowes.
Center for the Arts, Uni-
versity of Buffalo, Buf-
falo.
NOV. 6. John Legend.
House of Blues, Cleve-
land.
NOV. 7. Citizen Cope.
House of Blues, Cleve-
land.
NOV. 7. Casualities. Icon,
Buffalo.
NOV. 9. Decemberists.
Agora Theatre, Cleveland.
On sale at Ticketmaster.
NOV. 9. English Beat.
Beachland Tavern, Cleve-
land.
NOV. 9. Kevin Federline.
House of Blues (Cam-
bridge Room), Cleveland.
NOV. 9. Disco Biscuits.
Town Ballroom, Buffalo.
NOV. 10. Shooter Jen-
nings. Reg Lenna Civic
Center, Jamestown, N.Y.
NOV. 10. English Beat.
Rex Theatre, Pittsburgh.
NOV. 10. Broken Social
Scene, Do May Say Think.
House of Blues, Cleveland.
On sale at Ticketmaster.
NOV. 10. Trans-Siberian
Orchestra. Tullio Arena,
Erie.
NOV. 11. Frank Valli and
the Four Seasons. Palace
Theater, Cleveland.
Courtesy of www.Goerie.com.
Just a jump to your left
By Jessica Ciccone
Contributing writer
Halloween is here again, and
the Roadhouse Theater in Erie is
celebrating with its annual revival
of the stage version of “The
Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
The show, entitled “The Rocky
Horror Concert,” is a raucous,
hour-long event, filled with
debauchery, crude humor and,
most of all, great rock-and-roll
music.
All of the beloved songs from
the musical will be present, but
not all of the dialogue.
Only that which is essential
to the plot is included, and the
result is a fast-paced, gender-
bending party in which the
barrier between performers and
audience members is virtually
non-existent.
The talented Alex Bolla will
once again reprise his role as Dr.
Frank-N-Furter, an archetypal
mad scientist with a transsexual
twist.
The plot revolves around Dr.
Frank-N-Furter’s creation of a
creature named Rocky, played by
James Kenworthy, and Frank’s
exploitation of an unsuspecting,
newly-engaged couple, Brad
Majors and Janet Weiss, played by
Classical pianist peforms at Walker
Classical pianist Sara Davis Buechner performs at WRH.
AS A COLLEGE GRAD ,
YOU MAY BE
ELIGIBLE FOR
ANY NEW TOYOTA OF YOUR CHOICE*
*NOT ALL CUSTOMERS WILL QUALIFY. CUSTOMERS RECEIVE $400 FROM TOYOTA TOWARDS LEASING OR FINANCING THE PURCHASE OF NEW UNTITLED TOYOTA MODELS THROUGH PARTICIPATING TOYOTA
DEALERS AND TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES. SEE DEALER OR VISIT WWW.TOYOTAFINANCIAL.COM/FINANCE FOR DETAILS. COLLEGE GRADUATE PROGRAM IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR TERMINATION AT ANY TIME.
†
NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY. MAKING A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. TO ENTER YOU MUST BE A LEGAL U.S. RESIDENT AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD
AND YOU MUST HAVE A VALID DRIVER’S LICENSE. VISIT YOUR PARTICIPATING TOYOTA DEALER OR WINAYARISONLINE.COM FOR COMPLETE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND SWEEPSTAKES RULES.
THE MERCIAD
To contact: entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Ryan Dawley and Kayla McGhee
respectively.
Brad and Janet find themselves
in Frank’s domain after having
car trouble.
By the time they first enter the
castle and are bombarded with
the driving beat and suggestive
dancing of the “Time Warp,” it
becomes clear that this will be a
night they will remember “for a
very long time.”
Other leads who play an in-
tegral part in “welcoming” the
newlyweds to the castle are Lara
Snavely, who plays Magenta, the
band Black Rose Diary’s John
Miller, who plays Riff Raff
and Jessica Ciccone, who plays
Columbia.
The show, which has become a
Roadhouse tradition, is as much
fun from the audience as it is
from the stage.
While the performers deliver
their lines, the “Popcorn People”
stand in the aisles and deliver the
crude callbacks for which the
show is known.
Goodie bags may be purchased
at the door before the show,
containing all of the classic props
needed for the production.
This includes everything from
lighters and squirt guns, to news-
papers and confetti.
It is popularly agreed upon
Photo Courtesy of the PAC
Catch the Roadhouse Theatre’s production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show this week.
that the audience interaction and
participation is one of the most
rewarding and enjoyable aspects
of the show.
As Ryan Dawley, who stars as
Brad Majors, states, “It’s a lot of
fun to see and hear the audience
reaction. It’s such an interactive
show. The audience is half the
fun.”
And indeed, if you are brave
By Megan O’Hare
Contributing writer
Sara Davis Buechner is a classi-
cal concert pianist whose reper-
toire covers 100 piano concertos
from Mozart to Gershwin.
Her performance of Mozart’s
concertos has been hailed by
InTune Magazine as “the closest
thing to a perfect disc of Mozart
piano music known.”
She has received many presti-
gious piano competition awards
in cities from Belgium to Syd-
ney.
In 1984, she won the Gold
Medal for the Gina Bachauer
International Piano Competi-
tion and, in 1986, Buechner
won the Bronze Medal for the
Tchaikovsky International Piano
Competition in Moscow.
She has also made appear-
ances with orchestras all over the
world, including The Cleveland
Orchestra, New York Philhar-
monic, BBC Philharmonic and
the Slovak Philharmonic.
Buechner was also featured at
the Piano 2000 Gala Concerts at
the Kennedy Center and at Lin-
coln Center’s “Mostly Mozart”
Festival.
Buechner has also composed
her own piano music for voice
November 1, 2006
Photo courtesy of www.roadhousetheatre.org
enough to hand yourself over to midnight show on Saturday.
“absolute pleasure” and venture Tickets vary in price and may
out to the Roadhouse Theatre be reserved by calling the Road-
this Friday and Saturday night, house Theater box office at 814-
you will be rewarded with a 456-5656 from 2 until 6 p.m. on
unique theater that is sure to Tuesday through Saturday.
“thrill you, chill you and fulfill For more information, visit
you.” roadhousetheater.org.
The show plays this weekend
on Friday and Saturday night at
9 p.m., with a special additional
and chamber ensembles. carefully chosen and struck a fine
Stereophile Magazine chose balance between accessibility and
her recording of the music by sophistication...
George Gershwin, as “Record “Buechner made every phrase
of the Month.” an event, placed every voice as
Sara Davis Buechner has per- if setting crystal on crushed vel-
formed with the Film Society of vet, and calculated every tempo
Lincoln Center as one of very fluctuation with keen dramatic
few artists who can perform timing.”
piano scores to silent movies. Sara Davis Buechner will per-
She has accompanied such form on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 2
silent movies as Ben-Hur (150 p.m. at the Walker Recital Hall.
minutes) and Master of the Tickets are $3 for Mercyhurst
House (107 minutes). College students with ID (one
According to the Washington ticket per ID).
Post, “Buechner’s performance
has a beauty that might have tak-
en even Mozart’s breath away.”
She has had six albums since Monday Night
1999 and continues to record
today. FOOTBALL!!
In 2005, she released her al-
bum, “George Gershwin: Origi-
nal Works and Transcriptions for $5 Pizzas Delivered to
Solo Piano.“ your Campus Residence
This album was acclaimed as
being filled with energy and ex- 8 - 10 p.m.
hibited how passionate Buechner
is about her music. Call the Grotto
Her music develops a new 824 - 2586
appreciation for the classic com-
posers while encompassing her
rich tone and tasteful rubato. Sponsored by:
According to New York News- National Society for
day, “This performance had ev- Minorities in Hospitality
erything - style, technique, taste
and originality...each work was
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 November 1, 2006
PAC brings in world music
By Christina Ferranti
Contributing writer
Azam Ali, lead vocalist for
Niyaz, an Iranian group, states
that “the word ‘Niyaz’ means
need or yearning in both Farsi
and Urdu, both Indo-European
languages.”
This group explores this yearn-
ing, which operates on several
different levels taken from per-
sonal experiences.
Azam Ali, an accomplished,
versatile singer, brings to the
world music stage the beautiful,
exotic sounds of Niyaz.
She combines her talents with
Axiom of Choice’s multi-instru-
mentalist Loga Ramin Torkian to
introduce “world music for the
21st century.”
Their music represents an ec-
centric, groove-feel sound that
ties together traditional world
music with electronic sounds.
All of their reviews, includ-
ing this excerpt taken from the
Pasadena Weekly, re-emphasize
their album release as “…a stir-
Sophie Scholl fights Nazi power to her final days
By Megan O’Hare
Contributing writer
“Sophie Scholl: The Final
Days” is an empowering film fol-
lowing the real life story of a 21
year old woman who spoke out
against the Nazi movement.
Sophie, along with her brother
Hans and a group of students
from her university, created the
organization The White Rose,
which was an anti-Nazi resis-
tance movement at Munich
University.
They collaborated to write leaf-
lets declaring a call for the end of
the “un-winnable, immoral war”
and spoke of uprisings against
Hitler and the Nazi followers.
In 1943, the group initiated
these leaflets calling for peace
and having not just the student
body band together but the rest
of the nation stand up to the
death and destruction of their
nation.
The film begins lightly with
Pickler: A ‘Small Town Girl’ with big time potential
By Joe Fidago
Contributing writer
My first choice for a CD review
this week was “The Black Parade”
by My Chemical Romance.
My second choice was “Sat-
urday Night Wrist” by the Def-
tones.
Yet, as you can tell, here I am
reviewing the debut CD by for-
mer American Idol contestant
Kellie Pickler, “Small Town
Girl.”
Before you totally toss my
judgment out the window, real-
ize that I’m not reviewing this
because I feel it is the best CD to
come out in the past few weeks,
although some people may see
it that way.
American Idol is a craze that
sweeps the nation every year,
drawing thousands upon thou-
sands of hopefuls to come out
and audition for a chance to
make it big in the music busi-
ness.
I’m not ashamed to say that
when Carrie Underwood’s CD
came out last year I was im-
pressed.
For stars that are taken as
jokes, thanks to contestants like
William Hung, to actually make
albums that can hold their own
is no small feat.
Her album wasn’t just good
compared to American Idol
standards; it was good compared
to other country albums.
Kellie Pickler was one of the
most charismatic and lovable
contestants out of the finalists.
When I saw in the newspaper
ring, darkly beautiful release…
that seamlessly blends hypnotic
trance grooves, acoustic and elec-
tronic percussion, frame drums,
keyboards, hammered dulcimer,
zils, darbuka and a variety of
Eastern instruments.”
Vocalist Azam Ali has released
eight collaborative and solo al-
bums throughout the last decade
and remains one of the most
prolific and skilled singers of
her genre.
She has dedicated her life
to “defying cultural specificity
in music, her unwillingness to
settle into one form of musical
expression.”
Selections of her music have
been featured in the film, “The
Matrix,” as well as the popular
television shows, “Alias” and
“The Agency.”
Torkian, the band’s guitar-
ist is talented on the Turkish
saz, electric guitarviol (a bowed
guitar), a Persian lute and many
other native Turkish and Kurdish
instruments.
Carmen Rizzo, a two-time
Grammy Award nominee Ameri-
Sophie Scholl stands trial for using her power of free speech at her university campus.
Sophie and a friend singing in
English to an American tune.
She left her friend’s house to
go finish putting together anti-
war leaflets, which intended to
ads that her debut was coming
out, I figured it was a big enough
deal to review, whether it hap-
pened to be good or bad.
While this 20-year-old country
singer doesn’t shy away from her
Southern roots, she does delve
into some territory that just
seems out of her range.
She was just too cute and bub-
bly on the show to be singing
about heartbreak. “Didn’t Know
How Much I Loved You,” is a
topic upon which every country
Pickler shows great promise in her first single.
THE MERCIAD
To contact: entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
can producer/remixer who has
worked with mainstream artists
Alanis Morisette and Seal, is the
third member of this group.
There will be special guest
musicians featured in their per-
formance at the Mary D’Angelo
Performing Arts Center that in-
clude oud player Dmitris Mahlis
and tabla player Satnam Ramgo-
tra.
The base for their music is
extracted from poetry by Urdu
and Persian Sufi poets that date
back to the 11th century, such as
work by revered poet Jalaluddin
Rumi.
Ali translates the poetry herself
in English to enhance the cultural
and spiritual meaning of each
poem.
The group zones in on themes
that relate to everyone; for ex-
ample love for others, reconcili-
ation, freedom of thought and
spirituality through involvement
in nature and society.
The songs incorporate the po-
ems in the context of Iranian/In-
dian acoustic instrumentation.
The first album combines 10
incite anger towards Nazis.
Sophie decides her fate at this
point and volunteers to be one of
two people to spread the leaflets
around campus.
singer seems to be obliged to
hit.
Unfortunately, Pickler’s album
doesn’t hold up quite as well as
Underwood’s.
You can tell from her first
single, “Red High Heels,” that
the talent is definitely there, it
just needs a bit of refinement.
Kellie Pickler has potential to
break out in the country-pop
genre, similar to what previous
American Idol winner Carrie
Underwood.
Photo Courtesy of www.bnarecords.com/kp
PAGE 9
ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT
mystical poems written by some
of the greatest Sufi poets of all
time, with music accessible to a
contemporary audience.
Carmen Rizzo takes these an-
cient poems and samples it with
electronic beats of the Iranian
culture to generate a stat-of-the-
art sound.
Here is an opportunity to expe-
rience the beauty and mysticism
brought from the Middle Eastern
culture.
Like the Afghani exhibit in
the Cummings Art Gallery, this
expression of art through music
evokes the creative abilities of
the Middle East that rarely ap-
pear in American culture.
This performance is coming
to the PAC on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are available at the Box
Office.
Ticket prices include: Gold
Circle: $25; Adult: $20; Senior/
Student/PC: $17.50; Youth: $5;
and Mercyhurst Student w/ ID:
$7.50 (one ticket per ID).
Photo Courtesy of PAC
Azam Ali, lead singer for the band Niyaz,
to see their powerful message the responsibility. She adamantly
in these pamphlets as they float stands by her criticism of the war
down. and the treatment of the Jewish
Unfortunately, a Nazi-enthusi- population.
ast janitor spots Sophie practic- Through the interrogation
ing her right to free speech, and process she carries herself with
she is immediately arrested by the dignity, and announces that she is
Nazi officers for performing this proud of what she has done.
act of treason. Mohr gives her a final chance
This is the pivotal point in the to save her life by rescinding her
film, which represses any voice actions.
that would attempt to speak out Even though some audiences
against Hitler and the Nazis. may be able to predict the ending
The final days of Sophie and of this film, it reminds viewers
the rest of the conspirators begin of the bravery some were able
at this point. to show in the face of Nazi
Though other students are tyranny.
taken into custody, the film Reflecting on this issue, Which
focuses on her three-day-long of you would risk putting your
interrogation by investigator life on the line for what you
Photo Courtesy of the PAC Robert Mohr. believe in?
At first, she cunningly provides This film is playing at the PAC
answers to all of his leading ques- on Nov. 8 at 2 and 8 p.m.
tions and provides a solid alibi Tickets are available at the box
Just before leaving, Sophie in-
for herself, covering every aspect office. Prices include: Adult: $5;
tentionally pushes the pamphlets
of the “crime,” but her brother Students/Seniors: $4 and Mercy-
off of the ledge into the atrium
signs a confession. hurst Students w/ ID: Free (one
of the university just as students
Sophie then explains her role in ticket per ID).
are exiting classes. All are able
the process and assumes most of
All she needs to do is remem- There are enough tear-in-your- for so long – and there’s nothing
ber what made her so popular on beer ballads out there; she should wrong with having fun while you
the show – her ‘cuteness factor.’ remember that you’re only a kid can…or singing about it.
To find out more about this exciting, paid summer opportunity, contact MAJ Lamborn,
Gannon University Army ROTC,814-868-7524 or lamborn002@gannon.edu
PAGE 10
LAKER
SPORTS
Former Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach passed away Saturday. Auerbach coached
the Celtics to nine NBA championships in 16 seasons as head coach of the team.
Red Auerbach
was one of a kind
By David Whitley
MCT newspapers
ORLANDO, Fla. The cigar
went out for good on Saturday.
You can be sure there won’t be
another one.
There will never be another
Red Auerbach. Even if he hadn’t
died Saturday at age 89, even
if they somehow could have
restored his bad heart and made
him 29 again, it would have been
hard for even Auerbach to be
Auerbach.
But it sure would have been fun
watching him try.
The world changed, but Au-
erbach didn’t. He remained the
crusty, opinionated, chauvinistic
cigar-smoker until the end.
Oh, yeah, Auerbach also knew
basketball better than most gen-
eral managers one-third his age.
If there is a heaven, you can
imagine the first thing he did
was work a trade that duped St.
Peter into giving up a prime angel
or two.
Perhaps all you’ve seen of Au-
erbach are black-and-white tapes
of him on the bench. He was sort
of dumpy and definitely bald. He
couldn’t carry Pat Riley’s mousse,
nor would he want to.
You don’t have to be a hip-
hopper to wonder if Auerbach
Field hockey comes up short
in upset bid of No. 4 IUP
By Chrs Davis
Contributing writer
On Sunday afternoon at Tullio
Field 154 people saw Mercyhurst
College fall 1-0 to No. 4 Indi-
ana University of Pennsylvania
(IUP).
T h e L a ke r s p l ay e d we l l
throughout the contest as they
dominated in many aspects of
the game, but could not finish
on their scoring chances.
The loss drops the Lakers to a
record of 6-8 on the season and
the victory for the Indians has
improved their record to 14-4.
The Lakers came out playing a
lot better against IUP than earlier
this week when they traveled to
take on No. 10 Mansfield.
The Lakers did not play well as
they lost 6-0 and were out shot
19-6 during the game.
Mercyhurst had many scoring
chances throughout the game
that can be seen in their number
of shots on goal, which they tal-
lied 14 to nine by IUP during the
contest, including eight to four in
To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
could do now what he did then.
The easy answer is no.
Nobody ever again will oversee
a team that won 11 titles in 13
years.
It was in the 1950s and `60s,
but that doesn’t mean everybody
else wasn’t trying just as hard.
Auerbach was the product of a
completely different time, and
he took advantage of it better
than anyone.
Imagine trading the Ice Ca-
pades for a No. 1 pick. That’s
how the Celtics got Bill Russell.
Auerbach traded up for the
No. 2 pick in the 1956 draft, but
Rochester had the No. 1 spot.
So he had Celtics owner Walter
Brown, the chairman of Ice Ca-
pades, offer to send the show to
Rochester for a week if it would
pass on Russell.
The NBA got a little wiser
over the years, but Auerbach still
landed players such as Robert
Parish, Kevin McHale and Larry
Bird with crafty deals.
Critics said anyone could have
coached the early Boston teams
to titles. But under Auerbach, the
Celtics never lost a Game 7 in the
eight playoffs they had one. Not
just any coach can do that.
Something about Auerbach
made his players believe things
would work out. Or it made op-
posing players feel jinxed. Boston
the first half.
The lone goal came early in the
second half off a shot from Liz
Marosky in the 40th minute.
Junior forward Erin Kelleher
spoke enthusiastically of team-
mates.
“We played really well as a team
and on an even level with IUP.”
Vanessa Mourey, a senior de-
fender for the Lakers who at-
tempted three shots on goal,
thought the team played well,
but had trouble putting the ball
in the back of the net.
“We played well, but we didn’t
finish like we would have liked
to,” said Mourey. “I was ex-
tremely proud with how we came
out and played against this top
five team.”
The Lakers also attempted
more penalty corners through-
out the game as they totaled 11
compared to IUP who had only
seven.
The young Lakers squad had
many good looks throughout the
first half, but IUP received great
goalie play from freshman Lydia
Dolly as she recorded nine saves
THE MERCIAD
MCT photo
Garden was either haunted, or
the parquet floor had dead spots
that only killed visiting teams.
That wasn’t true, but the power
of Auerbach’s persona made
people wonder. He and his vic-
tory cigar were as much a part of
Boston as the North Church or
Bunker Hill.
Auerbach had a way of getting
inside people’s heads. The reason
he started lighting cigars was be-
cause he didn’t like coaches who
put on a show.
Auerbach eventually retired af-
ter constructing teams that won
seven titles into the late 1980s.
He held mainly ceremonial posts,
but some things he wouldn’t
budge on.
It was no coincidence that
Boston was the lone NBA team
without scantily clad women as
sideline entertainment. To Auer-
bach, the game was the thing.
He once said he’d drop dead if
the Celtics got cheerleaders. They
finally did a couple of years ago,
and old Red survived.
This season, Boston is coming
out with a dance squad. They also
announced Saturday that they
would play this season in honor
of Auerbach.
If they really want to make him
smile, they’ll make the cheerlead-
ers smoke cigars.
during the game with five coming
in the first half.
Mercyhurst also received spec-
tacular goalie play from senior Ju-
lie Smith and the Lakers defense
held the 4th ranked team in the
nation to just one goal.
The defense played well as they
hung with IUP throughout the
entire game.
Senior Lauren Cohick thought
that the Lakers played well against
the Indians.
“We played a solid game against
one of the top teams in the na-
tion,” said senior defender Co-
hick. “We had a strong defensive
effort just like we had planned
and Julie came up with some
great saves in goal.”
Kelleher also said the team
has worked to improve on each
game and thought that the team
did a good job of executing the
game plan.
“We have been working on
changes for each game and
today we followed the game
plan, which helped lead to a well
played game,” Kelleher said.
Wrestling to battle
three Division I teams
at Avalon Duals
By Matt Jackson
Co-Sports editor
The Mercyhurst wrestlers will
have their hands full when they
open their season Saturday at the
Avalon Duals in Erie’s Avalon
Hotel.
The Lakers will take on three
Division I teams at the event,
including their opening match
against the Fighting Scots of
Edinboro scheduled for a 1 p.m.
start.
The Scots, who finished 12-0 in
dual meets last season, are ranked
No. 13 in the USA Today/Inter-
Mat/NWCA Preseason Division
I Coaces Poll.
Four Edinboro wrestlers are
also featured in the preseason
rankings, including Gregor Gil-
lespie (No. 3 at 149 pounds),
Matt Hill (No. 17 at 157), Deonte
Penn (No. 4 at 165) and Alex
Clemsen (No. 3 at 184).
The Lakers will also compete
against Maryland at 3 p.m. and
Stanford at 5 p.m.
According to the tentaive
lineup listed on the Mercyhurst
Sports Information Web site,
Mercyhurst, led by sixth year
head coach Tony Cipollone, will
feature five national qualifiers,
three, of which, have earned All-
American honors.
Senior Zack Schafer came
up just one win shy last year of
becoming Mercyhurst’s first ever
national champion. This year
the two-time All-American has
moved up to 174 for his last shot
at a national title.
“174 should be fun this year,”
said Schafer. “There are two
former champions and another
runner-up in the mix. I hope to
make it interesting.”
Schafer believes the Avalon
Laker
Galley Grill
Galley specials after fall
break:
Pizza Stuffed Pretzels
Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzels
Funnel cake
Broccoli Cheddar bites
Breakfast:
Oatmeal
Pancakes
Banana
Blueberry
Chocolate Chip
Laker Express
Look for Laker Express
Minute Meals!
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 11:30 - 8 p.m.
Board Equivalency Available: Friday
11:30-8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday Closed
Coffee Bar
NEW ADDITIONS
Oct.: Hot Caramel
Cider
Nov.: Chai Tea and
flavor shot
Dec.: Peppermint patty
hot chocolate
November 1, 2006
Tentative Starting Lineup:
125 Payne Lint, So. (20-14, national qualifier as
freshman
133 Braxdon Scaletta, RS Fr. (Old Dominion
transfer, two-time Ohio state champion
141 J.J. Zanetta, Sr. (27-16, All-American last
season)
149 Don Cummings, Jr. (All-American as freshman,
national qualifier last season)
157 Andy Lamancusa, Fr. (Ohio state champion
senior year)
165 Hudson Harrison, Jr. (Two-time national quali-
fier, 23-16 last season)
174 Zack Schafer, Sr. (National runner-up last
season, two-time All-American
184 Trevor Gallo, So. (11-11 last season)
or Gerred Tolson, So. (5-7 last season)
197 Rich Froats, So. (8-5 last season)
Hwt Kenny Bluska, RS So. (did not wrestle last
Duals will be a good way for his The shift in weight class of
team to get the year started. Harrison and Schafer provided
“The competition there should an open spot for Andy Laman-
be great. We hope to represent cusa to fill.
Division II well and get the Lamancusa, an Ohio state
year off to to a positive start,” champion his senior season in
he said. high school, is the only true
Mercyhurst will send former freshman in the lineup.
All-Americans to the mat in con- Braxdon Scaletta, a transfer
secutive weights at 141 and 149. from Division I Old Dominion,
J.J. Zanetta (141) finished sev- will take over the 133-pound
enth in the nation last season weight class. The redshirt fresh-
while Don Cummings (149) man was a two-time Ohio state
finished fifth as a freshman two champion in high school.
years ago. Rich Froats (197), who fin-
Payne Lint will be the starter at ished 8-5 last season and Kenny
125 for the second straight year. Bluska (Hwt.) will man the upper
Lint qualified for the national weights for the Lakers.
tournament at the same weight The starter at 184 will be de-
as a freshman. cided this week with a wrestle-off
Hudson Harrison rounds out between sophomores Trevor
the national qualifiers in the lak- Gallo and Gerred Tolson.
ers’ starting lineup. Harrison, a The Lakers are coming off a
junior, went 1-2 in nationals last year in which they set a new per-
year at 157. sonal mark for wins with 14.
Two newcomers appear to have It was the third straight year
cracked the starting lineup for Cipollone upped his win total of
the Lakers. the previous year.
Inn
Fall Term
Dinner:
S- Turkey Burger
M- Sloppy Joe
T- Philly Cheesesteak
W- Laker Burger
Th- Barbeque Chicken
F- Sizzlin’ Salad
S - Sausage
Look for Caramel Apples!
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday
Saturday
8 a.m. - 1 a.m.
1 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Sunday 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.
Wraps
Buffalo Chicken
Barbeque Chicken
Veggie and hummus
Bacon, Lettuce and
Tomato
11:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday 2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
November 1, 2006
Women’s hockey moves to No. 3
Lakers beat Providence 4-3, 3-0 to move to 7-0-1 overall
By Ryan Palm
Sports editor
The Mercyhurst women’s hock-
ey team continued their red-hot
play as of late, completing their
second straight sweep of a tough
non-conference opponent.
With a pair of victories this
past weekend Mercyhurst moved
up a spot to No. 3 in the USCHO.
com poll.
Mercyhurst was ranked No. 4
last week, and No. 3 in the USA
Today poll which was not avail-
able at this writing.
On Oct. 27-28 the Lakers
played host to the Friars from
Providence, a team that is com-
monly just outside the top-ten
rankings in Division I.
Saturday’s contest was a tense
one, a game that featured several
lead changes and neither team
led by more than one goal until
the game’s final score by Mer-
cyhurst.
“Our team didn’t play game
one with the passion and focus
we need to achieve our team
goals for the season,” said Coach
Mike Sisti.
“Our team has plenty of depth
and it is a great sign that we don’t
depend on only a few players to
get all our goals.
“Out team is winning in all dif-
ferent kinds of ways right now
and that should help us later in
the season,” he said.
The Lakers got off to an early
start when senior forward Jill
Nugent scored her first goal of
the year at the 4:00 mark.
Just four minutes later the Fri-
ars tied the contest, and moved
Women’s soccer earns NCAA playoff berth
By Andy Tait
Contributing writer
Saturday evening’s game against
Gannon University came with it
a large number of added incen-
tives to win.
With a victory, not only did
the Lakers clinch a share of the
conference championship, the
Mercyhurst women’s soccer pro-
gram also secured their place in
the NCAA Division II playoffs.
The Lakers will take on India-
napolis, a team that finished the
regular season 16-4-1.
The game will be played Nov.
3, and if they win, they will play
the winner of the Quincy/Grand
Valley State game.
The Lakers battled back from
a two-goal deficit to record a
memorable 4-2 victory in front
of over 300 brave fans at Gan-
non University field.
Both teams had to overcome
gale force winds that really pre-
vented any free flowing soccer
from being played.
However, despite the difficult
conditions, it was a fantastic
game that swung both ways. With
so much at stake for the Lakers
it was always going to be a tricky
contest.
Coming into the contest Mer-
cyhurst knew that a win against
their bitter rivals would guarantee
them a share of the GLIAC title
Ohio State (9-0) remains atop shuffled BCS standings
By Mike Huguenin
MCT newspapers
USC’s loss to Oregon State
shook up the Bowl Champion-
ship Series standings, and Florida
is the one-loss team in the best
position.
No. 1 Ohio State (9-0) and No.
2 Michigan (9-0) stayed in the
same spot in this week’s stand-
ings, released Sunday.
The Trojans (6-1) had been
Forwards Sherilyn Fraser (20) and Stephanie Jones (27) fight for the puck Saturday against Providence.
ahead when they tallied a goal 42
seconds into the second period.
Mercyhurst drew even two
minutes later, when red-hot
Stefanie Bourbeau scored her
seventh goal of the year, assisted
by sophomore Valerie Chouinard
and freshman Meghan Agosta.
“It is going really well and I am
on a roll scoring wise. I prepare
for each game the same way, and
my teammates are playing really
well as a team. It makes it easier
to score goals when everyone is
playing great,” said Bourbeau.
Mercyhurst pulled ahead ten
Adrienne Sluga tries to move the ball upfield during a recent home game.
and also guarantee them a spot in
the NCAA tournament.
If anyone thought Gannon was
going to be pushovers they were
very wrong.
Despite having never beaten
Mercyhurst in the history of the
programs existence it was always
going to be a close and tight
encounter.
Team captain Finella Annand
described the game as the biggest
she has played in her four years
with the program.
“There was so much pressure,
considering what was at stake
No.3 in the standings, but their
loss to the Beavers dropped them
to eighth. West Virginia (7-0)
moved up one spot, to third,
while the Gators (7-1) jumped
up two spots, to fourth, after
beating Georgia.
Louisville (7-0), which hosts
West Virginia on Thursday night,
moved up three spots, to fifth,
despite not playing last week.
Auburn (8-1), which beat Florida
on Oct.14, dropped from fifth to
sixth after beating Ole Miss.
minutes later with a goal from
freshman forward Alexandra
Hoffmeyer, her second score of
the year.
Mercyhurst got an insurance
goal from Danielle Ayearst at
16:07 of the second, and actu-
ally got a little help from Provi-
dence.
The Lakers had the puck deep
in the Friars’ zone when Ayearst
make a centering pass from be-
hind the goal.
The pass never made it to its
intended recipient, but rather
deflected off a Providence de-
and the history we have against
them,” said Annand.
The Lakers played the first 45
minutes against the wind and
found it incredibly hard to estab-
lish any kind of possession.
The Golden Knights capital-
ized on some indecisive defend-
ing to snatch an early lead in the
game off Heather Patterson’s
fourth goal of the year.
Ten minutes later the Lakers
found themselves two goals
down, as Colleen Schwarz lobbed
the ball over Mercyhurst goal-
keeper Rebecca Heintzman into
Texas (8-1) remained sev-
enth after rallying to beat Texas
Tech.
Notre Dame (7-1) and Califor-
nia (7-1) stayed ninth and 10th,
respectively.
The three components of the
standings are the coaches poll;
the Harris poll, voted on by
media members and by former
players, coaches and administra-
tors; and six computers.
Each of the components
counts one-third. The best and
THE MERCIAD
To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
fender and into the goal for a
Mercyhurst score.
That goal proved to be vital
when Providence added a score
just before the end of the sec-
ond period. With the game 4-3
heading to the final session, both
sides believed it was anyone’s
game to win.
The Lakers relied on their old
faithful in the final period, the
defense and goaltending that has
won them so many games.
Mercyhurst held Providence
to just five shots on goal in the
final period, and held out for the
Andy Finkel photo
the net.
Mercyhurst managed to contain
the Golden Knights from adding
any further goals before halftime.
The Lakers despite trailing 2-0
regrouped at the break and came
out with at all guns blazing in the
second half.
With the wind at the wind at
their backs it appeared only a
matter of time before the Lakers
would dent Gannon’s two goal
lead. However, when the Lakers
finally did pull one back it came
from an unlikely source.
Junior defender Jacque Sluga
worst computer rankings are
thrown out, and the others are
averaged to come up with the
BCS’ computer number.
While strength of schedule isn’t
a BCS component, all six com-
puters have a strength-of-sched-
ule factor in their rankings.
The final BCS standings are
released Dec.3.
Teams first and second in the
final standings meet in the BCS
National Championship Game
on Jan.8 in Glendale, Ariz.
Andy Finkel photo
4-3 win.
Sunday’s game echoed the final
period from Saturday’s game, a
contest filled with stifling defense
and brilliant goaltending.
In a physical game featuring
29 penalties, the Laker defense
got the best of the Friars in a
3-0 win.
Junior goalie Laura Hosier
stopped all 26 shots she faced,
picking up her second shutout
of the season and improving her
record to 7-0-0.
The team came out with re-
newed fire, something with which
picked up the ball on the halfway
line and drove forward.
She played a give-and-go with
Annand before firing low and
hard into the bottom corner.
Slug a’s 57th minute g oal
seemed to lift the whole team,
including the very loyal traveling
band of Lakers fans, who braved
the cold and wind to cheer on
their heroes.
Senior forward Lisa Casement
grabbed the all important equal-
izer for the Lakers, as she re-
ceived an inch perfect pass from
defender Kelly Minnich before
blasting home.
The Lakers stunned Gannon
with two quick goals to snatch
the lead for the first time in the
game, a lead which they did not
relinquish.
In the 76th minute Sarah Pow-
ell fired past Gannon goalkeeper
Tiffani Parks after picking up the
ball 20 yards out.
A minute later, Casement
popped up at the far post to
power home a header off a Pow-
ell well placed free kick to send
the Lakers fans into raptures.
Gannon managed to pull a goal
back as Patterson notched her
second of the game with less
than 10 minutes remaining but
the Lakers managed to see out
the remaining time to clinch a
massive victory for the team and
the program.
“Even though it was 2-0 to
While two one-loss teams are
ahead of Florida in the media
polls Texas and Auburn the com-
puters love the Gators.
Florida’s cumulative computer
ranking is fourth, while Auburn’s
is seventh and Texas’ 12th.
The computers also love one-
loss California, whose cumulative
computer ranking is third.
Unbeatens Louisville and West
Virginia are ninth and 13th, re-
spectively, in the computers.
Also of note is that Boise State
Page 11
LAKER
SPORTS
Sisti was very pleased .
“We did make adjust-
ments for game two,
the most important one
was to play 60 minutes
of intense hockey. Out
team responded great and
played extremely hard,”
said Sisti.
“Laura played great and
was extremely sharp in
game two, and our team is
getting better each week,”
he said.
Offensively, the Lakers
picked up right where
they left off, scoring three
goals in the first two pe-
riods to win the contest
3-0.
Senior captain Julia
Colizza got the scoring
started with her fifth goal
of the season at 8:35 of
the first period.
Agosta and sophomore
defender Natalie Payne
were credited with assists
on the goal.
Bourbeau again lit the
lamp just over a minute
into the second period,
her team-leading eighth goal of
the season.
Payne again was credited with
the assist, along with senior de-
fender Ashley Pendleton.
The final goal of the game was
scored at 14:55 of the second
by senior defenseman Michelle
Bonnello, whose first goal of the
season was assisted by Agosta
and Colizza.
The Lakers, who have been
home for three straight week-
ends, will now take to the road
for the entire month of Novem-
them, we knew all along that
we were going to finish with the
win,” said Casement.
The Lakers showed great char-
acter and team spirit in the sec-
ond half to turn the game around
and come out with the win.
A lot of teams in their predica-
ment would have folded under
pressure but this team showed
why they are a force to be reck-
oned with this year.
The win improves Mercyhurst
to 16-3 on the year and 7-1 in
conference play.
One thing the Lakers will be
without for their next game is
the fantastic support they have
received at home all year and
particularly at Gannon on Sat-
urday.
“The supporters last night were
fantastic and really helped drive
the team on in the second half,”
said Annand.
“To beat Gannon on their own
field and clinch the GLIAC title
and make playoffs is a story that
couldn’t be written any better.”
However, everything the team
has accomplished this year will
soon be forgotten if they do
not capitalize on their chance at
a national championship and the
Lakers are well aware of this.
“I am hoping we can go all the
way and play in Florida, but to get
there we will have to work really
hard at practice and together as
a team,” said Casement.
(8-0) is 14th and ahead of all the
Atlantic Coast Conference teams
in the latest standings.
A non-BCS league team is
guaranteed a BCS spot in two
ways.
One is if it finishes in the top
12; the other is if it is ranked
in the top 16 and its ranking is
higher than that of a conference
champion that has an automatic
berth.
November 1, 2006 THE MERCIAD Page 12

LAKER
To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu SPORTS

NCAA bound
Laker Sports “Quick Hits”

This Weeks Results...

Field Hockey..............................................Oct. 25, L 6-0, Mansfield
Oct. 29, L1-0, IUP
Women’s tennis.......................Oct. 27, L 5-2 Lake Superior State
Oct. 27, L 5-3, Saginaw Valley St.
Oct. 28, L 5-2, GLIAC Championships
Women’s soccer..........................................Oct. 27, W 4-3 Gannon
Men’s soccer...........................................Oct. 26, W 4-0 Northwood
Oct. 29, W 4-1 Gannon
Women’s volleyball....................................Oct. 27, L 3-0 Hillsdale
Oct. 28, W 3-1 Wayne St.
Football..................................Oct. 28, W 32-7, Northern Michigan
Men’s water polo......................................Oct. 28, L 17-5, Bucknell
Oct. 28, W 10-6, Penn State Behrend
Oct. 28, W 18-8, George Washington
Oct. 29, W 9-7, Washington & Jefferson
Women’s hockey..................................Oct. 28, W 4-3, Providence
Oct. 29, W 3-0, Providence
Men’s hockey.................................................Oct. 27, W 6-2, UConn
Oct. 28, L 5-4 (OT), UConn

In the news... Andy Finkel photo

Senior Zach Hiltner (6) tries to take the ball from a Gannon forward as goalie Daniel Mudd (0) looks on.
AHA honors Cottreau

The Atlantic Hockey Association named Mercyhurst junior

forward Ben Cottreau its Player of the Week on Oct. 30.
Men’s soccer win
over Gannon sets
Cottreau had his second hat trick of the year Saturday night
against UConn, as well as a goal in Friday night’s game.

His third goal of Saturday’s game tied the contest at 4-4 and

stage for NCAA bid

setup the Lakers for the overtime period, in which UConn
scored just over a minute into the period. He currently is tops
in AHA in conference goals with seven.

MC Athletes of the Week
By Finella Annand
The Mercyhurst Athletic Department announced Monday that Contributing writer
soccer’s Kyle Jackson and Jaclyn McLean from women’s tennis
were the Athletes of the Week. For the first time since 2003,
the Mercyhurst men’s soccer
In the two games this week Jackson scored four goals to lead team is returning to the NCAA
Mercyhurst to a pair of wins. Although he entered the game playoffs.
with only three goals on the season, he doubled his total with a On Monday, Oct. 30, the
hat trick in Sunday’s win over Gannon University. NCAA Selection Committee an-
nounced that Mercyhurst College
McLean played very well at the GLIAC Team Championships in is among the 32-team field for the
Michigan, where she went 6-0 for the week. She was 3-0 at regional tournament.
the No. 6 singles position, and was 3-0 at the No. 3 doubles The team will face Southern
spot. Illiniois University (SIU) Ed-
wardsville on Nov. 2 at the SIU
campus.
If the Lakers emerge victori-
ous, they will then play on Nov. 4
against the winner of the North-
ern Kentucky vs. Wisconsin-
Parkside contest, which place just
before the Mercyhurst game.
Last week the Mercyhurst
men’s soccer team won the Great
Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference (GLIAC) title with
two regular games remaining.
This week they played like the
champions they have become
File photo with a 4-0 win over Northwood
Jayme Grimaldi dropped the ceremonial first puck before and a 4-1 win over cross-town
the Oct. 22 game between Dartmouth and Mercyhurst. rivals Gannon.
The men’s recent form sug-
gests that the team could go a
Lakers “Skate for the Cure” long way in the tournament.
They have scored 15 goals in
The Mercyhurst women’s hockey team raised $500 for breast their last four games and con-
cancer awareness through its “Skate for the Cure” drive ceded only three.
culminating in a game against Dartmouth on Oct. 22. Additionally the team recently
jumped into the national rank-
The Lakers wore the logo of the cause on their helmets and
pink ribbons were at the door available for donations which
ings and claming the No. 25 spot
for the first time this season. It
certainly seems as though they
are hitting peak form at exactly
the right time.
The Lakers’ win on Thursday
against Northwood was particu-
larly sweet, as it avenged the 2-1
overtime defeat that Northwood
handed Mercyhurst earlier in the
season.
The men enacted the perfect
revenge with a dominating 4-0
shutout of the visiting Timber-
wolves.
Junior midfielder Kyle Jackson
celebrated his birthday in style,
bagging an impressive hat-trick
against the stunned Northwood
team.
Jackson’s first goal came in the
11th minute when he took a cross
from Kurt Young and buried
the ball past the Northwood
keeper.
The score remained at 1-0 for
some time until the Lakers hit
two quick goals in the 37th and
39th minute to effectively kill off
the hopes of the visiting team.
Young, who assisted on the
first goal, turned goal scorer for
the second of the Lakers’ goals.
Jackson then displayed some
tricky foot skills by dribbling
through the Northwood defense
and slotting the ball past the
keeper for goal number two.
He then provided the final nail
in the coffin early in the second
half to complete his hat-trick and
seal the victory for Mercyhurst.
“It was the best birthday pres-
ent I could have hoped for,” said
Jackson after the game. “The
boys all played great and I was
just happy to finish the chances Andy Finkel photo
I was provided with.” Senior Jason Pedra goes for
The Mercyhurst defense, an- a header against Gannon.
chored by senior captain Andy
Tait and sophomore goalkeeper The game remained at 2-0 until
Danny Mudd, allowed only six the half, with the Lakers content
shots the entire game. to sit off and play possession
The team’s shutout is another soccer.
example of their consistent de- Gannon came out in the sec-
fensive domination this season. ond half with a little fire in their
“I think the team has been eyes, but unfortunately for them
superb defensively this year” it translated into frustration and
said Tait. fouls, and not the effective soccer
“We defend from the front and they needed.
everyone plays a part. We have Senior captain Jason Pedra
a good mix of size and speed so scored two second half goals
teams find it difficult to break us to double the Mercyhurst ad-
down,” he said. vantage. The first was a result
The Mercyhurst men were not of good positioning on the
quite able to shut out the Knights midfielders part as he slotted
of Gannon on Sunday afternoon away a brilliant cross from Matt
but they did record another im- Richards.
pressive performance, defeating The second was all Pedra as he
the men in maroon 4-1. hit a powerful 30-yard free kick
The win was essential to keep through the Gannon goalkeeper’s
the Lakers’ dreams of playoffs legs.
alive and they did the job that Gannon hit back in the 86th
they knew they had to do. minute with a goal from Geneo
Mercyhurst showed Gannon Oberst, but it wasn’t enough to
they meant business immediately dampen the spirits of the victori-
with two goals in the first 11 ous Mercyhurst men.
minutes. The fans went into rapturous
Young and Jackson both got applause as the final whistle
on the score sheet to continue blew, signaling another great
their impressive goal scoring Mercyhurst triumph over rivals
form of late. Gannon.

Men’s hockey splits with UConn

totaled $500.

The effort was part of a conference-wide push to generate

awareness for the cause, with all schools participating in the
College Hockey America (CHA) taking part. Senior wingers Scott Cham- in a 10-minute span to start the than their record shows, having a
By Ryan Palm pagne and Kyle Grougon added period. one-goal loss to Bowling Green
There was a ceremonial dropping of the first puck by Jayme Sports editor
Grimaldi, wife of Mercyhurst associate athletic director, Dr. goals along with the second ca- Cottreau added another goal at and a two-goal empty net loss to
Matt Grimaldi. Mrs. Grimaldi is a breast cancer survivor, and reer goal from freshman forward 18:50, yet the Lakers still trailed powerhouse Michigan earlier in
dropped the ceremonial first puck between Mercyhurst captain In nearly every interview he Chris Risi. 3-2 at the end of two periods. the season.
Julia Colizza and Dartmouth Olympian Gillian Apps. gives throughout the course of a Uconn tallied the game’s final Mercyhurst came out stronger Cottreau was honored this
hockey season, men’s Coach Rick score in the final minute of the in the third, managing to tie the week by Atlantic Hockey, named
Gotkin describes that in Atlantic second period, with the contest game 4-4 with Cottreau’s third its Player of the Week on Oct.
Women’s hockey up to No. 3 Hockey any team can beat any ending 6-2. goal of the night at 18:09. 30.
other team on any given night. Saturday night’s game was a dif- The power play marker was his The junior forward notched
The Mercyhurst women’s hockey team moved up to No. 3 in a Such was the case as the men’s ferent story, however, as UConn team-leading eighth of the year. his second hat trick of his career
newly arranged top-ten USCHO.com poll: hockey team split a pair of games came to play and the Lakers With the two teams tied at 4-4 at on Saturday, his first coming last
with UConn this past weekend, struggled to keep up. the end of regulation, play went week against Holy Cross.
Team (First Place) Record Pts Last Poll Oct. 27-28. “We came out flat Saturday into sudden death overtime, in He leads Atlantic Hockey in
1. Wisconsin (10) 9-0-1 144 1 Friday night’s game was very night; our slow start hurt us,” said which UConn scored a goal at conference goals with seven, and
2. New Hampshire (5) 9-0-0 138 1 one-sided, as Mercyhurst claimed Champagne. 1:08 to take the 5-4 victory. is currently tied for first place in
3. Mercyhurst 7-0-1 118 4 a convincing 6-2 victory. “We played much better in the “A lot of little thing made points with nine.
4. Minnesota-Duluth 8-0-0 102 5 The Lakers jumped out to a third period, but it wasn’t enough the difference between the two Things get no easier for Mercy-
5. St. Lawrence 7-1-0 79 3 3-0 lead before the end of the to get the win.” games,” said Gotkin. hurst this weekend, as they travel
6. Harvard 2-0-0 77 7 first period, with goals from Matt Mercyhurst opened the scoring “We played well on Friday, to Fairfield, Conn., to play Sacred
7. Dartmouth 2-2-0 51 8 Pierce, Nick Vandenbeld and Ben with Cottreau adding an even- okay in first period on Saturday, Heart on Nov. 3-4.
8. Minnesota 4-3-1 46 6 Cottreau. strength goal at 12:49, a lead but awful in the second period. The team breaks for finals
8. Princeton 2-0-2 46 9 UConn got on the board five which stood for the rest of the A lot of it is mental, a lot of it week, and then plays a home-
10. Boston College 5-1-1 19 10 minutes into the middle period, first period. focus, and you have to credit the and-home series against Canisius
however, the Lakers countered UConn came out with a ven- opposition, they played very well Nov. 17-18.
The Lakers are back in action Sunday when they travel to with three more goals to jump geance during the second period, Saturday,” said Gotkin.
Colgate for a pair of games Nov. 3-4. ahead 6-1. however, and scored three goals UConn is a much better team