THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MERCYHURST COLLEGE SINCE 1929
MERCIAD
The
Vol. 78 No. 1 Mercyhurst College, 501 E. 38th St., Erie, Pa. 16546
Crime on campus
The Merciad is also available at
merciad.mercyhurst.edu
NEWS:
Page 2
Darcey Kemp
takes over union
FEATURES:
P
PAGE 3
SAC has a new
event lineup this
OPINION:
P
PAGE 4
Get the latest
election opinions
The Mercy Suites were one of the several crime spots on campus.
ARTS &
Students should be aware of crime potential
By Kelly Rose Duttine
ENTERTAINMENT: Editor-in-Chief
P
PAGE 5
For those who feel like Mercyhurst
College is a safe community, free of
any outside violence, intrusion or
crime, consider reading the Police and
Safety log very carefully this week.
Jethro Tull visits Aug. 24: Unknown person entered
Warner Theater an apartment possibly through an
open window. Aug. 26: Four un-
invited students entered a female
student’s apartment. Sept. 10: Male
student forced himself sexually on a
SPORTS: female student. Sept. 11: Unknown
P
PAGE 8 male student put his hands down the
shirt of a female student. Sept. 12:
Male student who was removed from
campus housing was found crawling
through a window.
Remembering It is evident that crime on cam-
the Number One fan pus does happen, and there has
been a substantial amount during
the first few weeks of this school
year, although, according to Rodger
Upcoming Campus Events Gregorich, Dean of Public Safety,
there hasn’t been any more crime on
campus this September than in Sep-
Thursday, Sept. 23 tember 2003 or September 2002.
“This is not out of the ordinary,”
said Gregorich. “Since Mercyhurst is
10 a.m.-4 p.m. -Homecoming elec- a community, just like any other city
tions in the student union.
Library takes new look to satisfy student needs
Friday, Sept. 24
Friday By Jaime Myers
Contributing wrtier
8 p.m. - SAC Homecoming Pep Students will see that the Hammer-
rally at the Tullio field. mill Library looks different on the
inside compared to last year, just like
the rest of the Mercyhurst campus
9 p.m.-11 p.m. - Comedian Craig and the changes it underwent over
Carmean in the Student Union. the summer.
One of the changes in the library
dealt with L300, which used to be one
Saturday , Sept. 25 of the computer labs. The computer
lab has been moved to L306.
The old computer lab is now an
8 p.m.-12 a.m. - Safari Fall Formal expansion of the Eimer collection,
at Sabella’s of Union Station. according to Director of Libraries,
Ken Brundage.
The Eimer collection is available
for elementary education students. It
includes books and teaching aids for
Index students to use.
Another computer lab that has
News.....................................................1 moved is the MAC lab that was lo-
News.....................................................2 cated on the bottom floor, L100. It
has temporarily moved into L225 for
Features.................................................3 the fall term.
Opinion.................................................4 Since the elementary education
A & E.................................................5 students use it the most, it will be
moved permanently into the Audrey
Sports....................................................7 Hirt Academic Center winter term.
Sports....................................................8 Many education classes were held in
the MAC lab, so this will be closer to
the Education Department.
The Walker Statler Lab, which was
previously located in L225, has filled
the vacancy of the MAC lab. The li-
or town, crime will happen.”
In September 2002, there were six
thefts on campus, and in September
2003 there were also six reported
thefts. So far this September, there
have only been two.
In September 2002, there were
eight accounts of criminal mischief,
and in September 2003 there were
just three. This September, there has
only been one reported account of
criminal mischief.
In September of 2002, there was
one trespass or burglary. There were
not any in September 2003. So far
this year, there has been one.
Still, Gregorich feels that Mercy-
hurst is a very safe campus. “Serious
crime is almost non-existent,” said
Gregorich. There are a few instances
each year of serious crime, usually in
the form of sexual assault.
In the eight years that Gregorich
has been at Mercyhurst, every serious
crime has been solved.
Gregorich also said that in his eight
years, there have only been two ac-
counts of people from outside of the
Mercyhurst community coming onto
our campus to commit a crime. One
incident was on Aug. 24, in Mercy
Suites 100, when an unknown male
in his 30s or 40s entered the bedroom
brary received a grant from the Statler
Foundation and a donation from the
Walker Foundation a few years ago.
This money updated the equipment
that was in that lab.
Probably the biggest change, and
the one that will affect students the
most, is the use of school IDs to ac-
cess free prints. Every student must
have an ID or they will not be able to
print anything.
Unlike last year, when students
could borrow a temporary card then
enter their log-in name and password,
all students have to do now is swipe
their card in the printing station’s
keyboard. “Students absolutely have
to have ID in order to print,” Brund-
age said.
This year, students receive 167 free
prints per term. This is more than last
year, when students received only 100
prints per term.
“I’m glad they added more prints
because I always have readings online used for our ID cards, the school hours.
to print for class.
“Plus I have all my papers on top of them as well.
that. Then I’m not sure if I should
print certain things because I might not even possible before the improve- ticularly for forensic science, archeol-
run out before the term is over,” ments with the card systems.
senior Robyn Mast said
If students use all of their prints of operation. It is now open Monday came from a number of people.
and need to purchase more, they can through Thursday in the morning, 8
do so in Student Financial Services. a.m. until 12 p.m., and in the evening, sible by suggestions from students and
Money can be added to the All-Cam- 6 p.m. until midnight.
pus account.
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
of an apartment of a female student,
who was asleep. The student imme-
diately was able to exit her bedroom
and called Police and Safety, who
responded in just two minutes.
Police and Safety then called the
Erie Police Department to come in
and after a quick investigation, a sus-
pect was arrested and charged with
three very serious violations—bur-
glary, harassment and stalking.
Gregorich admits this was a “scary”
situation. “We’re not happy about it,”
he said. “It is out of the ordinary for
a burglar to enter your room.”
Gregorich and Police and Safety
implore students to use their heads
to prevent crime from happening
on campus. “Use common sense
to protect yourself and be sensible,”
he said.
The most important things stu-
dents can do to be safe are lock their
apartment or room doors and not
prop outside doors. “It is terribly
dangerous to prop an outside door
to your apartment building,” said
Gregorich.
The bottom line is that you need to
help Mercyhurst keep you and other
students safe.
Please see Crime on Page 2.
Students make use of the L306 relocated
With the advanced technology ing hours and Sunday for the evening
is working on accessing copies with
has also been changed.
This is down the road, but it was
ogy and women’s history.
Café Diem has expanded its hours
the library staff, as well as the Mercy-
It is also open Friday for the morn- hurst faculty and administration.
September 22, 2004
Academic
honesty
revision
By Holly Burns
Contributing Writer
As the fall term begins at Mercy-
hurst College, students are learning
of the many changes that occurred
on campus.
One of the major changes that af-
fects all students is the major changes
to the Academic Honesty policy.
With new technology and student
creativity, faculty members felt that
plagiarism and cheating had become
increasing problems that needed to
be addressed.
The new policy takes a more serious
approach that involves disciplinary
procedures.
It is a record-keeping approach that
is designed to stop recurring instances
of academic dishonesty by a particular
student.
When a student has been caught
violating the policy, the faculty mem-
ber will discuss the situation with
the other faculty members in their
department.
They will then decide whether or not
to file a report with the Office of Aca-
demic Affairs. They must locate direct
evidence of the student’s actions.
If a report is filed, the student will
be notified confidentially that a report
has been filed against them.
The Office of Academic Affairs
will then decide if the report should
be on file. If it is put on file, it is
permanently on file.
That report is filed for a first of-
fense and no disciplinary action will
be taken.
The Office of Academic Affairs will
then notify the student confidentially
that a report has been filed.
It is then up to the discretion of the
faculty member.
He or she may feel that it is neces-
sary to fail the student for the assign-
ment. However, it may be appropriate
for them to fail the student for the
course.
Upon a second offense, disciplinary
action will be taken. As with a grade
problem, an appeal to the situation will
be handled by individuals in a chain
of command.
The end result could mean dismissal
from the college.
Please see Policy on Page 2.
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
computer lab.
The Hammermill Library Website
The staff has added databases par-
All of the changes in the library
These changes have been made pos-
PAGE 2
NEWS To contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
New year,
new director
By Jonelle Davis
News editor
Herrmann Student Union
kicks off a new year with a new
director as Darcey Kemp replac-
es Cass Shimek as the Student
Union Director.
Kemp comes to Mercyhurst
excited to work with the students
and faculty members. How-
ever, for her, receiving her job at
Mercyhurst was more than just
chance it was fate.
Before coming to Mercyhurst,
Kemp and her husband Aaron
both attended Canisius College
in Buffalo, N.Y., where they both
received their master’s degrees.
After graduating, they both
wanted to pursue their dream
jobs, but were unsure whether
today’s job market would allow
them to work in the same city.
Aaron Kemp was first to ap-
ply for a position at Mercyhurst,
when he applied to be the wom-
en’s assistant hockey coach.
After Aaron Kemp received
the position, Darcy Kemp heard
of the Student Union director
position and quickly applied.
After all, she knew the chances
that perfect job for her would
be at the same place as her
husband’s job.
“I sent my resume in for the
position and I got called for an
interview. I was excited about the
position,” said Kemp. “It was the
first job that I applied for that I
would have cried if I didn’t get,”
she said.
After receiving the positions,
the Kemps relocated to Erie and
started their new life.
Darcy Kemp felt it was a total
blessing that they could move to
the same city for the career they
both wanted.
“I truly believe that the stars
were aligned for this. I never
dreamed that there would be
Heated political debate leaves ‘Hurst uneasy
By Jonelle Davis
News editor
A heated dispute took place
on Friday, Sept. 13, when Repre-
sentative Phil English challenged
his opponent Dr. Steven Porter
to a political debate at the Tay-
lor Little Theater at Mercyhurst
College.
During the debate English told
the audience that his record says
enough to win their votes.
“I’m a strong advocate of the
local economy, energy policy,
education and expansion of
student loans. My record shows
my success and commitments,
and I’m proud of that,” said
English.
Porter, on the other hand,
pushed the audience towards
connecting the dots of his new
vision for the government.
“I hope you understand the
two visions of government. We
need a government run for and
by the people. It’s time a con-
gressman works to bring jobs to
the area, for better health care
and social security,” said Porter.
Although the forum was in-
tended to debate the issues of
America’s foreign policy and edu-
cation, the candidates quickly lost
focus and began quarrelling.
This caused uproar in the au-
dience, which disappointed Dr.
Michael Federici, the political
science professor who organized
the event.
English first told the audience
about his platform for con-
sumer-driven healthcare and the
progress he has made with health
care in the local area.
Porter was quick to take a
stab at English by replying to his
health care objectives.
“The United States has five
percent of the world’s popu-
lation and 25 percent of the
world’s wealth. We shouldn’t
have health care bills written by
people who pay off Congress,
like English. Not in this country,
openings for both of our jobs
in the same town. This is ex-
actly what we both wanted,”
she said.
Since taking her new position
at Mercyhurst, Kemp has been
taking time to assess the current
programs at Mercyhurst.
“Mercyhurst College and the
students at Mercyhurst are al-
ready really strong. There are
many wonderful student pro-
grams already in place. I just
want to take everything and make
it stronger.
“I didn’t want to come in here
and make drastic changes to an
already great place. Most im-
portantly, I want to make sure
that the history, traditions, and
culture of the school are always
maintained,” she said.
According to Kemp, she also
wants to be fair about any pos-
sible future changes that may
occur.
“I don’t think it’s fair to come
in after only working four weeks
and make extreme changes. A
year from now, I’ll probably see
things that need to change, but
for now, I want to keep it to the
basics. I need a length of time
to observe,” she said.
One aspect of Mercyhurst that
Kemp has already noticed is the
student involvement.
“The student leadership at
Mercyhurst is very strong. Be-
cause the students are very active,
I serve as more of an adviser
than anything. I can’t take credit
for the great work the students
do. I’m just here to support
them,” she said.
Although Kemp is not about
to make drastic changes at Mer-
cyhurst and praises the current
student involvement, she is
already working on a few small
improvements.
She wants to increase the al-
ready outstanding student in-
not with the wealth we have,”
Porter yelled.
English also discussed the
overall benefits he has brought
to Erie during his term. “I got
“Emotionally violent factions try
to distort the democratic process
by interrupting and shouting.
-Dr. Michael Federici
over $20 million for the East Side
Connector and pushed the fun-
damental welfare reform through
Congress,” said English.
Porter again lashed back by
telling the audience more should
have been done. “Health care,
jobs, so much more could have
been done,” said Porter.
Porter went on to challenge
English’s voting record causing
English to raise his voice.
In a raging tone, English chal-
lenged Porter to meet outside to
discuss his voting record.
English said he does not want
to hide behind the one-minute
debate rule. He wants to meet
with Porter mutually, outside
the debate scene, and talk hon-
estly and fairly about his voting
record.
The final question of the
debate switched the candidates’
focus back to the political issues
at hand, not each other.
When answering the final
question about working with
the opposite political party,
English was the first to express
his feelings towards working with
Democrats.
“I think that I see eye-to-eye
enough with Kerry to build
a relationship. I’m willing to
work with Kerry on issues of
bipartisan policy. However, I
won’t walk away from western
Pennsylvanian values, and, if
Kerry does, I will be on the other
THE MERCIAD
Darcey Kemp has students’ best interests at heart.
volvement, and she also wants to
make the union the best possible
place for students to go.
“I want to get clubs and organi-
zations more active and involved
in putting on their own events.
I’ve also been working with MSG
and SAC to improve the space we
have in the union.”
“We’re basically taking a look
at the space and seeing what
students want and need in order
for it to be a comfortable and
inviting place for students to be,”
she said.
Last year, a new system for
hanging signs and posters around
campus was implemented.
Kemp is also making sure that
all current systems stay intact.
“A new bulletin board ap-
proval process was started in
January. That is something that
I am really focusing on, so that
when clubs work hard on their
advertisements, they aren’t get-
ting covered up.
“I am very proactive in promot-
ing that policy and other policies
that started before I came here,”
Kemp said.
Just because Shimek resigned
from her director position does
side,” said English.
Porter agreed with English,
reinforcing the importance of
uniting. “You have to be willing
to work with the other side in
” to speak in a civil manner, espe-
order to serve the public. I would
work with everyone in Congress
to the best of my ability,” said
Porter.
After the debate Federici
expressed his anger towards the
debate losing its political focus.
“I was very disappointed in
the level of dialogue used, and
I was especially disappointed in
the audience. If it wasn’t uncivil
at times, it certainly bordered
uncivil,” Federici said.
Federici went on to discuss the
repulsive side of politics.
“This debate was good for
students to see the ugly side of
democracy that Americans don’t
want to acknowledge. Emo-
tionally violent factions try to
distort the democratic process by
interrupting and shouting. Their
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Katie McAdams/Photo editor
not mean she will not still be seen
around campus.
While Kemp is excited about
the future as the director of the
Union, she is also thrilled to have
guidance from Shimek.
“Cass is still here on a part time
basis,” Kemp said. “It’s great be-
cause I have as a resource person
if I have any questions.
“Cass is a great women and it
is great to have two people who
want the best for the students
working together. She developed
a great foundation and it’s great
to have her to make sure nothing
falls through the cracks.”
“She has 14 years of informa-
tion, which is invaluable to help
this transition. The students,
school and I are lucky she was
able to stay on a part time basis,”
said Kemp.
Kemp and Shimek will work
together to make the new transi-
tion of directors.
In order to help this transition,
student input is encouraged and,
according to Kemp, her door is
always open.
Students can stop in the union
at any time and voice their opin-
ions and help make changes.
irresponsibility demonstrates
their inability to represent in a
democracy,” said Federici.
Federici also added that all
American rights come with ob-
ligations. “For those who would
argue the First Amendment, I
would say that all rights come
with duties and responsibilities.
With free speech comes the duty
cially those in office. They need
to do this so people listening can
follow them and hear their mes-
sage,” said Federici.
Mercyhurst senior, Kristen
Hudak, also commented on the
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Crime on Campus
Contined from Page 1.
The following tips from Mercy-
hurst Residence Life and Police
and Safety will help them protect
you and your property.
• Never prop doors, even for a
short period of time.
• Lock the door to your room
or apartment whenever you leave,
even if you will only be gone for
a short period of time. Consider
locking the door if you are alone
in your room or apartment.
• Don’t “hide” your keys over
your door or elsewhere. Keep
them with you at all times, and
never, ever lend your keys to
anyone.
• Never leave keys, books, purs-
es or other valuables in rooms,
showers or lobbies. Don’t leave
belongings unattended.
• Strangers loitering in dor-
mitories or apartment buildings
should be reported to Resident
Assistants or Police and Safety
and asked to leave the building.
• Promptly report any theft or
other criminal activity to Police
and Safety.
• If, at all possible, do not walk
around campus alone. Walk in
pairs, especially after dark and
when walking along isolated ar-
Academic Policy Changes
The Mercyhurst faculty and
the Office of Academic Affairs
hope that the new policy will edu-
cate students and stop academic
dishonesty.
“We’re going to support the
students in adjusting to the new
policy,” says Heidi Hosey, Associ-
ate Vice President of Instruction
and Assessment in the Office of
Academic Affairs.
“We want to send the message
that we intend to make this an
issue and take it very seriously.”
Hosey emphasizes protecting
the privacy of students.
“We will be scrupulous in pro-
tecting the privacy of students,”
debate. “The debate was engag-
ing, though I was disappointed
in its quality,” Hudak said. “It
quickly became a very negative,
nasty battle instead of a lively
discussion. The candidates at-
tacked each other, and the crowd
elevated this atmosphere by boo-
ing or hissing.
“I was happy that we hosted it,
and though it serves a very essen-
tial purpose, I was disappointed
with the quality,” said Hudak.
Hudak went on to discuss the
student involvement for this elec-
tion. “It’s difficult because most
students are registered to vote
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September 22, 2004
eas of campus. Avoid poorly lit
streets, parking lots and alleys.
• Overall, you are responsible
for your own safety. Remember
to use all of your instincts. If
you have a “bad feeling” about
someone or something, be very
cautious.
• Be alert of your surroundings.
Don't be overconfident.
• When leaving a building, look
around the area outside before
exiting the building.
• Have your keys in your hand
so that you don’t have to search
for them.
This summer, Police and Safety
got some improvements and
renovations. They installed eight
new security cameras, which cost
just under $50,000. There are
now a total of 45 cameras on
campus.
The fire system was upgraded
over the summer, as well as an
upgrade to the dispatch com-
munication center.
Four new officers were hired;
two have municipal police train-
ing and experience. The Po-
lice and Safety vehicle is now
equipped with the AED, portable
defibulator, and they hope to
install several more on campus
soon.
said Hosey.
No one, including faculty
members, can gain access to the
information kept in the Office
of Academic Affairs.
The purpose of the new proce-
dures is to pinpoint the students
who are cheating, and therefore,
not learning.
Mercyhurst College has a com-
mitment to academic excellence
for all students, and the new
policy is one way to ensure that
it is achieved.
Students can expect that more
policy changes will be imple-
mented in the future if academic
dishonesty continues to be an
issue at Mercyhurst.
at home, and not necessarily in
Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional
District, so the race may seem
irrelevant. However, student
moderator J.J. Mikulec had the
opportunity to ask about both
higher education costs and the
possibility of a military draft,
both of which are very impor-
tant issues to members of our
generation,” said Hudak.
The political debate marked
the first of many upcoming
events at Mercyhurst. According
to Federici, students need to get
involved while they are young.
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September 22, 2004
FEATURES
Foam, fun, and more to come from SAC
Student Activities Comittee plans a year full of new and different activites
By Amy Landphair
Contributing writer
Imagine it: loud music, flash-
ing lights, wall-to-wall people
dancing knee deep in gallons
of suds.
No, this is not a flash back of
a crazy spring break trip.
For more than 400 students
last Friday on the faculty parking
garage, this was the reality of the
Wet & Wild Foam Dance Party.
From movies to massages,
dating games to dance contests,
Mercyhurst’s Student Activities
Comittee ushers in entertainment
on campus every weekend.
If this latest dance party is any
indication of what is to come
this fall, students should expect
a fresh, fun lineup.
Last weekend, students danced
to hip hop and pop music mixed
by a DJ inside of a 30 ft. by 30
ft. inflatable pit.
A blower overhead periodically
showered dancers in a clear, non
toxic foamy substance. Attendees
Albert Veverka and Senator Barbra Boxer.
Veverka experiences
politics at internship
By Jen Helbig
Features editor
Senior Albert Veverka was able
to directly witness the workings
of our national politics this sum-
mer through an internship.
“From May until the end of
July I had a position in Wash-
ington D.C. as a senate intern,”
Veverka said.
Veverka worked in the Hart
Building, which is connected to
the Capitol building by under-
ground tunnels.
“I lived at George Washington
University with a lot of other in-
terns,” Veverka said. “The entire
city was basically interns for the
summer.”
Veverka was an intern for Sena-
tor Barbra Boxer, a Democrat
from California.
“Thirty-five people worked in
the office, and 10 of them were
interns,” Veverka explained.
“Eight of the interns were from
California.”
Veverka said that it was not dif-
ficult to adjust to living in D.C. “I
had visited the city about six or
seven times,” Veverka said.
“However, the people in my
office made all the difference. I
was very lucky because they were
so wonderful and receptive to the
interns.”
According to Veverka, the job
of a Senate intern varies at all
times. “It’s tough to pin down
a job because we do so much,”
Veverka explained. “We had
some tasks such as opening mail
and answering phones. I also
had to represent the office at
meetings and went to committee
hearings.”
Veverka explained other tasks
that were not as traditional. “If
a senator says something, it gets
done,” Veverka said. “You have
a schedule, but it can go out
the window. She could ask for
anything, and you don’t ask any
questions.”
Even though the Senator only
spent about three days a week in
the office there were many tasks
that needed an intern’s help. “If
anyone came in from California
for a tour, I would help with
that,” Veverka said. “I helped set
up a Constituent Tea with two
other interns. For that we had
THE MERCIAD PAGE 3
To contact: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
While he did not get “wet and fenced off “island” until noon Fest 2003, the “grotto slip-and-
wild,” he said this might become on Sunday, Sept. 19 or until they slide.”
a campus tradition. were voted off by their peers. The most talked about event,
The Wet & Wild Foam Dance Challenges followed by voting however, is a possible pudding
Party is just the first of many new wrestling tournament.
events from SAC this fall.
Other events include an off
campus trip to Chicago, Haunted
“We’re trying Szydlowski says the committee
works hard to incorporate more
things in which students can
Campus Tours, Oktoberfest and
Hurst Survivor.
to spice it up actively participate.
Although speakers and co-
a little.”
Hillary Szydlowski, the SAC medians still contribute to the
Financial Secretary, says the event line up, she says the group
committee is pushing for more lessened the number of events
competitions and more prizes. -Hillary Szydlowski where people just sit and listen.
Szydlowski and her partner This change with SAC events
Sarah Fednets designed this has impressed students like Beth
Katie McAdams/ Photo editor
past weekend’s Hurst Survivor sessions occurred every three Jablonski so far, and students can
contest. hours. DVD players, skate- look forward to the weekends
A contestant in Survivor tries hard to be the winner.
Physical competitions, Mer- boards, and Mercyhurst apparel ahead.
good job.” cyhurst trivia, strength, balance were a few of the prizes. Upcoming events include:
signed a waiver before entering
That praise goes to SAC pro- and teamwork challenges com- “We’re trying to spice it up a Comedian Craig Carmean
and removed their shoes.
grammers Adam Hicks and Mike prised the challenges in the real- little,” Szydlowski says of the on Friday, Sept. 24th from 9-
One foam dancer, sophomore
Nichols. ity television show spin off. new SAC event planning. 11p.m.
Beth Jablonski, said there were
Their event not only brought At 9:45 p.m. on Friday, the lawn Still in the works, Oktoberfest SAC Pep rally on Sept. 24th
even people dancing outside in
out more students than expected, in front of the union transformed on Saturday, Oct. 9, will provide at 8:00 p.m. at the football field.
the parking lot to enjoy the DJ
but also administration. into the survivor “island,” and 16 old favorites and new festivities. The Homecoming dance is
without getting wet.
According to Hicks, Tom Bill- students competed for the grand Look out for Dippin’ Dots, Saturday, Sept. 25th.
“It was a great way to start
ingsly, the Director of Adminis- prize of $400 in cash. inflatable fun games, four bands,
out the year,” Jablonski said.
tration, stopped by the party The students remained on the and possibly the big hit of Spring
“Whoever thought of this did a
Get active at Mercyhurst in the Equestrian Club
By Jen Helbig of insurance and safety issues. tell them to come on out to the could compete with,” Redmond
Features editor “It has been a long, compli- barn because it is flexible. Just explained.
cated process to get everything try it if you are interested.” In addition to competition,
This academic year, an eques- in order,” faculty advisor Dr. Pinter has specific goals for both Pinter and Redmond ex-
trian club is starting at Mer- Charles Redmond explained. the club. pressed an interest in a service
cyhurst due to the dream of “The club was approved by “I would like to see the club area of the club.
senior Alison Pinter. MSG last spring, but the big last,” Pinter said. “I’d love to “In Cleveland, there is a thera-
“When I looked at colleges hold-up has been that there is come back in five years and peutic riding program,” Pinter
four years ago, I knew I wanted a risk involved.” see that it blossomed. I hope said. “After seeing that pro-
to bring my horse,” Pinter There are other issues the club that we can have an inter-col- gram, I think it would be a great
said. has to work out. legiate team, because there are opportunity for our club to do
She saw that there was an ac- “There is definitely the issue so many people into riding, and service.”
cessible horse barn nearby, so of money and time,” Redmond it would be another benefit to “In therapeutic riding, physi-
Photo Courtesy of Albert Veverka she decided to study here and said. “You will spend maybe our college.” cally challenged individuals can
board her horse there. two to four days per month rid- Pinter said that the club would ride with assistance,” Redmond
“It seems to be a plus for what ing, and it costs at least fifteen primarily do jumping if they said.
a school had to offer,” Pinter dollars per lesson.” form a competitive team. Anyone who is interested in
said. “I know that in the past The riding will be done at The Redmond explained that participating in the club, regard-
three years I’ve run into a lot
of people who are interested
Willows in Fairview, and the
rider can be of any skill level.
many colleges in the region
have riding teams. “Allegheny,
less of experience or skill, can
contact Alyson, or keep their
to be organized and set up for
in riding.” “If someone has never rid- Edinboro, Dickinson, Penn ears open for the next eques-
pictures and a meeting.”
Pinter said that the club has den before and they have an State, Pitt, Westminster, and trian club meeting.
While living in a large city and
having the responsibilities that been difficult to start because interest,” Pinter said, “I would others have teams that we
his job as an intern entailed,
Veverka said that he did not feel
intimidated.
“I kept meeting people when
I got there who were from Ivy
League schools,” Veverka said, math
“and it wasn’t exactly intimidat-
ing. It was more amazing to know
that I am at the same level as kids lab
at the top schools in America. I
believe that if you want some-
thing bad enough, and you put
in the time and effort, you will
get it.”
Veverka explained how he got Located in the
the internship.
“I am outgoing, open to discus- LIBRARY
sion, and I like people,” Veverka 304 A & B
said. “These are all personal
qualities that help me fit the job
description. However, I give Mr.
Hvezda and the Career Services
Office all of the credit. He put
me in the door, and I had to close
it for myself.”
Veverka has experience outside
open:
of scholastics that qualified him SUNDAYS
for the job. THROUGH
“I have volunteered and worked
on campaigns before,” Veverka
THURSDAYS
said. “I am co-president of the
Young Democrats at Mercyhurst,
and it is my fourth year of in-
volvement with the group.”
Veverka summarized his ex-
perience.
“My overall experience with call
Senator Boxer made me proud EXT: 2078
for what I stand for,” Veverka
said.
FOR EXACT
“She stands behind every word HOURS
and speaks from her heart. I want
to represent myself like that.
Watching her be that advocate
made me feel inspired, and I was
proud to work for her.”
Veverka worked nearby other
politicians. “The most enjoyable
thing was being able to meet TUTORIAL
former President Clinton, Sena-
tor Kennedy, Senator Edwards,
HELP FOR
and Senator Kerry,” Veverka said.
“I felt like I worked in the same
ALL YOUR
place as they do.” MATH
Veverka plans on attending a
law school or a graduate school. NEEDS!
“Right now, I want to see Sena-
tor Kerry get elected, and then
I will take the next step in my
future.”
PAGE 4 THE MERCIAD September 22, 2004

OPINION To contact: opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

There’s no excuse:
The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
The Good vote in November
Different elements of school can trigger many uneasy feelings in your stomach. Cafeteria food
is one of those elements. Luckily, this year at the ‘Hurst we can enjoy our gourmet meals in a By Allsion Moore
newly remodeled environment. The Café, in which we’ve suffered through countless grilled cheese Opinion editor
sandwiches, has undergone major changes. The lovely green carpet is gone and has been replaced
Once every four years, the
by a tile floor marked with signs of school spirit. The old tables and pink padded chairs have been
people of this country get the
substituted with lovely dark wooden replacements. The set-up is rearranged allowing students a
more efficient system of being served. Even the televisions are working ... as of last Saturday at opportunity to make their voices
heard. Once every four years,
least. While the food is still what you would expect in a college cafeteria, the atmosphere is greatly
citizens can exercise their rights
improved.
given to them by our democratic
Politically active Mercyhurst students will be holding a voter registration drive on Monday, Sept. and pluralistic society. Once
20 until Friday, Sept. 24. It is refreshing to see young people getting active in the political arena, every four years, the people of
especially during such a crucial election year. the United States can choose our
leader . . . so why do almost half
The Bad of Americans ignore this right?
The answer to that question can
be simple or complex. No matter
This goes without saying: school = homework . . . lots and lots of homework. While homework
the explanation, the amount of
is a necessary evil, it is also a major pain. Most students here are coming down from a summer of
citizens that do not vote in presi-
academic drought brought on by mind-numbing summer jobs. Suddenly our brains are expected to
dential elections is a disgrace.
absorb massive amounts of information after being neglected for three and a half months. Need-
When our country declared
less to say, some are dealing better than others. Welcome back to reality, my friends.
independence from Great Britain
in 1776, our founding fathers
The Ugly took America in a new direction.
Instead of a tyrannical society
Sophomores this year were excited to move into their very first apartments. When move-in day with one royal ruler chosen by
finally came, we anxiously entered our new places of residence with high hopes. While our apart- “God,” the founders decided to
ments were great as a whole, an unexpected and unpleasant surprise awaited us. Looking around give the people the power to elect
the bedroom most people probably noticed right away that one important piece of furniture was their own leader.
missing . . . a desk. The room had two beds, two Internet outlets, and one desk. Explain that. The right to vote has not always
Now as students we could understand a shortage in desks, but a little notice would have been nice. been available to all Americans.
Instead, we found out as we were moving in. Then it was off to explore Erie in search of the White males who owned prop-
perfect desk. Surely parents were just thrilled to have to dish out more money towards our four erty were the first to have this
year adventure at Mercyhurst . . . an already enormous financial burden. Even though we would privilege, and it remained that
have been forced to deal with this issue either way, a little notice from the college before move-in way until the 15th Amendment.
day would have been thoughtful. Ratified in 1870 as a direct result
of the Civil War, this amendment
For upperclassmen the nightmare of parking on campus is nothing new. Whether it’s trying to declared that, “no citizen can be
find a spot within a reasonable distance from your apartment or showing off your parallel parking refused the right to vote simply
skills, parking on campus can create quite a headache and ticket-happy police don’t help matters. because of race or color.”
Because of bad weather this year, students didn’t have to wait outside and fight for an underground The struggle for women raged
parking pass for a lovely fee. Instead, a lottery was held and the lucky winners now have the luxury until 1920 when the 19th Amend-
of an assigned space protected from the wrath of Erie winters. This is all well and good for them, ment finally gave women suf-
but the rest of us get to watch them in envy while we are busy scraping ice and snow off our cars frage. Women fought for equal-
in 20 degree weather. ity in the polls for generations
and today, certain groups of
women are the least likely to vote.
KRT photo
George W. Bush
KRT photo
John Kerry
In the 2000 election, less than
half of the 30 million eligible
women, between the ages of 18
to 34, went to the polls.
I find it appalling that half of
all Americans do not exercise
their right to vote. Even worse
is that scores of Americans who
aren’t even registered. After
centuries of fighting for voting
equality, you would think people
would use it.
There are many excuses people
use to explain their lack of vot-
ing. “I hate all politics” is one I
often encounter; “All politicians
are crooks” is another. However,
the most common, and the most
angering, is “Why bother? My
vote doesn’t count.”
If Americans have learned
anything from the 2000 election,
it is that your vote does count.
That election literally came down
to single votes, each one holding
the power to determine the fate
““The
The upcoming election
on Nov. 2 is possibly the
most important one in our
lifetime.”
lifetime.
of the country.
The upcoming election on
Nov. 2 is possibly the most
important one of our lifetime.
The decision we make that day
will impact the next four years,
not only in the United States, but
worldwide as well.
The two candidates, George W.
Bush and John Kerry, represent
opposite sides of the political
spectrum. It is important as
citizens to identify where we lie
on that spectrum and support
our candidate of choice in the
voting booth.
Today, I cry out to my genera-
tion: Get informed, learn about
the issues and register to vote.
Also, investigate the Mercyhurst
Young Democrats and Young
Republicans and take advantage
of opportunities presented to
you on campus.
Nobody will force you to cast
your vote on Nov. 2, but if you
choose not to, don’t complain
during the next four years . . .
no one wants to hear it.

Fact or fiction?
Don’t believe everything you see in political ads
By Amanda Harnocz
Contributing writer
Young adults, especially today, are faced with
decisions. As we willingly decide to watch televi-
sion instead of studying, there is no doubt politics
will be thrown in our face with only 42 days until
election day.
With busy college schedules today I don’t expect
everyone to be a “CNN junkie.” But, as young
voters we need to decipher between fact and
fiction.
Those who know me understand I am a die-hard
Democrat. However, this article is not meant to
change your political views. It is designed to get you
thinking: Are we being fed fact or fiction?
One of the major problems with these presi-
dential commercials is that they focus on what the
other candidate is doing wrong rather than what
Bush or Kerry will do right.
According to a survey done by a professor at the
University of Missouri’s Journalism School, voters
do not respond well to negative advertising. The
survey showed that almost half of the total respon-
dents who evaluated negative political advertising
felt it was unbelievable, while only 13.5 percent
agreed that such advertising is believable.
What would you rather know, President Bush
or John Kerry’s inconsistent war records, or what
speak in vague generalities of their plans.
We all know that Bush or Kerry want to do some-
thing about Iraq, the economy, health care, social
security and the list goes on, but we never hear
about these plans and why they will work.
Some may argue that commercials are too short
to have detailed information in them, but with a
billion dollars being spent on the campaigns you
would assume commercials could afford to make
information available for voters. Instead, college
students and busy voters are required to dig for
the facts.
Another issue is that commercials now use sur-
rogates to attack the reputations and personalities
of the candidates.
Why should I believe the opinions, and let me
stress opinions based on partisanship rather than
fact, of those who say they served with Bush or
Kerry over 30 years ago.
It’s not that I don’t support what they did for our
country, or that they aren’t credible people, but I
don’t want someone I don’t know bashing the op-
posing side. The Vietnam War ended 31 years ago
and the candidates’ war records, credible or not, are
not the only thing that determines if a person will
be a strong leader for our country.
It’s time for the candidates to fight their own
battles. The candidates need to take a stand, stop
flip-flopping on issues just to please a certain KRT editorial cartoon
crowd, and be true to their own words. I hope
that when you see another presidential ad on tele-

MERCIAD
each will do for our country if elected? Personally, vision, you will take a moment to decipher fact
I would like to see where our country is going, not
where these two have been.
A second problem, if we are lucky enough to hear
from fiction.
I won’t tell you to go out and vote Democratic,
but take a stand for something and follow-up with
The
the candidates’ plans for the country, is that they your American duties.
Kelly Rose Duttine Editor-in-Chief editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Letter from the Editor

Jonelle Davis News Editor newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Jen Helbig Features Editor featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Allison Moore Opinion Editor opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Ryan Palm Sports Editor sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
By Kelly Rose Duttine an opinion piece about the upcoming election or Meghan Sullivan A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Editor-in-Chief a review of the new CD of your favorite band. Katie McAdams Photo Editor photomerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Do you have a deep, hidden desire to proofread Melissa Jack Production Editor prodmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you would pages or contribute to The Good, the Bad and Kristen Piquette Advertising Manager admerciad@mercyhurst.edu
not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either the Ugly or have sensational story ideas? Stop Sarah Dowden Copy Editor sdowde80@mercyhurst.edu
write something worth reading or do things by our office in Hirt 114 on Tuesday nights and Emily Crofoot Graduate Assistant ecrofo81@mercyhurst.edu
worth writing.” show us what you’ve got.
Is there an article about you in The Merciad
Merciad, or If you think we are doing a horrible job, write us The Merciad is the student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. It is
should you be writing for The Merciad
Merciad? a note. If you think we are doing a fabulous job,
Please keep in mind that The Merciad is your send an e-mail. If you agree with everything we
published throughout the school year, with the exception of midterms week
campus newspaper and it is what you make it. It’s say, give us a call. Or if you disagree with every and finals week. Our office is in the Hirt Center, room L114. Our telephone
difficult to publish a student newspaper without last word, send a letter to the editor. number is 824-2376.
much student involvement! Writing articles for The Merciad makes a great
It will certainly be a boring year, journalistically contribution to a sophomore review portfolio or The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and
speaking, if the other editors and myself are the a resume and is interesting to talk about in a job names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters
only people that contribute to the newspaper. or internship interview. for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due the
So—write a letter to the editor, draw a politi- Let us help you—contact an editor at the e-mail
cal cartoon, or volunteer to write a story about a address or phone number listed on the previous
Thursday before publication and may not be longer than 300 words. Submit
topic, any topic—that interests you. It could be page and start writing today! letters to box PH 485.
PAGE 5
ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT
tHe
BuZz
SEPT. 24. Alan Jackson,
Martina McBride. Gund
Arena, Cleveland.
SEPT. 24. Tony Bennett.
Palace Theater, Cleveland.
SEPT. 24. Toby Keith,
Terri Clark. Post-Gazette
Pavilion, Burgettstown.
Sold out.
SEPT. 24. Chevelle (CD-
release party). Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame, Cleve-
land. Tickets available by
pre-ordering CD at any
FYE location.
SEPT. 24. Robert Randolph
and the Family Band. Scene
Pavilion, Pittsburgh.
SEPT. 25. Alter Bridge.
Odeon, Cleveland.
SEPT. 26. Big Wu. Odeon,
Cleveland.
SEPT. 26. Melissa Ferrick,
Chris Whitley. Beachland
Ballroom, Cleveland.
SEPT. 28. Motorhead.
Agora Theatre, Cleveland.
SEPT. 28. Triple Espresso.
Hanna Theater, Cleve-
land.
SEPT. 28. Soulive. Beach-
land Ballroom, Cleveland.
SEPT. 29. Kill Hannah.
Nicks Fat City, Pittsburgh.
SEPT. 29. Carbon Leaf.
Mr. Small’s Theater, Pitts-
burgh.
SEPT. 30. Emery, Brazil,
From First to Last. Mr.
Small’s Theater, Millvale.
SEPT. 24-OCT. 31. George
A. Romero Fright Nights.
Station Scare, Chevrolet
Amphitheatre, Pittsburgh.
Note: Not open all nights.
Call (412) 232-6000 for
more info or see www.
chevroletamphitheatre.
com.
OCT. 5. Dio, Anthrax,
Fireball Ministry. Odeon,
Cleveland. On sale Sept. 17
at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.
OCT. 15. Kittie, OTEP,
Crisis, Level C. Odeon,
Cleveland. On sale Sept. 17
at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.
OCT. 19. Dolly Parton.
Gund Arena, Cleveland.
On sale Sept. 20 at Tick-
etmaster.
OCT. 25. Vanessa Carlton.
Odeon, Cleveland. On sale
Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. at Tick-
etmaster.
OCT. 27. R.E.M. E.J.
Thomas Hall, Akron. On
sale Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. at
Ticketmaster.
OCT. 29. Rock Bottom Re-
mainders with Dave Barry,
Amy Tan, Scott Turow,
Mitch Albom, Roger Mc-
Guinn. Rock and Roll Hall
of Fame, Cleveland. On
sale now at Ticketmaster.
OCT. 29. Keith Urban.
A.J. Palumbo Center, Pitts-
burgh. On sale Sept. 18 at
noon at Ticketmaster.
NOV. 1. Yellowcard, Start-
ing Line, Matches, Craig’s
Brother. State College.
(Note: theater-style show).
On sale Sept. 24 to PSU
students; on sale Sept. 25
to general public at Ticket-
master, by phone at (800)
863-3336, online at www.
bjc.psu.edu.
Never too old to rock ‘n’ roll
By Bryan Kennard
Contributing writer
A small rhythm and blues band
once struggled to make a living in
London, England during 1968.
The group seemed to be fight-
ing a losing battle since the only
way they could get rehired was
to get a gig under a new name.
Finally, the band gathered a
following after they got asked
back. At that time the name of
the band was Jethro Tull, and it
has remained the group’s name
ever since.
Jethro Tull has dabbled in
many styles throughout the
years. Starting as a back alley
blues band, establishing itself as
a bold rock band, all using hints
of world music and various eth-
nic sounds.
Flautist, singer and main song
writer Ian Anderson’s unique,
complex style of writing brought
the band much attention by Eu-
ropean audiences. Depending
on the critics, Jethro Tull was
labeled as a “Progressive Rock,”
“Blues-Rock,” “Art-Rock,” or
“Hard-Rock” band.
Tull’s heyday was from 1969 to
the late Seventies, when albums
The disappointing Donnie Darko falls short of expectations
By Jason Endress
Contributing writer
I arrived at the theater with
high hopes.
After taking a friend’s advice and
visiting the flash-animated website
(www.donniedarko.com), I was
excited about seeing a different
version of a film that ranks as
one of my favorites.
However, the director’s cut
of “Donnie Darko,” while en-
tertaining, and, yes, cool for all
its extra scenes, was in large a
disappointment.
Director Richard Kelly (who
also wrote the screenplay) focus-
es his version of the film on the
idea that there is a very large and
potentially apocalyptic mistake
in the fabric of time.
Donnie Darko, an intelli-
gent high school student with
Mercyhurst Concert Choir tours Central American country
Choir led by conductor Rebecca Ryan shares American music with Honduran audiences
C
By Meghan Sullivan
Arts & Entertainment editor
Breathtaking landscapes, roll-
ing hills, and aqua blue waters
are what the Mercyhurst Choir
saw this summer on their tour
of Honduras.
Director Rebecca Ryan and her
faithful choir had only a small
idea of what to expect when
they departed for this third world
country.
After surviving the five-hour
long bus ride through the moun-
tains from San Pedro Sula they
arrived safely in Copan. This
authentic looking town was
paved with stone roads and many
shopping opportunities.
The Mercyhurst students
toured the Mayan ruins, rode
horseback up a mountain, visited
an exotic bird sanctuary and met
a real live medicine man.
From Copan the choir took
yet another long bus ride up the
winding mountain roads until
they reached Tela. While in Tela
the choir took in the local culture
by swimming in the Caribbean
and sunbathing.
A smaller group from the choir
had the experience of visiting the
uninhabited island of Punta Sal
that was a 30 minute choppy boat
ride away from the hotel.
This untouched land mass was
unbelievably pristine and was
sure to be an experience those
students will never forget.
Spending time relaxing on
the white beaches rested them
for the rigorous rehearsals that
awaited them at their next des-
tination.
THE MERCIAD
To contact: entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Jethro Tull will be visiting the Warner Theater on Nov. 7
such as Stand Up (1969), Aqua-
lung (1971), and Thick as a Brick
(1972) gained a strong American
audience. These albums did not
achieve their success with hit
singles, but more than one song
usually found its way to the radio
waves.
Anderson and the band started
to find themselves enjoying suc-
cess next to other groups such
Scene from the director’s cut version of “Donnie Darko.”
a history of mental illness, is
the only one with the ability
to restore order to Time.
It must be said, however, that
Mercyhurst concert choir resting during a mountain hike
in Copan, Honduras .
The choir packed up and left
Tela after three days happy and
sunburned.
The last stop on the choir’s
tour through Honduras was the
country’s capital, Tegucigalpa. It
was the largest city they visited,
so they were informed to be
cautious.
The choir wasn’t allowed to
separate from each and explore
the area as they were in Copan
and Tela.
The reason the choir made the
long trip to Honduras resided in
Tegucigalpa.
The Mercyhurst choir went to
perform with the choir El Coro
de la Gira a Honduras de 2004
directed by Jorge Mejía.
The two very different choirs
combined Honduran and Ameri-
can music and formed a unique
sound.
The Honduran choir’s energy
as Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.
The attention was well received
and kept audiences thirsty for the
next Tull record.
To hold true to the “Progres-
sive Rock” title, Tull has played
in a few different settings. The
group has been found working
with string quartets and sym-
phony orchestras during various
projects. Their main venue still
newmarketfilms.com
this version of the film is not at
all straightforward.
Close attention must be paid
to the pages of a fictional book,
Meghan Sullivan/Arts & Entertainment editor
astonished the American singers
at first. After the first rehearsal
with the choir and the accom-
panying of the Orquesta Filar-
monica de Camara de Honduras
they stepped up to the challenge
and gave it their all.
The Honduran choir’s music
was drastically different with the
salsa-like rhythms and the high
excitement that exuded from
each phrase.
The concert was a great suc-
cess. The choir got to be part of
the Honduran culture and gave
the country a glimpse into ours.
The audience applauded our
talented soloists along with what
Ryan called her “motley crew of
Fundraising!
College Organizations and
Clubs...any Group
Lots of Fun!!
www.semesterjester.com
www.jethrotull.com
caters to those classic rock fans
on stages around the world.
The band had gone through
numerous member changes over
the years. The original 1968 band
line-up included the talents of
Ian Anderson, Mick Abrahams
(guitar), Glenn Cornick (bass),
and Clive Bunker (drums). After
losing and gaining some mem-
bers, the current band consists of
The Philosophy of Time Travel
Travel, that
fade in and out between the later
scenes.
The addition of these ‘explana-
tions’ for the temporal anomaly
tend to cloud the progression of
the movie.
Had I not visited the website
a few weeks earlier, I probably
would have been thoroughly
confused.
Overall, the layered philoso-
phies of the original film were
overshadowed by a brighter, even
cheerier, singular ‘message.’
Kelly relieved the film of its
most subjective appeals, seem-
ingly in direct contradiction
with much of what the film has
to say.
On the positive side, the new
soundtrack was just as good as
the original, and the tie-in of Wa-
tership Down served as a nice foil
a choir.”
The choir returned to the states
after their week-long adventure in
Honduras with a new perspective
on other cultures and an appre-
ciation for all that we have in the
United States.
Ryan is now planning the choir’s
WELCOMES
FRIDAY
OCT 22
8:00PM
ON SALE NOW!
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TICKETS AT THE CIVIC CENTER BOX OFFICE, AT ALL
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PRODUCED BY JNPCONCERTS
September 22, 2004
Anderson, Martin Barre (guitar),
Doane Perry (drums), Andrew
Giddings (keyboards), Jonathan
Noyce (bass).
In the last few years, Jethro Tull
has started to get a little more at-
tention. Anderson has been ex-
tremely productive with the fairly
recent release of two of his four
solo albums, The Secret Language
of Birds (2000), and Rupi’s Dance
(2003). Barre has also released
a solo project, Stage Left (2003).
The band’s newest CD is The
Jethro Tull Christmas Album (2003),
which captures the band’s unique
Seventies sound while adding a
new edge to traditional carols.
Another of the Tull’s tasks has
been to digitally remaster many
of their older albums such as
Minstrel in the Gallery (1975) and
Stormwatch (1979).
Having sold over 60 million
albums and played over 2,500
concerts in over 40 countries,
Jethro Tull is making a stop in
Erie. The band is playing at the
Warner Theater on Nov. 7.
Jethro Tull, no matter the age,
is always full of life thus proving
the title of their 1976 album true
that no one is ever “too old to
rock ‘n’ roll: too young to die.”
for Donnie, especially when con-
sidering Watership’s Fiver in his
more manic moments.
Donnie himself was made even
more Caulfieldesque, especially
with the addition of a scene in
which he nervously declares that
he will ‘save the children’ dur-
ing a poetry reading in English
class.
Though Kelly’s version is an
enjoyable film from a vivid
imagination, it seems trapped
in a fantasy/science fiction vein
that the original transcended
with its loose basis around exis-
tentialist, theological, and fatalist
questions.
As a friend put it as we left
the theater, “It was much less
of a mind-screw than the origi-
nal.” Sadly, it was much less of
a film.
next tour for the upcoming sum-
mer. She plans to travel through
Italy, stopping in Rome and Tus-
cany among other cities.
Mercyhurst’s internationally
known choir will perform con-
certs throughout the upcoming
year.
SUNDAY
NOV 7
7:30PM
ST • ERIE
OUTLETS,
PAGE 6 THE MERCIAD September 22, 2004
September 22, 2004
Field hockey nationally ranked
Season starts strong, but top-ranked teams give Lakers rough time
By Ryan Palm
Sports editor
The women’s field hockey team
has certainly had its share of ups
and downs so far this season.
They stand at 4-3 after dropping
a pair of contests against highly
ranked opponents last week.
Playing a schedule of mostly
away games, the Lakers have yet
to lose at their home of Tullio
Field.
Last Thursday, Sept. 16, the
Lakers played in a torrential
downpour, claiming thier fourth
win of the season against C.W.
Post at Tullio Field.
After a scoreless first half, the
Lakers got on the board when
sophomore Lauren Cohick put
a penalty stroke into the net with
32:33 left.
The Lakers notched their sec-
ond and final goal at the 59th
minute of play when junior Kelly
Costanzo scored on a feed from
junior Misty Denis.
The Lakers took the contest by
a final score of 2-0.
The weekend was not as kind
to Mercyhurst, however, as they
hit the road heading to Mas-
sachusetts to take on two very
tough teams.
The fifth-ranked Bentley Fal-
cons blanked the Lakers 4-0 on
Saturday, Sept. 18. On the next
day, the team was defeated by
second-ranked UMASS Lowell
by the score of 7-1.
Sophomore Megan Smaling
had her first career goal with 21
minutes left in the match to avoid
the shutout.
“We played two very tough
teams this weekend, and they
were tough games, but unfortu-
Men’s soccer looks strong
for upcoming season
By Chris Van Horn
Contributing writer
The Mercyhurst men’s soccer
team is off to another fast start
this year. Through their first
six games, the Lakers have yet
to lose.
Third-year Head Coach Keith
Cammidge attributes experience
and solid team play with the
team’s success so far this season.
After starting seven freshmen
last season, the Lakers managed a
successful record of 15-3-1.
With 10 starters returning,
those seven starting freshmen of
a year ago have become seasoned
veterans.
Among those freshmen is Jason
Pedra, who was the conference
Freshman of the Year.
Perhaps this team’s greatest
strength is the amount of depth
that they have available on the
bench.
The Lakers have a very bal-
Men’s cross country competes
at Notre Dame Invitational
By Matt Jackson
Contributing writer
Senior co-captain Leif Schmidt
has gotten off to a fast start this
year for the Mercyhurst College
men’s cross country team, run-
ning team bests in both of the
first two invitationals.
The most recent race for the
Lakers came this past weekend
at the Notre Dame Invitational,
where Schmidt ran a time of
26:53 to finish 42nd out of 240
runners in the 30 team field.
Although Schmidt was not im-
pressed with his race personally,
he did note the improvement of
Junior Kelly Costanzo scored the game-winning goal against C.W. Post. Here, she scores her first goal of the season.
nately we lost,” said freshman
Erin Kelleher, who is leading in
scoring with six points. “Even
though we lost, we still learned a
lot that we can work on and put
into our games coming up this
weekend.”
Earlier in the season, the Lakers
anced roster this season with five
freshmen, nine sophomores, two
juniors, and seven seniors.
The ability to go deep into
the bench is a major advantage,
especially late in games with start-
ers tiring.
Cammidge has high expecta-
tions, as the men’s program
has won a total of 37 games in
Cammidge’s first two seasons as
head coach.
The Lakers still have several
tough games remaining on their
schedule, including games against
nationally ranked Lewis and
Northern Kentucky, and con-
ference games against Saginaw
Valley State, and, of course, the
regular season finale against
Gannon.
Cammidge is confident that
the Lakers have the talent to win
these tough games, but the team
still needs to improve in several
areas.
“We’ve had problems scoring
enough goals to finish teams off,
and we’ve let teams back into
the team as a whole.
“I was not satisfied with my
own performance, having run
faster last season,” said Schmidt,
“But as a team we ran a better
race than last weekend at the
California Invite.”
As a team, the Lakers finished
16th overall and eighth out of the
20 Division II teams in the field.
Senior Scott Bishop also ran a
solid race, coming in 70th with a
time of 27:30.
Freshman Ken Foster finished
third on the team in his first col-
legiate race and 89th overall with
a time of 27:50.
Notre Dame, a Division I pow-
erhouse and host of the invite,
took first place easily, finishing
THE MERCIAD PAGE 7
LAKER
To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu SPORTS
winning four of their first five
contests. During that span they
outscored their opponets by a
score of 7-1.
Sophomore goalkeeper Julie
Smith has played well so far this
season, as she posted shutouts
against C.W. Post, Seton Hill, and
Assumption.
One more noticeable improve-
ment has been that head coach
Stacey Gaudette can now devote
her full attention to the team,
while before she was responsible
for the lacrosse team as well.
“It is such an advantage this
year over last now that Coach is
full time. She is helping us much
more on the field and off. It
has raised our level of intensity
for both games and practices,”
Smith said.
The players have really noticed
the difference in this year from
last, realizing that with a strong
core group of players, they are
capable of great things.
“We have an excessive amount
of talent on this team, with a lot
of returning players,” said Smith
when asked about this year com-
pared to last.
“All together we have stepped
our level of play up, and we are
now used to playing with each
other.”
With the season almost halfway
complete, the Lakers look to do
something they have not done in
Katie McAdams/Photo Editor
almost a month, which is win on
the road.
They play away for their next
played in two exciting overtime minutes into the overtime, as the Assumption. five games, with the first coming
games, coming out with wins Lakers edged the Red Flash 2-1. “We got off to a really good Saturday, Sept. 25, against Ship-
both times. Later that week it was junior start to the year,” said Cohick, pensburg.
In their season opener on Aug. Christine Smith’s turn to be a “Coming into camp helped a lot They do not return home until
31, the Lakers battled St. Francis hero, as she scored her first goal with some new people this year, Oct. 21, when they host Indiana
into overtime. of the season with 10 minutes it really helped us come together University of Pennsylvania at
Senior Catrina Sheaffer scored left in the overtime period to as a team.” 7:00 p.m.
her second goal of the game six give Mercyhurst a 1-0 win over The team did come out hot,
games when we’ve had them on
the ropes,” Cammidge said.
The senior leadership will come
from senior forward Shane Ho-
gan, First Team All-GLIAC two
years ago, defender Dan Wagner,
senior captain, and goal keeper
Marty Ruberry, who was 15-2-1
in 2003 with a 0.79 goals against
average last year.
Forward Mike Blythe, team
leader in goals, assists, and points
in 2003, is also returning for his
senior campaign.
Unfortunately for the Lakers,
making the NCAA tournament
this season may be tougher to
accomplish than in seasons past
due to the new re-alignment in
some of the conferences.
This means more games against
teams which are not highly ranked,
making it much more difficult to
get into the post-season.
Cammidge and his players are
not looking towards the end, but
rather playing game by game,
hoping they have what it takes
at the end.
86 points ahead of second place
Gonzaga.
“It makes you nervous to know
that one of the best teams in
the nation (Notre Dame) is on
the starting line with you,” said
Schmidt. “If anything though,
running with better competition
will usually help to give your team
better times.”
Next up for the Lakers will be
local rival, Gannon University.
Last season Mercyhurst easily
defeated the Knights with a clean
sweep, and Schmidt believes that
he and his teammates can do it
again.
The race will take place at
Frontier Park, Mercyhurst’s home
course, on Saturday, Sept. 25.
 PAGE 8
LAKER
SPORTS
Football struggles early on
By Justine Adams
Contributing writer
Sine the football program be-
gan in 1981, the Lakers have
seen many talented athletes walk
through the gates.
Still, the program is looking for
an undefeated season.
With that dream already unat-
tainable for the 2004 season, hope
remains to finish strong with a
successful year.
The first heartbreak occurred
even before school started, on
Aug. 26.
Mercyhurst played rival Gannon
University at Tullio Field.
In front of 4,822 fans, there was
much anticipation regarding the
“big game,”one which most of
the city was looking forward to.
Mercyhurst led most of the
game, but Gannon tied it late.
The Lakers and Knights went
into overtime, and it was only a
matter of minutes before Gan-
non scored, winning 43-37.
Mercyhurst turned the ball over
on their first possesion in the
overtime, and the Knights scored
on the ensuing drive.
After that devastating loss, the
Lakers knew they had to step it
up against Northern Michigan a
week later.
When it was time to take on
the Wildcats on Sept. 4, the Lak-
ers were back on track, defeating
Northern Michigan University
45-27.
Mercyhurst traveled to Michi-
gan Tech on Sept. 11, and did not
have a pleasant trip.
The Lakers were on top 13-0
in the first quarter, but Michigan
Tech came back with a ven-
geance.
Determined not to lose on
their home field, Michigan won
54-13.
Recently, the team challenged
Sister Damien will Volleyball falls down
be missed by many in GLIAC play at 0-3
By Ryan Palm
Sports editor
What is your definition of
a fan? Webster’s says that a
fan is an enthusiastic devotee
of a sport or a performing
art, someone who is usually a
spectator.
That definition does not near-
ly describe the number one fan
at Mercyhurst College.
The college lost a great one
this past August, as switchboard
operator Sr. Damien Mlechick
passed away on Aug. 20, at the
age of 83.
Sister Damien was in her 65th
year of religious life, but one
would never have guessed it if
you saw her down at the end
of the Mercyhurst Ice Center
banging her signature cowbell
against the glass.
Sister Damien had a truly
devoted passion for Mercy-
hurst College, from the chapel
where she spent the bulk of her
workdays, to the athletic fields
where she spent most of her
weekends.
There has never been such a
dedicated fan of Mercyhurst
athletics, and you will be hard-
pressed to find one in the
future.
Stories about Sister Damien
can be told for days and days,
as she impacted the lives of
many students throughout her
20 years at the college.
Many students knew her as
the switchboard operator; “the
voice of Mercyhurst,” if you
will.
But to every athlete on those
teams, Sister Damien was much
more than that.
She was a great fan of the
men’s hockey program, even
To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Senior Terrance Patrick (9) and freshman Bryan Kelly anchor the defense which has been victimized as of late.
No. 17 ranked Northwood
University on their home field in
Midland, Mich.
Although the Lakers put up a
good fight, Northwood remained
unbeaten with a victory by a final
score of 56-24.
The team has a great combina-
tion of veteran players, as well
as experienced newcomers who
bring strength and energy to the
team.
Secondary coach, Askari Adams,
believes the team has everything
COMMENTARY
when she reached her 80s. In
the winter of 2000-2001, the
men’s hockey team was headed to
Grand Rapids, Mich. for a NCAA
playoff game.
She was on the student bus that
made the trip, staying awake the
entire time, despite the question-
able movies being shown.
Sister Damien was such a fixture
in the Ice Center that the oppos-
ing coaches would often stop to
get a hug and often chat awhile on
their way to and from the bench
between periods.
Following her passing, men’s
hockey Coach Rick Gotkin re-
ceived sympathetic calls from
nearly every coach in the confer-
ence, expressing their feelings of
how much of a fixture she was
at the MIC.
She sat at the corner of the rink
banging on the Plexiglas, regard-
less of how much the goal judges
would dislike it.
They became accustomed to
wearing earplugs, and they would
often receive grief from Sister
Damien if they made a call she
did not approve of.
Her picture is still in the glass
case in the lobby of Van Andel
Arena in Grand Rapids, where
the men’s hockey team played in
the regional tournament in 2000-
2001. How many nuns do you
think have that honor?
How many do you think sat
through 30-deg ree weather
watching one of the longest soc-
cer games in Mercyhurst College
history?
How many nuns would get a
standing ovation from 800 people
at the send-off party for the
hockey team before they went up
to Grand Rapids in 2000-2001?
THE MERCIAD
it needs to make that one dream
come true: a winning season.
Disappointed with the few
losses the team has endured,
Coach Adams feels that the
players should still be able to
come through for the rest of the
season.
The team is stacked with tal-
ent, and they have veterans who
motivate and mentor the younger
members.
However, a weakness that the
Lakers struggle with is plac-
How many nuns would give
Coach Gotkin some holy water
to put on the guys while travel-
ing on an important road trip
late in the season?
I’ll tell you, it’s not many.
Sister Damien was absolutely
one of a kind, someone we will
never be able to replace.
Dr. William P. Garvey, the
President of Mercyhurst Col-
lege, described Sister Damien
fittingly as “the keeper of the
flame.”
At the Memorial Mass held
during the first week of classes,
two Mercyhurst students spoke
during the service, giving their
lasting memories of Sister Da-
mien.
Senior hockey player Scott
Reynolds explained how you
really could tell when Sister
Damien was there, and you also
knew when she wasn’t.
John Allston once said that
“the only thing you take with
you when you’re gone is what
you leave behind.”
As 700 new faces pile in each
year, the stories concerning
Sister Damien are likely to be
forgotten.
Those of you who were privi-
leged enough to know her
should look back and reflect
upon how she touched your life,.
because you should consider
yourself lucky to have known
such a special person.
I had the privilege of knowing
Sister Damien for a year, which
was certainly not long enough.
If you did not have the privi-
lege, ask an upperclassman or
faculty member just how impor-
tant she was to this college.
Once you do, you too will
soon realize how much she truly
will be missed.
September 22, 2004
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
ing those younger guys in key Cikra said that not only do they Each of the 10 coaches offers
positions where experience is have talent and athleticism, “the guidance, assistance and motiva-
necessary. team is a very close group.” tion to the team.
The team has lost very strong They have a special bond and Cikra said, “They are really
players to injury or graduation, close friendships, which help their good teachers. They know what
so it becomes difficult for the performance on the field. they’re talking about and are very
coaches and players to fill those In addition to team unity, the hard working.,” Cikra said.
spots. team is led by 14 seniors. “I think I speak for all of the
Although the team has been These players are experienced coaches when I say our main goal
struggling, Adams feels that the mentally and physically and are is to build a strong program here
team can accomplish anything if great motivators. at Mercyhurst,” Adams added.
they put their minds to it. The Mercyhurst Lakers have
Senior veteran Mike Cikra, a coaching staff that believes in
OLB, agrees with Adams. their athletes.
By Matt Jackson
Contributing writer
Recently in sports we have been
shown by both the U.S. Olympic
basketball team and the U.S. Ry-
der Cup team that no matter how
good your players are, they must
gel together as a team to achieve
their goals.
The Mercyhurst women’s vol-
leyball team is no different in this
aspect, except for the fact that
their coming together as a team
File Photo File Photo
took place over 4,500 miles away Sophomore Megan Fargo Sophomore Michelle Krob
in Hilo, Hawaii.
“The trip was all about team
Both girls agreed that they were they can compete in the GLIAC
unity and also having a little fun
treated great while they stayed in because their next three contests
on the side,” said sophomore
Hawaii, saying that “everyone was are against GLIAC competitors
MH/OH Megan Fargo.
very hospitable.” Ashland, Findlay, and Lake Su-
The Lakers traveled to Hawaii
Each player did their part to perior State.
at the end of August to compete
help fund their trip by selling t- “Our coaches have been watch-
in the Hawaiian Style Classic,
shirts, Krispy Kreme cards and ing film and we have been prac-
and despite winning only one
magazine subscriptions. ticing very well,” said Fargo. “We
of their five contests, they came
Since returning from their have the talent and we all know
home from the trip with a posi-
trip the Lakers have began their we can do it.”
tive outlook.
GLIAC schedule and so far have Also in the early parts of this
“We had a lot of team bond-
not played to their ability, losing season two of the key players
ing,” said sophomore MH Mi-
their first three contests all in for Mercyhurst have made their
chelle Krob.
straight sets. way up in the Mercyhurst record
“We had a lot of free time and
“We have the potential to be a books.
got to go shopping, surfing and
good team we just need to put Senior OH hitter Lyndsi Hughes
stuff like that together.”
everything together,” said Krob. has taken over first place all- time
Fargo agreed with Krob.
The team recently hosted the in kills with 1,394, passing Jenn
“Besides the plane trip, it was
Mercyhurst Invitational, which Barba on the list.
amazing.”
was a five-team tournament Kari Clapham, only a junior for
The Lakers did give Hawaii Hilo
which drew teams from Pennsly- the Lakers, has moved up to sec-
its first loss of the tournament on
vania and West Virginia. ond in career assists with 2,633.
the final day to show signs that the
The tournament featured Al- Clapham has about a season and
team can indeed compete.
derson Broaddus, California a half to pass Sarah Antonette on
The Lakers were the only team
University of Pa., West Virginia the list with 3,588.
from the contingent U.S compet-
St., and Gannon University. The team stands at 4-10, and 0-3
ing in the tournament, competing
The Lakers took victories in the GLIAC.
against Division II teams from
against Alderson Broaddus and The numbers are somewhat dis-
Hawaii.
West Virginia, while they fell to appointing, as the team finished
It took the Lakers close to 10
California. 16-15 overall last season.
hours to arrive in Hawaii from
Mercyhurst and Gannon did The team hosts Ashland Uni-
Erie.
not play as the two rivals were verstiy Friday, Sept. 24, at 7:00
They drove to Cleveland and
scheduled to meet just ten days p.m., and will take on University
then boarded a flight to Chicago
later. of Findlay Saturday at 4:00 p.m.
before boarding their last fight
The Lakers will have a chance
to Hawaii.
to bounce back and prove that