the merciad, march 16, 2011

8/6/2019 The Merciad, March 16, 2011

1/8

Visit us online at

http://merciad.mercyhurst.edufor more articles, videos and slideshows

By Ethan Magoc!"#$%&'#(')*#+,

!"#$#%&'%(')%*##%(')$*#+,%-.%/0%(#1$*2

345*%1%*4'67%8)#*4-'.%91.(%6'++#:#%:$1&);

1+*'% 1% 8)#$(% 4"#% +#1$*% ',%


2/8

NEWSPage 2 March 16, 2011

Continued from cover

In other words, much the same as it hasalways been, plus a stronger endowment, doc-toral programs and additional campus facili-ties.

History of changeThe founding Sisters of Mercy first faced

the task of finding funding to build an infra-structure before and during the Great Depres-sion. Back then, thoughts of the future wereslightly cast aside in pursuit of merely enroll-

ing enough women to pay tuition and helpkeep the doors open.But as the educational experience within

Glenwood Hills tudor structures stabilizedeconomically, and then grew, past presidentsthoughts inevitably turned to the generationsof students yet to arrive.

By the 1960s and 70s, Mercyhurst hadtransitioned into offering a coeducationalexperience, and presidents Sister CarolynHerrmann and Marion Shane, Ph.D., led thecollege through an unprecedented time ofchange. Many of the colleges current aca-

demic structures opened, including ZurnHall, and varsity athletics were graduallyestablished as a way to grow admissions.

William Garvey, Ph.D., brought the collegefurther into its contemporary state from theearly 1980s through 2005 when he resigned.He pushed forward the construction of theIce Center and establishment of Division Ihockey programs, the Mary DAngelo Per-forming Arts Center and the Audrey Hirt

Academic Center.University clarificationGambles assumption of the presidency

in March 2006 began another period ofgrowth in college history. In January 2010, heannounced Mercyhurst College would seekuniversity status.

The Board of Trustees submitted a 102-page application for such a change to thePennsylvania Department of Educationin October. It remains under review but isexpected to be approved in May.

Gamble views the university change asthe first step in refocusing Mercyhursts cur-rent purpose in higher education. He saidthe perception of the collegepreviously as

a baccalaureate institution whose main mis-sion is to award undergraduate degreeshadbecome somewhat muddled during the mostrecent growth periods.

The college now offers six separate mas-ters of science degrees, maintains fourregional campuses (Erie, North East, Corryand Girard) and boasts a sister campus in Ire-land.

None of these traits are typical of small,liberal arts colleges. The title of MercyhurstUniversity, then, would be more apt, Gamblesaid.

Still, if university status is approved, hesaid, If youre a baccalaureate student at

Mercyhurst in Erie, its going to feel a lot likeits always felt.

Reach for $50 million While Gambles overall plan for the col-

leges growth is not grand or sweeping inscope, one aspect could carry major impli-cations for Mercyhursts long-term stayingpower.

It simply must grow its endowment,Gamble said, to survive and thrive in thefuture world of private higher education.

Its a very competitive environment, he

said. I dont think all (private colleges) willsurvive the next decade. My job is to makesure were one of the ones that do.

To do so, Gamble told the board theendowment will reach $50 million by 2020.

The colleges endowment in 2009-10 was$20.8 million, putting it alongside regionalschools like the College of Mount St. Josephand Ohio Dominican University in terms ofavailable funds.

That mark fluctuates annually based on thenumber of scholarships awarded, the finan-cial climate, construction projects undertaken

and the overall operating budget. The higherthe endowment, the more comfortable theadministration feels with dishing out moneyin each area.

The endowment is on pace to g row towardthe $30 million range this yearthe highestin college history.

Gamble said the work of David Livings-ton, Ph.D., and his advancement office staffis behind this years growth and the ambitious10-year goal.

Livingston, a former religious studies pro-fessor, joined advancement in August 2007 at

Gambles behest.I figured if you can sell religious studiesto college freshmen, you can sell anything,said Gamble, laughing. What hes done isremarkable.

Mercyhurst set records for most moneyraised in its history each year since 2007. Thecollege is now averaging between $4 and 5million in total annual donations.

Direct, face-to-face alumni contact standsas one tactic Livingston has employed suc-cessfully in his tenure. The advancementoffice strived to bring alumni back into the

fold through dozens of events and throughthe admissions and career services staffsnationwide efforts at reconnection.

Prior to 2007, Livingston said, It was lessof a focus, especially on the national level.

He said women who graduated in the col-leges first 40 years possessed strong ties tothe school, which translated well into dona-tions. Graduates from the 1970s through the2000s, though, didnt possess the same tightaffiliation.

Gamble, too, had recognized this down-ward trend.

We had lost connection to our alums,Gamble said. Its the alums and their con-

nection to the school that turns into dona-tions down the road, but if you dont havethem, then youre in trouble.

Livingston said if and when $50 million isreached, the goal shifts to the colleges cen-tennial in 2026.

The real goal is to have $100 million bythe 100-year anniversary, he said. If you

want a goal for the school, thats the one. Itsgoing to be very challenging.

Doctorates, facilities, prestigeThe board extended Gambles contract for

another five years in October, ensuring heremains at the helm through 2015.Looking back at the first five-year crux,

he paused when asked to pinpoint which ofhis administrations accomplishments he wasmost proud of.

Mercyhursts vigorous study abroad pro-gram, which includes an opportunity for aterm of study in Dungarvan, Ireland, wouldbe at the top of the list, he said.

I think a strong undergraduate educationhas to provide the opportunity to go abroad.

Also, the four-credit interdisciplinary courses.

One of those two things, I feel best about.But he also learned from one key misstepduring his first half decade. It came to mindmore immediately than any successes.

I would have done the calendar changedifferently, Gamble said. That was a mess.

During the 2006-07 school year, Mercy-hurst proposed switching from a trimestersystem to a semester system; students openlyrevolted against such a move.

Gamble said he failed to work hard enoughto inform his constituencies, particularly stu-dents, about the changes details and benefits.

We didnt cover ourselves in glory on thatone.In presenting a 10-year plan, he said he

recognizes a greater need to keep everyoneinformed and involved at the beginning.

When he spoke to the board and then wroteto faculty, he clearly outlined a set of goalsand sought input.

Perhaps the most intriguing of those goalsis the establishment of one or more doctorateprograms, likely in the areas of archaeology,anthropology, education or intelligence stud-ies.

Such terminal degree offerings are at leastfive years away.

Construction expansion, at this point,is more difficult to achieve. The college islandlocked by East 38th Street to the north,residential areas on the east and west andMercyhurst Prep to the south.

Beyond the front of campus constructionof the Center for Academic Engagement,

which will house the intelligence studies andhospitality management programs, Gambleplans to look within campus boundaries forpotential areas of improvement.

At some point, we have to do somethingabout Briggs and Lewis (Avenues) and the

Highland Square area, he said. Ultimately,its not a good use of space right now.

The college renovated Highland Squarethis summer after students consistently com-plained about living conditions there, butGamble would also like to see a dining hall

constructed on the east end of campus.Plans featuring a type of falling water area

and more vegetation are also in the works toenhance the grotto.

It could be very dramatic, he said.Finally, he said, growth of the colleges

national reputation and prestige remains thedriving factor behind each portion of the 10-year plan.

The best way for students to benefit is ifthe reputation and the profile of Mercyhurstcontinues to get better, Gamble said. Ifgraduates can someday say, I couldnt even

get in there now, that increases the value oftheir degree.

Gamble presents 10-year plan

The outright contributions include

money from all sources including,

alumni, trustees, parents, friends of

the college, corporations and

foundations. *As of March 11.

Alumni partcipation includes the per-

centage of alumni who donated to the

college during the year.

*As of March 11.


3/8

Page 3March 16, 2011 NEWS

News Briefs

Groundbreaking date set for academic building

Every year Mercyhurst hosts different events to promote

being sober and aware of the effects of alcohol. On Wednes-

day, March 16, students can meet with candidates for the MSG

Executive Board and drink a mock tail at 4 p.m. in the Laker Inn.

Hypnotic Intoxication will take place in the Walker Recital

Hall at 9 p.m. on Wednesday. In this performance, Keith

Karkut will make students become intoxicated without the use

of alcohol. The Peer Educators are hosting a St. Paddys Day

Party on Thursday, March 17, in the Hermann Student Union

Great Room. The party lasts from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and

includes free Irish food and games. The womens lacrosse

game at Tullio Field is the final alcohol awareness week event.

The event, which takes place at 3 p.m., is a green out, and the

craziest fan will receive a prize.

College promotes alcohol awareness

Groundbreaking for the Center for Academic Engagement isset for June 3. The original plan was to begin construction on

the $9 million academic building during March.

Erie power to be shut down

Penelec will shut down the power on campus Saturday, March

19, from 8 to 10 a.m. The repairs may not take the full two

hours. Vice President for Student Life Gerard Tobin will send

an e-mail to students Friday afternoon to remind them to turn

off electronic devices before Saturday morning.

Eleven students and two professors from the political science department traveled to Washing-

ton D.C. over the weekend. They went on tours and met with Mercyhurst alumni in the area.

Jill Barrile photos

Career fair to take place at Mercyhurst

The Mercyhurst College Career Fair will take place Thursday,

March 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event is in the Mercyhurst

Athletic Center. Students from Mercyhurst, Gannon, Beh-

rend, Edinboro and Allegheny are able to attend. There will be

more than 100 companies at the fair. Visit the Career Services

section on the Mercyhurst Portal for a list of the companies.

Chief Kuhn offers St. Patricks Day advice

After attending a meeting involving law enforcement agen-

cies, Chief of Police & Safety Robert Kuhn learned that the

Erie Police will be strongly patrolling on St. Patricks Day. ThePennsylvania State Police Liquor Enforcement Bureau will be

assisting Erie Police. Kuhn advises students, Dont do any-

thing that will embarrass your college, your family or yourself.

If you keep that one rule in mind, you dont need a laundry list

of rules to follow, he said.

Students tour D.C.


4/8

FEATURES March 16, 2011Page 4

What willMercyhurst look

like in 2020?

I honestly dont think

that Mercyhurst will have

changed too much, besidesthe new building that

theyre getting ready to

build. I just think theyd like

to keep that college look.

-Courtney Clair,

junior

I dont think it will look

much different than it does

now. The front gates and the

rustic look of the buildings

are what make Mercyhurst

unique, and I doubt anyone

would want to modernize

the campus too much.

-Brittany Barko,

sophomore

I igure Hurst will have

a few new buildings and

will have renovated some

others, but other than that

Im sure itll look pretty

much the same. All the

changes will just be littlethings like senior gifts.

-Keven Gregg,

junior

Internships provide better career

In todays uncertain economy, it

is more important than ever for stu-

dents to be proactive in the resume-

building process if they want to

find a job after graduation.

Becoming a competitive candi-

date for employment more often

involves having previous work

experience.

An internship, specifically.

Over 70 percent of employers

said they prefer to hire candidates

with previous relevant experience,

said Kyle Foust, Ph.D., executive

director of experiential learning in

Mercyhursts Career Development

Center.

In a survey of 2007 graduates of

the college, students who interned

received twice as many job offers as

students who did not.

Salary ranges were always higher

for those that did the internship,

Foust said.Sophomore Gevaun Scott, an

interior design major from Pitts-

burgh, wants to get an internship

before she enters the work force.

I think it would make me feel

comfortable before I go into my

field, to get an idea of what to

expect, she said.

The Career Development Center

places more than 400 students in

internships per year.

The vast majority are in thesummer, Foust said. Its not too

late. If you have any inkling at all

to start an internship, come in and

talk to us.

Weve worked with Fortune 500

companies, many federal agencies

(especially in the Intel area) and Big

Four accounting firms, he said.

Junior Amanda Stafford found

internships to apply for by calling

different museums in her home-

town of Albany, N.Y.Its a great opportunity, said

Stafford, a public history major.

A chance to learn about whateverfield were interested in.

Foust also cites the opportunity

to test how much students actually

like their chosen careers before-

hand.

It either confirms your career

choice, or allows you to change

your focus. Its better to do that as

an undergraduate before you go

into the field and essentially have to

start all over again, he said.

There are a few important thingsto consider when applying for an

internship. Geographically, consider

where you want to go. Can you stay

at home during the summer and

work out of your hometown? Or

is there a specific city that is well-

known in your chosen field?

Also, what type of job do you

want? Most students realize early

into their freshman year that there

are many different ways to apply

their chosen field. Students shouldhave some idea of which fields they

are interested in pursuing, even if

they intend to use the internshipopportunity to narrow down the

possible choices.

Whether the internship is paid is

not as essential. Some companies

simply may not have the funds to

pay an intern.

Quality of the experience is

what is important, Foust said. All

other things being equal, take the

paid internship, but sometimes you

will get a better experience at an

unpaid internship.Students are also encouraged

to visit the Career Connect web-

site, where they can actively search

out internships and jobs, and also

change the settings of their account

to receive notifications for intern-

ship postings in their chosen field.

Whether students use the ser-

vices provided by the college or set

out to find an internship on their

own, being proactive is the best

way to find internships and furtherhopes for future careers.

By Faye Clark

Staff writer

Women: Set a high target and ask

On average, when women

choose to negotiate their salaries,

they have their salary increased by

$4,000. Only 3-5 percent of women

do this, and this was the subject of

Sara Laschevers speech Tuesday

at Walker Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.,

titled, Ask for It! Women and the

Power of Negotiation.

Laschever is the co-author of Askfor It: How Women Can Use the

Power of Negotiation to Get What

They Want and Women Dont

Ask: The High Cost of Avoiding

Negotiation and Positive Strategies

for Change, with Linda Babcock.

Its not about some way that

women are broken or need to be

fixed, or about how we need to be

more like men, Laschever said.

Rather, its simply about asking more.

Women are less likely to ask fornot only salary negotiations, but

also recommendations, high profile

teams or projects, or work in a dif-

ferent area, and this goes back to

the day of birth and continues with

socialization of children.

Nurses tend to see boy babies

as more alert and stronger and girl

babies as less alert and weaker, even

when there is nothing to support

this. Continuing this route, the toys

we give children affect how they

learn to act. Girls are given kitchen-

ettes and tea sets, encouraging themto serve people, while boys are

given train sets and building blocks,

encouraging their self expression.

This continues throughout

womens lives, leaving women to

wonder: How many other things

are women not asking for?

Another interesting stance on this

issue is in academia. Women claim

57 percent of bachelors degrees,

59 percent of masters degrees and

46 percent of doctorates, yet they

only make up 23 percent of collegeprofessors.

Negotiation is not something

some people are born with and others

arent, Laschever said. Its a skill set,

and can be learned and practiced.

Some important things for

women to keep in mind for nego-

tiating, Laschever said, are dontaccept the status quo or that every-

one will be treated fairly, assume

everything is negotiable, and do

your research.

The purpose of the books they

wrote are to help women, Build

confidence and develop the needed

skills, to negotiate.

World Language and Culture

Department Chair Alice Edwards,

Ph.D., said, Given our histor y and

constituency, it seems to me impor-tant that to develop our women stu-

dents in a society where they face

too many barriers.

Edwards said the presentation

was beneficial to all students regard-

less of gender because, many men

dont understand how negotiation

works, like with a starting salary.

This leads to women being labeled

as troublemakers and taking what

they are offered.

This lecture was presented by thePresidents Task Force on Women

and Leadership, and findings from

the task force will be presented on

Tuesday, March 22, at 3:30 p.m. in

Mercy Heritage Hall.

By Alaina Rydzewski

Features editor

Sara Laschever spoke at Mercyhurst about the power of

negotiation for women in their professional lives.

Ethan Magoc photo


5/8

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 5March 16, 2011

Music department to present Cosi fan Tutte

The talented students of theDAngelo Department of Music

will perform Mozarts comic operathis weekend.

Cosi Fan Tutte will be per-formed at the Mary DAngelo Per-forming Arts Center on Friday andSaturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2p.m.

As one of Mozarts most popu-lar operas, Cosi Fan Tutte has areputation for being an entertainingproduction.

Moreover, the Mercyhurst rendi-tion will be sung in English, makingthe performance more accessibleto opera aficionados and novicesalike.

The music is lovely, having beendescribed by director Brent Weberas medicine for the voice, as wellas for the ears and souls of the lis-

teners.The comedic Cosi Fan Tutte,

which translates loosely as Thisor That or Women Are Fickle,comments on inconsistency in love

with its tale of humorous decep-tion.

In the story, two officers, Fer-rando and Guglielmo, accept a bet

made by Don Alfonso that teststhe faithfulness of their lady lovers,Dorabella and Fiordiligi.

The officers pretend to go away towar, but then they come back to their

women disguised as Albanian men.Over the course of the opera,

each officer manages to seduce theothers lover and in the end havemarriage contracts signed.

The officers finally reveal them-selves to the women, having seem-ingly proven, as Don Alfonso hadoriginally declared, that all womenare fickle.

As the performance is triple cast,each show will feature a differentset of singers.

Weber said, The triple cast hasmade the rehearsal process a littlecrazy, but it is a great educationalopportunity for the singers.

It will be a different show eachnight as different students interpreteach role.

Junior Elizabeth Zurasky, whowill perform the role of Despina onFriday night, said, Rehearsing forthe show has been really exciting.

Its been really cool to see eachactors interpretation of the differ-ent characters.

Weve all helped each otherwith ideas and character traits andIve learned so much through thisexperience, she said.

There are also many differentartists involved in the productionaspects of the opera, and Weberdescribed the process as somethingof a collaborative effort.

I think collaboration is whatMercyhurst is all about, said Weber.

The performance includes theMercyhurst student orchestra con-ducted by Scott Tomlison, Ph.D..

Music Department Chair LouisaJonason and alum Jessica D. Murrayassembled traditional costumingcharacteristic of the 1700s.

Dance Department professorMichael Gleason created the light-ing and set design.

Junior Alexandra Stacey andfreshman Natalie Pertz have oper-ated as assistant directors and stagemanagers.

I could not have directed thisopera without them, Weber said.

The opera includes both musiceducation and performances majorsfrom freshmen to seniors.

There will also be two guestperformers, with the role of Don

Alfonso played by Erie residentKen Daub, and Friday and Sundaynights Ferrando played by Mercy-hurst alumnus Andrew Ferguson.

This is a difficult opera to pro-duce, especially with these studentsbusy schedules, Weber said. I am

very proud of all of them for reallycoming to bat.

Tickets for Cosi Fan Tutte areonly $2.50 for Mercyhurst students

with ID. Tickets cost $15.50 for adults,

$12.50 for seniors and non-Mercy-hurst students, $5 for youths and$7.50 for Presidents Cardholders.

To purchase tickets, call 824-3000or visit the PAC box office.

By Sarah MastrocolaStaff writer

Junior Marie Karbacka and freshman Mathew Anderson

rehearse a scene of Cosi fan Tutte.

Alex Stacey photo

Mills appreciates the close-knit dance community

Senior Heather Mills has had apassion for dance since the age offour.

Her many years of training couldbe about to pay off as she headsinto the professional dance world.

Mills aspires to dance in a profes-sional ballet company after graduat-ing.

Although she does not have a setcompany in mind, she would liketo move somewhere that is a bit

warmer.As she is going through the audi-

tion process, Mills is looking for acompany with a good training pro-gram and fair amount of perfor-

mances during its season.She particularly likes contempo-

rary ballet.I can easily lose myself in the

movement, she said.Mills originally decided to come

to Mercyhurst College because ofthe small class sizes.

She especially liked the one-on-one experience with professors.

When asked about her experience

at Mercyhurst, Mills said, I havedefinitely benefited from dancing incollege. It gave me time to developinto the dancer I am today.

Being able to learn from somany different teachers with eachof their own past professionalexperience was a great opportu-nity, she said.

One important life lesson thatMills will take with her from Mer-cyhurst is not to procrastinate.

The dance departments heavy

workload, as well as her choice tobe a dance management major, has

taught her how to manage her timewisely.

When her dance career is fin-ished, she would like to use what shelearned from the major by workingin public relations for a company oropening a dance studio.

One of her favorite parts of thedance department is that they are so

close with each other.Because of the advantages ofa small department, we are all soclose and supportive, especially thesenior class this year. We really arelike a family.

Yet Mills favorite thing aboutdancing, and what she wants tocontinue with, is the performanceaspect.

I can forget everything besidesthe movement and just let looseand dance, she said.

Nothing else matters. I get lostin the moment.

By Emma RischelStaff writer

Heather Mills hopes to dance professionally.

Contributed photo


6/8

September 3, 2008OPINIONPage 6 March 16, 2011

@mercyhurst.edu

editormerciad

newsmerciad

featuremerciad

opinionmerciadsportsmerciad

entertainmentmerciad

photomerciad

photomerciad

ejohns89

admerciad

wwelch

bsheridan

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of MercyhurstCollege. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of

finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is(814) 824-2376.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signedand 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. Lettersare due Mondays. by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit

letters to box PH 485 or via e-mail at [email protected].

If you dont want it printed . . . dont let it happen.

Editors

Ethan Magoc

Kelly Luoma

Alaina Rydzewski

Victoria GricksSpencer Hunt

Alex Stacey

Kaitlin Badger

Tyler Stauffer

Ethan Johns

Daniela Carcamo

Bill Welch

Brian Sheridan

Positions

Editor-in-Chief

News Editor

Features Editor

Opinion EditorSports Editor

A&E Editor

Graphics

Photo Editor

Web Editor

Ad Manager

Adviser

Adviser

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the v iews of Mercyhurst College, the staff of The Merciador the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be e-mailed to [email protected].

Program benefits, preparesstudents with Aspergers

Im not usually the person to

comment about campus happen-

ings, but today I decided to give

it a shot.

As you know, Mercyhurst Col-

lege has many academic and sup-

port programs. Todays topic is

about one of the more beneficial

programs: AIM.

AIM stands for Aspergers Ini-

tiative at Mercyhurst. Basically,

this is a program for college stu-

dents who have Aspergers Syn-

drome.

What is Aspergers Syndrome?

It is a neurobiological learning

difference characterized by dif-

ficulties in social interaction,

problems with emotional regula-

tion, an intense repetitive interest

in a certain area and an average to

above-average intelligence.

Mercyhursts Learning Differ-

ences Program, led by Dianne

Rogers, started the program a

couple years ago to cater to the

needs of students with Asperg-ers Syndrome. Mercyhurst is

one of a handful of schools in

the country that has a program

specifically for students with this

condition.

From my dealings with both

Dianne and Brent Martin, the

programs director, I can say that

they are both dedicated to their

jobs and students. Furthermore,

Brent goes above and beyond the

call of duty to help his studentssucceed.

The AIM program provides its

students with access to assistive

technologies, testing accommoda-

tions, special living arrangements,

social supports (such as monthly

trips) and priority registration to

ensure that course loads cater to

each students interest. This pro-

gram is great because it offers

support to students who would

otherwise have difficulties in aregular college environment.

Mercyhurst also offers a

summer transition program for

students with Aspergers Syn-

drome who are in high school. It

provides them a chance to earn

three college credits while also

having a preview of college.

The college has really stayed

true to its mission with a program

like this. It opened college to a

group of people with untappedtalent and is helping students

prepare themselves for employ-

ment and a successful transition

to adult life.

By Mike Lado

Staff writer

Time to prepare for Easter

It is common knowledge that

Easter has become a popular-

ized holiday in many communi-

ties. It seems to have been written

off as another holiday stepping

stone between Christmas and

the tantalizing future of summer,

lining up with Valentines Dayand St. Patricks Day to provide a

break in late-winter drudgery.

Outside of those organizations

which hold Easter in religious

regard, very little preparation

is conducted to prepare for the

holiday.

The season of Lent, which

began for many Christians last

Wednesday, is meant to be a timeof spiritual preparation for the

Easter season, marked by fast-

ing, prayer, and giving to those in

need. If you speak to a Christian

during this time, many will say

that they have given up some-

thing for Lent as a way of indi-

vidual preparation.

There is the obvious tempta-

tion, however, for Christians and

non-Christians alike to make the

next month just another time ofthe year. We are all struggling to

make our way through the last

weeks of winter, knowing that

spring, warm weather, gradua-

tion and summer break are just

around the corner. As such, the

importance of ser vice toward

others is often left by the way-

side. In these weeks leading up

to Easter, though, this task is ofparticular value.

Turn on the news and you will

undoubtedly see coverage of the

devastation left after an 8.9 mag-

nitude earthquake hit northern

Japan earlier this week. It is said

to be the fifth strongest earth-

quake recorded, and the long-

term impact of this event will be

felt for years. Such an occurrence

has a tendency to put things in

perspective, especially in ourindividual lives.

Even though we anticipate

Easter for different reasons, this

is still undeniably a season of

preparation. I hope we can all

find some way to make it mean-

ingful and worthwhile, both for

ourselves and for others.

By Kathleen Vogtle

Staff writer

For more columns, visit merciad.mercyhurst.edu/opinion.

The GoodThe potholes on Briggs were finally fixed. No

more danger of breaking an axle.

The BadCampus wont have power Saturday from 8 a.m.

to 10 a.m. Hopefully, your alarm clock runs on

batteries.

The UglyMercyhurst is the host school for the womens

Frozen Four, but the team lost to Boston

University and wont be playing this weekend at

Tullio Arena.


7/8

Sports Page 7March 16, 2011

Ian Wild stars in two sports with no problem

Mercyhurst junior Ian Wild canjuggle many challenges within hisschedule, but the way he carrieshimself on and off two playingfields is anything but a circus act.

Wild com-peted for thePSAC champi-onship-winning

football teamin the fall, thenmade the transi-tion this winterto his secondsport, lacrosse, forthe spring.

Continuing his dichotomousinvolvement, he is double major-ing in accounting and finance all

while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. As aresult, Wild earned many academic

honors, including ESPN MagazineFirst Team Academic All-Districtand ESPN Magazine Academic All-

America during the 2010 footballseason.

As a defensive back, Wild has

proven to be a strong asset to theLaker football team, as it posted a

10-3 record last fall en route to anNCAA playoff run.

Wild was third on the team with79 tackles, and he also forced threefumbles. Heading into his seniorseason, Wild has high expectationsfor the Laker defense next fall.

Following a year spent on thesidelines as a medical redshirt, thejunior is back with the lacrosseteam this spring. The Lakers hold a3-1 record so far, and, through four

games, Wild has four goals and wonmore than half of his 43 face-offs.

The two sports are difficult intheir own way, said Wild, a 6-foot,2-inch 200-pound athlete. Theyare both tough to keep up withmentally and physically. We do,however, do a little bit more run-ning with lacrosse.

The transition from football tolacrosse is certainly not an easy task.But even with a high course load,

Wild continues to stand out in bothsports.

Fans can see Wild and the rest ofthe mens team in action for its firsthome game of the season at TullioField Saturday at 1 p.m.

By Matt Cirell

Staff writer

Mercyhurst junior Ian Wild is the starting safety for the football team and also the starting

mid-fielder for the mens lacrosse team.

Ethan Magoc photo

Cheerleading tryouts

scheduled for AprilTryouts for the 2011-12 cheerleading team will be Sat-urday, April 9 from noon to 3:30 PM, in the wrestlingroom at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center (off the mainlobby).To try out, students must have previous cheerleading

experience. Stunting experience is preferred, but quicklearners with no stunt experience can still try out. Tum-bling is a bonus, but not required.

The Mercyhurst College cheerleading team consists of20 to 25 cheerleaders. Males are always welcome.

Cheerleading at Mercyhurst includes sidelines, floorcheers, dances and stunting at football and basketballgames, as well as some wrestling matches.

Cheerleaders practice at least twice a week and atten-dance at games and practices is mandatory.

If you have any questions, please contact coach PamZimmer by email at [email protected].

Ian Wild


8/8

Over the course of a season,

many college hockey teams need

to fight through injuries and

harsh schedules to come out on

the other side as a stronger team.

For the Mercyhurst mens hockey

team, this is an understatement.

The Lakers fought through

a season loaded with injuries.

Six forwards who started theseason on the team were not

with the team by seasons end.

Key players such as start-

ing defensemen Pat Goebel and

Kevin Noble both had to fight

off nag ging injuries that cost

them a combined 19 games.

Senior forward Steve Cameron

missed six games this season,

after missing eight last year from

a concussion, and freshman

Kyle Just left the team after he

and goaltender Jordan Tibbett

were charged with sexual assault.

Despite all the adversity, the

Lakers managed a sixth seed in the

playoffs. They beat a Robert Morris

team that most guessed would

advance well past the first round.

The Lakers handed RMU a 5-1 loss

and advanced to face the University

of Connecticut in the second round.

Against the Huskies in a best-

of-three series, the Lakers rockyseason finally came to a close. Even

in defeat, the Lakers played hard and

fought back from deficits to make

both games extremely competitive.

In Fridays game one, the Lakers

were in a two-goal hole after the first

period before tying it in the second.

Then on Friday, in what became

the final game of the Laker season,

the team fell in a three-goal hole

but came back and forced over-

time. In the overtime loss, theLakers outshot the Huskies 56-32

but were unable to take the lead.

We played very well against

Robert Morris, but against (Con-

necticut), we just couldnt score.

Our guys played their tails off,

coach Rick Gotkin said. Im

very proud of how they played

and the season they had. They

came to the rink every day and

did everything we asked of them.

The team finished with a 15-18-4 record, but given the issues this

team has faced, it was a very solid

year. Two top forwards acceptedprofessional contracts mid-year,

two freshmen were charged with

sexual assault, and only seven

players played in every game.

Through it all, the team

played hard and stuck together.

We have the makings of a real

good team. We proved we can be

very competitive even without

some of the guys and were right

there in the conference. We can take

the situations from this year andlearn from them and come back

stronger next season, Gotkin said.

The Lakers return a strong

core of players next season, head-

lined by freshman forward Taylor

Holstrom and sophomore Paul

Chiasson, along with returning

defensemen Noble and Goebel.

Despite a long, brutal season,

the Lakers are hoping the hard

times are behind them and can

again climb atop the AtlanticHockey Association in 2011-12.

Sports Page 8March 16, 2011

The Mercyhurst womens hockey

team had the stage set. It was one

of the top teams in the country all

season long. The team won a ninth

consecutive College Hockey Amer-

ica championship to earn a trip to

the NCAA tournament.

The Frozen Four, which the

Lakers had reached in back-to-back

years, is taking place at Eries Tullio

Arena. Even though this season

had the makings of a historic one,

the Lakers fell a game short.

The Lakers had a 30-3-3 season

in 2009-2010. Heading into the year,

the team had star forward Meghan

Agosta returning from a season off

to play with team Canada in the

Olympics.

She led all of womens hockey

this season in total points, assists,

power-play goals, and tied for the

lead in short-handed goals. Agosta

also set the NCAA record for

points and goals in a career.

The Lakers also had the Patty

Kazmaier award winner from

2010 in senior Vicki Bendus. This

years team was loaded with seniortalent. The other seniors included

forwards Jesse Scanzano, Kylie

Rossler, Bendus, and Agosta, and

defensemen Cassea Schols and

Melissa Lacroix.

This was the year everything was

supposed to come together.But the Lakers were given a sixth

seed in the tournament and were

forced to travel in the quarterfinal

round. Additionally, the Lakers had

to face Boston University, the team

the Lakers beat in last years tourna-

ment, who were given a No. 3 seed. The BU game was not consid-

ered an easy one, but one most fans

expected the Lakers to get through

and come home to play in the

Frozen Four.

Instead, they were defeated, 4-2.

The Lakers battled in the game,tying it on two separate occasions

including once in the third period.

Still, the team had plenty to be

proud of. The senior class was a

combined 116-23-6 record after

this years 29-6 season.

Its a big disappointment, and

we feel like we let people down since

we (are hosting) the Frozen Four,

senior forward Kylie Rossler said.

We just need to keep our heads up

and be proud of what we accom-plished over the last two years.

Going forward, the senior class

left big shoes to fill. Juniors Bailey

Bram and Kelley Steadman will step

into the holes left by Agosta, Scan-

zano and Bendus. All-conference

defender Pamela Zgoda will also be

back, along with Samantha Watt to

anchor the defense.

The Lakers may never have as

golden a chance to win a champion-

ship as this year, but their chancesare by no means gone. Next season,

Mercyhurst hopes to earn its 10th-

straight CHA championship and

avenge this years early play-off

exit.

By Spencer HuntSports editor

Mens hockey season ends in overtime lossBy Spencer Hunt

Sports editor

Mercyhurst womens hockey team fell short of a third-consecutive Frozen Four apperance, a

disappointment made worse by the schools opportunity to host this years championship.

Mercyhurst mens hockey team closed out a rough season

with a 3-2 overtime loss at Connecticut Saturday night.

Womens hockey team falls short

Ethan Magoc photo

Ethan Magoc photo

the merciad, march 16, 2011

Documents