The Merciad

PHOTO BY SAMI RAPP

Mercyhurst community lives the mission

Faculty Art show arrives Page 6 Mch man lurks around campus Page 4 MSG moves offices in Union Page 3
No. 65%
Yes. 21%

READ THE STORY ON PAGE 2

ONLINE POLL RESULTS

Unsure. 14%

Total votes: 161

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Students, faculty collaborate to build house for refugee family

By Kierston Bromley
Contributing writer
the first day of the build. After becoming a university in early 2012, Mercyhurst decided to take on a project that would prove fitting to one of the Universitys core values service. The House that Hurst Built is a great way for Mercyhurst to give back to the community in a way that is consistent with our mission and values of service and compassion, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Christopher Coons said. To fulfill this mission, the University has teamed with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for Rosemary Anderson and her family. Anderson is a Liberian refugee who fled her war-torn country with her seven children. She spent 16 years in a Ghana refugee camp before coming to the United States in 2006. While at the camp, Anderson learned valuable construction skills which she uses in her job with the maintenance department of the Erie Housing Authority. In 2011, Anderson became an official U.S. citizen, and eventually qualified for the House that Hurst Built project. The purpose of the House that Hurst Built is three fold. The first goal is a community goal, bonding students and faculty members as they put in hours of labor toward the completion of the project. The second goal is a community need, providing a home for Anderson and her family. The final goal is a service goal: by Mercyhurst University giving back to the community in a mutually beneficial arrangement. I truly think this project is what our school is all about, said junior and member of the Habitat for Humanity Board Amber Penna. Being able to see the progress, from ground level to a completed house, is so fulfilling. To provide that joy to the family is unbelievable. Director of Service Learning, Colin Hurley expects the project to meet its deadline. Even so, there will likely be little things, such as painting, that Anderson will complete herself as part of the sweat equity, a required 300 hours of work the family must complete in

Hurst gives back to community

The House that Hurst Built is a blitz building project taken on by Mercyhurst University and Habitat for Humanity. The four-week build began Monday, Aug. 27, and continues until Saturday, Sept. 22, of homecoming weekend. The House that Hurst Built involves Mercyhurst faculty and students from every major, club and athletic team from the Main campus as well as North East. In order to complete the project on time, volunteers have been excellent in turning out and working through weather conditions such as rain on

NEWS

September 12, 2012

September 12, 2012

NEWS

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MSG revamps for new academic year

New offices, shirts, ideas created for student body
By Jaslyne Halter
Staff writer
Even though students are only a few weeks into Fall Term, the Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) has been busy with restructuring, planning and coordinating events for the student body. With newly renovated offices, a new hands-on approach to school spirit and working toward a greater student-outreach initiative, this years MSG officers are already making changes that they hope will benefit the campus as a whole. The Carolyn Herrmann Student Union houses the Laker Inn, the Great Room and many of the student life offices so that everything is in a centralized and easily accessible location for students. The MSG offices were located in a small hallway on the top floor, but this year the offices have moved next to the Laker Inn. A lot of people didnt even know that the offices were there before, said MSG President Richard Molloy, So the whole idea of moving downstairs was for accessibility. People can stop in and see their housing, as well as the popcorn given out to raise awareness for the DVD rentals available in the library. Along with the new offices and various events that MSG has planned for the upcoming year, the group is also taking a new approach to campus spirit. With many students voicing their concerns about Mercyhursts lack of school spirit, Molloy and Vice President Brian Lombardo, with the help of fellow MSG executives, have made it a point to start new traditions in school spirit with the release of the new spirit shirts. The purpose of the shirt is to have a unified sense of spirit and start traditions. If we can go to a football game and see the entire student section covered in these green shirts, it will simply show unity within our students, Lombardo said. Spirit shirts are at the Mercyhurst University Bookstore and cost $5. MSG has open forums Monday nights at 8:30 that students are encouraged to attend, make suggestions and learn what is going on around campus. Meetings take place in the MSG chambers located on the top floor of the Student Union.

Harassment Thursday, Aug. 30 Bad Checks Thursday, Aug. 30 Burglary Saturday, Sept. 1 False ID Saturday, Sept. 1 Harassment/ disorderly conduct Sunday, Sept. 2 Harassment Monday, Sept. 3 Larceny Wednesday, Sept. 5

Lewis Avenue Closed Bookstore Closed 3807 Briggs Ave. Closed McAuley Hall Res-life incident Warde Hall Referred for conduct 3924 Briggs Ave. Closed Rec Center Closed

Zach Dorsch photo

The new MSG offices are located on the bottom floor of the Student Union next to the Laker Inn. Students are invited to stop in any time.
what we are all about. The new location of the offices is much more accessible for students to stop in and chat with MSG members about various issues and events. I only quickly saw the new offices, but they look nice and feel much more welcoming, along with the new officers, said junior Heather Christensen. I applaud them for all of the hard work that has been done so far, and I cant wait to see what this year has to bring. Aside from the Welcome Week activities for the freshmen, MSG also sponsored an Upperclassman Welcome Back Barbeque that had a turnout of 200-300 upperclassman students. MSG Events Coordinator, Jenna Dascanio designed the magnets that students received on the doors of

Sami Rapp photo

Students work together on the outside of the house.

order to qualify and receive their home. Hurley gave his thoughts on the faculty and staff s support: I am overwhelmed by Mercyhursts support and commitment to the project, and thrilled that it is approaching completion. Work on the House that Hurst Built is ongoing. Anderson and her family will be presented with the key to their house Saturday, Sept. 22. For more information about the project visit http://mercyhurst. edu/hursthouse or email hursthouse@mercyhurst.edu.

Golf team honors Evann Parker at Light the Night Walk

By Brady Greenawalt
Staff writer
Former Mercyhurst student Evann Parker will have a team participate in her honor at a walk for leukemia research later this month. Parker attended Mercyhurst from 2009 until she was forced to withdraw at the end of her sophomore year to seek treatment for leukemia. During her time here she was a member of the golf team. She lost her battle with cancer and died in August 2011. The golf team has organized a team that will walk in memory of Evann at the 13th annual Leukemia and Lymphoma Societys (LLS) Light the Night walk, which will take takes place at Jerry Uht Park on Tuesday, Sept. 18. Brenda Youmans is the Campaign Coordinator for the walk. What makes it worth being a part of for me is listening to the stories from the patients and their families about how LLS has helped them in so many ways, said Youmans. That may be financially or through new medical options that have become available through the research that is funded through the walk. Senior Andrea Carneval was a close friend of Parkers and an important part of organizing the team in her honor. Evann and I both came in as freshmen on the golf team in 2009 to Mercyhurst. She was only at school for a year and a term, but I feel that I became as close to her as I could in her short time here, Carneval said. Carneval saw the Light the Night walk as both a great way to honor her friend and bring the golf team together. We wanted to walk and raise money for her to bring our team closer, she said. She was a girl with so much drive and spirit that we find it hard not to live for her every day, every golf tournament, and in everything we do. We obviously think about her and miss her everyday, but its something that helps us to become stronger as individuals and as a team. Carneval also organized a fundraiser for Evann at the Cornerstone Bar and Grill on Sept. 10. The team for Evann will be holding a gold balloon during the entire walk to honor her. Students can get involved in the team for Evann by contacting Carneval at acarne38@ lakers.mercyhurst.edu.

Notice from Chief Kuhn

With a new academic year under way, Chief of Police Robert Kuhn would like students to direct their attention to the Police & Safety alerts on the portal. Alerts will contain important information students must know about campus including local criminal activity. To access the alerts, go to http://portal.mercyhurst.edu. The Police & Safety section can be found under the Services tab.

Aug. 30 Sept. 5, 2012

Mercyhurst University Police & Safety

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FEATURES
Blystone went on to earn advanced degrees in English as well as a K-12 principals certification. She is a Master Journalism Educator through the Journalism Education Association and serves as the Director for the Northeast region. Before her career began here at Mercyhurst, Blystone taught English and Journalism at North East High School in North East, Pa., before retiring in 2008. In 2009, she became a member of the North East School Board, never losing her continual devotion to students and the learning process. Blystones advice for students interested in writing and journalism is to, Read, read, read and write, write, write. She insists that one must constantly know what is going on both locally and globally in order to understand and interpret events, as well as understand the power of story in decision-making in a global society. When asked why she was so passionate about journalism, Blystone recalled when her students livestreamed media stories on 9/11 for the first time. Journalists were the ones who told us the moment-by-moment details of the terrorism we were facing, said Blystone. Never in the past did we know so much so quickly. That is what journalism is the power of the people. When people have no power, there is no democracy.

September 12, 2012

September 12, 2012

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

received praise on her Fall-Winter 2012 collection last fall, fell short with her Spring 2013 collection, created to imagine the glamorous life, but set 50 years later, in the words of the head designer. Her designs were criticized by the blogging community for being all over the place, using white as an anchor color as opposed to the floral prints she had used to blend it all together last fall. She failed to showcase any of the key spring pieces such as the maxi dress, replacing it for ill-fitting overalls and sloppily-tailored jackets in bold colors. However, others did not disappoint, and consistently presented jaw-dropping collections for the spring. Personal favorites include Monique Lhuillier, whose use of floral prints in burgundy, maroon and poppy seed fit perfectly into the siren-like silhouettes and structured cuts. His details in leather and gold had a combination usually suited for the fall; a risky choice, but a

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but made its way to the breezy days, accompanied with strategic cutouts. Deep necklines and an array of bra-style tops delivered impeccably by Victoria Beckham in her Spring 2013 collection is also in style. Other contributors to the trend were Derek Lam, who showcased an edgy but chic kaleidoscope of colors, fabrics and patterns. In addition, Alexander Wang, whose collection featured blackand-white pieces combined with parkas and tops inspired by sports jerseys put against elegant halter dresses and other pieces that turned to glowsticks when the lights went out for the final walk along the runway. Penned to close the ceremonies before the event moves to other fashion capitals are crowd favorites Zac Posen, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Michael Kors and Calvin Klein. These prominent names in fashion will be showcasing their collections throughout the remaining week.

Blystone honored by NSPA

By Jade Gelsimino
Contributing writer
Commonly she is known as the Director of the Graduate Program, but here in the world of journalism, Jane Blystone is known as an extremely accomplished, awardwinning teacher and pioneer. Blystone has been honored the National Scholastic Press Association Pioneer Award, which is the highest honor of the organization and recognizes contributions to scholasticism. Blystone and four other national journalism leaders will receive the award at the JEA/ NSPA national convention this November in San Antonio, Texas. This is not Blystones first national award: She has also received awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Journalism Education Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. To Blystone, however, these are the least of her greatest accomplishments. I think the greatest accomplishments that I have had as a journalism educator have been helping students find their lifes passion in journalism, said Blystone. When I read a local paper and know that one of my former editors is now the editor of a professional paper, that is inspiring, just as when I see one of my former students is broadcasting a story that

Mystery of the Mch Man

New York dazzles for spring fashion week

By Juan Mendez
Contributing writer
After a few runway shows, the world of fashion had its biggest night on Thursday, Sept. 6. More than 500 retailers across New York City and the biggest names on the entertainment industry reunited for a night of shopping on Fashions Night Out. Musicians, fashionistas, artists and celebrities converged together to mark the fourth year anniversary of the event. The runway dazzled with the designs of both major and up-and-coming wearhouses for the several days long event. Students from the Academy of Art University as well as some of the participants on this season of Lifetime Televisions Project Runway got to showcase their talent, standing as some of the hopeful names in fashion. Rebecca Minkoff, who had

Sami Rapp photo

Jane Blystone awarded the National Scholastic Press Association Pioneer Award. makes national news. Journalism ensures that the people can express their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and freedom of the press. As Blystone put it, journalism is the frontline of history is one of the pillars of democracy. Not only can individuals voice their opinions, but also collectively the people can voice their opinions through the media, and thus, hopefully come to a place of cooperation. Blystones clear passion for journalism has been an evolution throughout the years and started at quite an early age when her eighth grade teacher advised her to join the school newspaper. On top of that, she was a news carrier for the Erie Morning News, and was addicted to reading it every day before school.

Huffington Post photo

Sarah Hlusko photo

The mystery of the mch man continues, and he is found relaxing in President Gambles office.

Young and upcoming models strike a pose for fashion week held in New York City.
delightful execution. Chadwick Bells use of simple cuts and neutral colors worked well for the winter season, but the lack of color and the poor use of neutral accessories proved to be a miss for him this time around. One of the biggest statements imposed for this season is skin. A trend that is usually part of summer,

By Abigail Robinson
Contributing writer

West Nile Virus attacks

By Samantha Link
Contributing writer
West Nile Virus, a tropical disease brought to the United States in 1999, has hit an all-time high, with breakouts starting in Texas and other Southern states this summer. Normally, West Nile starts in August with its peak of attack usually in September. However, with our recent winter being so mild, the mosquitoes have had the chance to breed earlier and longer. Mosquitoes are usually the culprit in spreading West Nile Virus, but the start of the spread occurs in birds. Mosquitoes often prefer birds to humans so when the bird they feast on happens to have the virus, it then gets transmitted to the mosquito itself. Traces of West Nile were recently found in Erie by the Health Department after examining dead birds in the area. The birds that contracted the virus may have passed it along to mosquitoes or humans. Since the virus is hard to diagnose, many people will not even realize they have West Nile until it worsens. According to the director of the Mercyhurst Institute of Public Health, David Dausey, Ph.D., staying away from stagnant/standing water helps ones chances of not being infected with West Nile and any other diseases that mosquitoes may carry because stagnant water is a breeding ground for the bugs. Other tips to stay safe from West Nile would be to always have a screen in windows when open and to avoid having them open at night since mosquitoes are more active at that time. Wearing bug repellent with DEET in the ingredients will help repel them as well. Taking all precautions could be necessary during the month of September as Dr. Dausey states that even though only about 1 percent could die from the virus, it only takes one bite.

If you have recently walked through Preston Hall and have been spooked by a colorful papier mch man, you are not alone. Last spring, sophomore Rosemary Moore constructed and decorated a papier mch man for an art class. While the students creations were on display for the Mercyhurst community in Zurn Hall last year, Moores piece has recently become a topic of discussion on campus. I thought it was thrown away at the end of the term last spring, Moore said. To this day, it is still uncertain who moved Moores piece into Preston and the reasoning behind it. Moore is excited to have people interested in her piece, as long as they dont do anything too inappropriate to the project. It was just a class assignment and to have people interested in it months later is exciting, Moore said. The mch man, whos name is unknown, has been an inhabitant of the Criminal Justice Department in Preston Hall for the past few weeks. Shirley Greene, administrative assistant of the department, said that the man has become part of the family. Everyone comes in each day, wondering where he will be next, Greene said. The professors on the floor have played practical jokes on each other, placing him in offices so he scares the occupants when they walk in, pasting a picture of Dr. Benekos face on the man and taping a chili pepper to his right hand. Students responses vary in regards to the papier mch man. However, each student questioned about the mystery man was intrigued, and all tried to personalize him, giving the man names and various personalities. Moore is pleased with the life the community has given to her art. Caitlin Handerhan photo Art is supposed to be enjoyed Mch man lounging on a bench and if this is the publics way of in the hallway. enjoying it then Im happy.

Liturgical Dance Ensemble performs at traditional Mass

By Mathew Anderson
A&E editor
Although many changes are under way for Mercyhurst, last Thursday was confirmation that traditional values are still alive and well at our university. The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a tradition that dates back centuries meant to celebrate the start of an academic year. If you were able to attend the Mass, you had the opportunity to experience the artistic displays of the Liturgical Dance Ensemble and the Mercyhurst Concert Choir. The choir performed a handful of selections throughout the Mass, including Come, Holy Spirit which was used as prelude music to set the mood as students, faculty and guests made their way into the Chapel. The concert choir also had the honor of singing Ubi Caritas for the Communion Meditation portion of the Mass. During the choirs performance in the middle of the program, Come, Holy Spirit Come, the Liturgical Dance Ensemble gave a stunning performance. The dancers seemed to float down the center of the chapel through the introduction of the piece, and then moved gracefully into place before starting their routine. Dressed in conservative white costumes with peaceful blue accents, the performers danced with accuracy and precision, but were also elegant and fluid. Within the performance they conveyed traditional religious ideas, hands raised to the Heavens and faced pointed upward, representing the acceptance of God. The Liturgical Dancers looked as though they were genuinely enjoying themselves, smiles on every face throughout the duration of the performance. All who were in attendance of the Mass seemed to have enjoyed themselves. Spirits are high and looking bright for the start of this brand new year.

Upcoming events at the PAC:

On Screen/ In person: Gen Silent Friday, Sept. 14 at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. Langer Film Series: The Guard Friday , Sept. 21 at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. Voxare String Quartet Meets Man with a Movie Camera Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Online

Discussion, interaction expected from new PAC series

Look for a full calendar of A&E Events

www.merciad.mercyhurst. edu/arts_entertainment

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Faculty Art show open to the public

By Mathew Anderson
A&E editor
The public is invited to visit the Cummings Art Gallery for the Annual Faculty Art show, through Sept. 23. The gallery features works from many of Mercyhursts own, as well as a few guest works contributed by alumni including Annoel Krider 77. Art was contributed from faculty members, such as Daniel Burke, Tom Hubert, Jodi Staniunas-Hopper, Gary Cardot, Robert Tavani, Mary Elizabeth Meier, Jamie Borowicz and Patricia Tomzcak-Czulewicz. Alumna Krider, who holds an art education degree from Mercyhurst exhibits large colorful weavings with warm colors and bold shapes. She has traveled from Pittsburgh to Mexico, to New York to study her artistic tapestry. Kriders artwork is featured in both public and private collections alike throughout the world. Her public artwork includes contributions to IBM, Robin Williams and Kelly McGrillis, as well as a multitude of other venues. Tom Hubert features a couple ceramic teapots, including a lovely striped one, and a jar with a platter. Hubert has taught on Mercyhursts campus for 32 years. He has won awards in national and regional exhibitions. Jodi Staniunas-Hopper holds an MFA in advertising/ design from Marywood University. Now a Graphic Design Program Director, she unveiled a series of masks made from lace and feathers. Included with these masks are photo representation of the works in use, atop a subjects head. Hoppers work Mascara took second place in an art show held at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center. A doctoral candidate at Pennsylvania State University, Mary Meier earned her M.S. and B.S. in art education from Florida State. A brand new faculty member for the art education program, she was named Outstanding Elementary Art Educator by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association and will begin a two-year term in October as president of that group. Meier presented works on office chairs, having them seemingly communicate between one another. Her art work is captivating, and has a quality that draws one in. Patricia Tomczak-Czulewicz has taught art in Erie for more than 30 years. She is currently working on a couple of fine art books that document small towns around Pennsylvania. Tomczak-Czulewicz graduated from the Cleveland Institute of Art with a degree in painting. The paintings that I create are an honest response to the beauty that I see every day. My work represents images that are often overlooked in search of something greater than the ordinary, she said. Cummings Gallery, located in the lobby of the Mary DAngelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst, is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 814-824-2092.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

September 2008 September 3,12, 2012

September 12, 2012

The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

OPINION

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DNC delivers a better narrative

By Zainab Javed
Staff writer The Mercyhurst University Class of 2016 is comprised of 677 freshmen, with the total number of new faces on campus reaching 799, one of the highest numbers of incoming students in Mercyhurst history.
For the past two weeks, politicos from sea to shining sea have been tuning into C-SPAN to watch unadulterated footage of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Tampa, Fla., and Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Charlotte, N.C. These conventions are basically a policy wonks Olympics, Oscars, and Victorias Secret Fashion Show all rolled into a span of three days. With the aid of social media, even those who hate politics were exposed to the events; both conventions filled up Twitters trending topics list each night they were televised. With so many eyes on the conventions, the political parties had to present their best faces to the public. Regardless of your political orientation, you have to admit, the Democrats presented their narrative better. The atmospheres of the two conventions couldnt be more different; the only common element was that they were both about President Barack Obama. Sure, the RNC pulled together a roster of excellent speakers.They spoke about overcoming personal adversity through hard work, and why another four years of President Obama could be dangerous for the United Statesbut none inspired a rallying cry around the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney. As Rachel Maddow pointed out, [New Jersey Governor Chris Christie] waited 1,800 words into a 2,600-word speech to even bring Romney up. The conventions keynote speaker didnt even talk about Romney. The entire convention seemed more like a platform for 2016s prospective candidates to shine, than a call for unification. In contrast, the DNC was all about Barack Obama. The speakers wove personal stories into their speeches, but focused more on the partys platform and the accomplishments of the president. Their speeches and enthusiasm reminded me of Friday Night Lights, clear eyes, full hearts, cant lose! The Democrats effectively rebutted all attacks made against Obamas presidency throughout this campaign season, from John Kerrys zinger of ask Osama bin Laden if hes better off than he was four years ago to Bill Clintons off-teleprompter speech that took on every single argument the Romney campaign made. The overwhelming message throughout the DNC was, change is slow, but weve made progress and we cant go back. I think that was just enough to revitalize the 2008 voters disillusioned by the slow pace of change. I believe the DNC solidified the election for President Obama. If anything, we will get to see more Clint Eastwood versus wooden chair conversations.

Your Sisters Sister an emotional roller coaster

By Caitlin MacBride
Contributing writer
Your Sisters Sister was shown Friday, Sept. 7 at the Taylor Little Theater as part of the Langer Film Series. In just an hour and a half, the film comprised of various emotional levels. At first it was sad, then extremely funny, but the very end took a turn for the awkward. I would say that most people were drawn to the movie because of big name Emily Blunt, who plays Iris. Iris tells her friend, Jack, to stay at her fathers island house. When he arrives he finds Iriss sister Hannah. Hannah and Jack proceed to bond over hard times and a bottle of tequila, which never ends well. I must admit that this scene was one of my favorites as the two have a hilarious, drunken time. To Hannah and Jacks surprise, Iris shows up at the house the next morning and the rest of the film surrounds the unfolding of a not-so expected secret. One viewer, Thomas Hall said, It was a great story about not letting hurdles in life prevent you from being happy. Throughout the movie, the characters exchange delightfully witty banter, which gives a sense of realism to the movie. I thought the script was extremely well written because the lines were not forced or fake. I could see myself being friends with Iris and Jack. The characters find humor in real life situations. For example, Hannah makes a batch of vegan pancakes and the other two pretend to enjoy them when in reality they are disgusted by them. Speaking in terms of relationships, the film was able to accurately portray love in various forms. Iris and Hannahs relationship as

sisters made me want to immediately see my sister. You can tell the two are close and even though they make mistakes, they love each other anyways. Jack and Iris are a hysterical pair. The two feed off each other and make the viewers root for them until the end. Lastly, Hannah and Jack have just met but the two manage to have a comical drunken night, an awkward sexual encounter and an overall uncomfortable story line. Although their time together might not be perfect, it was still enjoyable. Overall, My Sisters Sister was a good film. I would suggest seeing it when it comes out on DVD, but be prepared. I dont want to spoil the plot, so I am just giving a warning; there is a deeper storyline that gets uncomfortable. The jokes are funny and the actors are great, so please dont let the warning scare you off.

Upcoming band uses The Killers in rise to the top

By Zachary Dorsch
Staff writer
In 2004 the song, Mr. Brightside brought the little-known, Las Vegas band, The Killers into mainstream success. Now eight years later, this same song may lead another band into its mainstream success. Monsters Calling Home is a Los Angeles based band comprised of six Korean-American musicians that include Daniel Chae, John Chong, Jennifer Rim, Sally Kang, Joe Chun and Alex Hwang. The first thing that caught my attention about this band was the cover for Mr. Brightside. The best way to describe this cover would be that it was stripped down, but not in any way left hollow. The albums title track, Monsters Calling Home, really shows the skill of this band when it comes to composing a song, with slow harmonized male and female vocals in the beginning, to the explosion of the entire band during the chorus. The last song that really caught my attention was Goodnight Moon. The song is surprisingly happy, attached with a folk song feel. It was written for lead singer, Alex Hwangs family. The only issue I have with this album is the phrasing used on Mr. Brightside. It felt a little choppy on some parts. Despite that small issue, this is a great EP considering it is the bands first. It boasts enough variety in the songs so that they dont blend together and Alexs creative lyrics will keep you pondering what morals or meanings are hidden within. So I suggest everyone ought to check it out.

A sample of each persons work was featured in the announcement for the faculty art exhibit.

Sarah Hlusko photo

Police and Safety will be ticketing cars without parking permits beginning this week. Students must go through multiple steps online and in person in order to pick up their hanging tag, another hassle busy students dont need.

RNC nomination process questionable, possibly hypocritical in nature

By Travis Lindsey
Contributing writer
In 2008 at the Democratic National Convention many state delegates planned to unite behind President Obama before the roll call of the delegates votes were cast. During the actual roll call the Democratic Party came together when California passed with its 441 votes of leverage, Illinois passed, New Mexico yielding back to Illinois and then yielding to New York and history was made as Hillary Clinton entered onto the floor and rallied the convention behind their leader President Obama. The Democrats had their eyes set firmly on the future, in unity, a goal of victory, faith in party and country Clinton said, as the Convention passed an Acclamation to nominate its leader. The rest is history. Unfortunately, Republicans have not fostered a spirit of unity but rather have encouraged disrespect, corruption, violation of their own rules and violating peoples hard work and rights. Before the roll call of votes, two rules were put to a vote, fixing future delegate outcomes at conventions by binding delegates to state caucus and primary results, stripping away hard-working delegates such as those of Ron Pauls who were present at the Convention. The other rule changed the number of states needed to place a name in nomination for president from only five to eight states. The teleprompter for Chair John Boehner (House majority leader) already had the results scripted on it as the delegates voted from the floor for the rules change. The ayes have it, was on the teleprompter before the vote was taken. Is that democratic or something else? Ill let you decide.

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

@mercyhurst.edu Editors Positions editormerciad Stacy Skiavo Editor-in-Chief newsmerciad Alicia Cagle News Editor featuremerciad Kayla Kelly Features Editor opinionmerciad Caitlin Handerhan Opinion Editor sportsmerciad Joe Chiodo Sports Editor Mat Anderson A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad copymerciad Chelsea Schermerhorn Copy Editor Samantha Link photomerciad Graphics Zach Dorsch photomerciad Photo Editor Ethan Johns ejohns89 Web Editor Courtney Hartline admerciad Ad Manager Bill Welch wwelch Adviser

The Center for Academic Excellence is open and students are enjoying the awesome walls, which are all dry-erase boards. Too bad the marker doesnt erase very well, giving the cleaning crews fits.

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B. Our telephone number is (814) 824-2376. The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays. by noon and may not be more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

To continue reading this article, please visit merciad.mercyhurst.edu

Page 8

Lakers run over Millersville Marauders

Football finds redemption in 45-7 win over Marauders
By Joe Chiodo
Sports Editor
game and a touchdown. Additionally, junior Steven Wakefield booted a 77-yard punt, the second longest in school history. Furthermore, Wakefeild kicked a 46-yard field goal, breaking his previous record of 35 yards. With all of these impressive running stats, its hard to forget the other positions that are necessary to make such results possible. The offensive line is often overlooked in regards to recognition, but their role is vital to the offenses ability to make plays happen. Senior offensive lineman Kevin Poropat wasnt surprised by the win against Millersville, but he is relieved. It feels good to bounce back, especially after last weeks game, Poropat said. As a senior, Poropat knows his way around the offensive line. As a freshman, I was playing right tackle. Sophomore and junior year I switched over to left tackle, and now I play left guard. Ive been all over the place, Poropat said. Poropat was recently awarded two All-American honors from the USA Football Freedom Bowl and the D2 vs. NAIA Bowl. Poropat knows the importance his team played in him receiving All-American recognition. Im honored to be named an All-American; not many people can say that, said Poropat. I owe it to my teammates, they help me a lot. Expectations are high this year for the Lakers, and Poropat cant help but desire a repeat of their 2010 season, when the Lakers won the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) Championship. We definitely want to get back to the top of the PSAC, were optimistic. Our first goal is to win the West though, said Poropat. All I care about is doing my job and helping my team win ball games. It is all I care about. The Lakers will make their first home appearance this Saturday, Sept. 15 against the Clarion Golden Eagles on Tullio Field.

Sports

September 12, 2012

Mercyhurst University football hasnt fallen to 0-2 since 2006. So, after losing their season opener to Notre Dame College on Aug. 30, 59-42, the pressure was on to win their next game, which took place this past Saturday, Sept. 8th against the Millersville Marauders. The Lakers showed up in full force, crushing the Marauders in a 45-7 victory. The game was won on the ground, with 379 rushing yards. Overall, the Lakers averaged 7.4 yards per carry on a total of 51 runs against the Millersville defense. Running backs freshman Brandon Brown-Dukes and junior Allen Jones II both had career record days on the field. Brown-Dukes became one of only five players in Mercyhurst history to rush for more than 200 yards in a single game, while Jones II had a career-high 132-yard

Kevin Poropat (right) practices blocking drills with teammate Joe Coyne (left) in preparation for the home opener this Saturday.

Lindsay Beers photo

Coach credits maturation, determination for teams success

By Lindsey Burke
Contributing Writer
After dropping their first contest to Northern Michigan University in the Ferris State Tournament, the Hurst has rolled to a seven-game win streak. The most notable of wins came over Ferris State University which was ranked 14th in the nation at the time. The five-game thriller was led by senior Kiera Rebert with a careerhigh 41 assists and senior Elyse Texido with 35 digs. Texidos digs were also a career-high and the most by a Mercyhurst libero since 2004. After the upset win, the Lakers picked up three more wins during the Mercyhurst Gannon Invitational. All matches were won in four sets or less. The team of 19 is led by a powerhouse packed upperclass. The 2012 Lakers have seven seniors and five juniors. This experience has fueled the teams exciting run. Maturation that comes with age has made a big difference so far, said Head Coach Ryan Patton. Specifically, there seems so far to be a determination to buckle down and do the extra things that good teams do. Senior Katie Powell agrees. We have been playing together since we were freshmen and now that we are seniors we have a lot of experience, said Powell. Because our senior class is large, we have been able to lead the underclassmen by example. The Lakers have rebounded from the 2011 season, finishing the year with a 14-18 overall record. Only losing seniors Chelsea Hennigan, Kelsey Richardson and Megan Riske has allowed the team to use their existing chemistry to fuel their 2012 run. It is the little things that have impressed Coach Patton. Covering attackers and playing solid defense has been our strongest points, this may be the best team Ive ever had or seen at it. As the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) approaches, the Hurst eyes on being a top contender. We need to improve our intensity, said Powell. Usually by the third set we lose a little momentum, and we need to be able to rally and finish the game. Patton feels this team has put it all together. We finally have good competitive aggression pointed at people in other uniforms, an understanding of all the extras it takes to be good instead of ok, and a sense of urgency that successful teams feel. The Lakers added four newcomers in 2012, Kelly Vitt, Erin Byrnes, Karly Burns and Lexi Stefanov. These freshman have used experience from upperclassmen to find

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their place on the roster. Seniors Kiera Rebert, Amanda Balasko, Becky Smith, Becky Leusch, and Elyse Texido have been leading the stat column. Most of these seniors have been in their position since freshman or sophomore year making each of their roles difficult to fill. Rebert and Texido are off to career starts and will be tough roles to find replacements in 2013. Rebert has 237 assists on the year, and Texido has 132 digs. The 2012 Lakers have set the pace for a memorable year, and will open home PSAC play Oct. 5 against Kutztown at 2:30 p.m. in the MAC (Mercyhurst Athletic Center).