THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MERCYHURST COLLEGE SINCE 1929
FEATURES
Page 5
MERCIAD
Vol. 79 No. 8
THE
MSG secretary impeached
Jennifer Ciccone placed on probation after found to be neglecting duties
Secretary Jennifer Ciccone reflects after finding result of a 28-14 impeachment vote that led to her proba-
tion in office. Ciccone was found neglecting duties of her secretarial job over a period of three months.
Mercyhurst heads for Europe
By Sarah Sheehan
Contributing writer
This upcoming spring term, students
can participate in a Europe Study
Abroad Program. Students will visit six
different cities in two different countries
in Europe. The program continues
throughout the spring term into the
early summer.
This opportunity provides students a
chance to travel through Europe while
earning college credit.
Dr. David Livingston, Dr. Daniel
Alternative spring break offered Christmas on Campus
By Meghan Smith
Contributing writer
With spring break only a few
months away, many of the students at
Mercyhurst are beginning to search for
the best place to spend their two weeks
away from the snowy weather.
Students are looking for a place that
is warm and will help them forget all
about winter classes. A place that is
affordable enough to go to with a large
group of friends. It should also be a
Iraq soldiers are
not forgo�en by
grad students this
holiday season
Mercyhurst College 501 E. 38th St. Erie Pa. 16546
McFee, Dr. Brian Reed and Dr. Mary
Ann Owoc are accepting applications
for 25 students to participate in this
opportunity to learn more about Euro-
pean society and culture.
The only two requirements for the trip
are an application and that the student
participating is registered for Western
Christian Heritage, Social Ethics, and
British Classics for the spring term.
These classes have prerequisites of
Western or World Classics and Religious
Persons and Traditions or Understand-
ing Scripture.
The requirement of having senior
place that will provide enough memo-
ries to last them a lifetime. Fortunately,
each year the office of Campus Ministry
offers just that.
As a Catholic institution, Mercyhurst
College has a long history of service
to members of the Erie community.
Over the years the outreach program
has extended beyond the limits of the
college.
It has become part of the mercy
mission to help those in need from
all backgrounds. Each year students at
Mercyhurst College have the oppor-
SPORTS
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
credits to register for the ethics class is
waived because it is important to have a
broad age range participating in the trip.
The selection process is based on class
rank. Everyone is welcome to apply.
During the spring term, students will
complete about 70 percent of the class
material and finish the classes during
the trip. Students will leave for Europe
May 23 and return June 8.
During this time, they will travel to
both Italy and Ireland. Students will
have an opportunity to sightsee and
Please see Travel on Page 3
tunity to travel to other parts of the
country to aid in the relief and rebuild-
ing of communities.
The office of Campus Ministry at
Mercyhurst College works closely with
many organizations across the country,
including Habitat for Humanity, in
order to bring life changing opportuni-
ties to both the students of Mercyhurst
and the families they work with.
Abby Wayman, a sophomore, partici-
pated in the Border Awareness trip
Please see Students on Page 3
Page 11 & 12
By Joshua Wilwohl
Editor-in-chief
In a 28-14 vote, the Mercyhurst
Student Government impeached
Secretary Jennifer Ciccone and placed
her on a to-be-determined probation-
ary period following a weekly meeting
on Monday.
The vote comes after several of
Ciccone’s obligations were neglected
and extended, and routine deadlines
for her secretarial duties were not met,
the executive board said.
The MSG executive board originally
asked Ciccone to resign and step down
from her position in mid-November,
but upon refusal, the board sent an e-
mail to MSG representatives stating
she neglected several responsibilities
over the course of three months,
beginning in September.
The three-page e-mail outlines the
rationale for Ciccone’s impeachment,
stating, “It was determined that most
of the responsibilities of the secretary
were not fulfilled satisfactorily and
many were not completed at all.”
The message also includes an
executive summary and timeline
of events “…summing several key
points behind the situation that make
it different from ‘dropping the ball’ a
couple of times,” according to the e-
mail.
MSG President Dan Schuler said
he was saddened to send the message
to representatives, but had no other
option.
“I have to be responsible for all the
duties upheld,” he said. “There had to
be a point where I could not allow (the
lack of duties) to go on any more.”
Ciccone fully admitted during the
meeting she did not fulfill some of
the responsibilities on deadline. “Yes,
they gave me deadlines; yes, I agreed
to them,” she said. “But, my first
Senior Angella Divell helps her buddy decorate Christmas cookies.
By Lori Letender
Contributing writer
When Amy Todd looks back on
her time spent at Mercyhurst, she will
no doubt remember Christmas on
Campus.
The annual service project provides
her, and many students, with fond
memories of providing a good Christ-
mas for children who really need and
appreciate it.
More than 100 underprivileged chil-
Men’s and
women’s hockey
go 4-0 on the
weekend
December 7, 2005
objective is school.”
According to the timeline of MSG
secretarial responsibilities produced by
the executive board, Ciccone did not
complete 12 of 38 tasks until the third
deadline.
“Some issues were addressed earlier
and I had one-on-one meetings with
Jen and Darcey (Kemp) to discuss
them and set mandated deadlines,”
said Schuler.
The timeline also states that nine
duties were not completed as of noon
on Dec. 5.
“We informed her about the
completion of responsibilities when
we asked her to resign,” said Schuler.
“She had almost three weeks to
complete them.”
In an additional, 17-25 vote, the
representatives chose not to remove
Ciccone from office, but place her on
probation.
“Until we come up with another way
to handle this process, it (probation)
is the best solution,” said senior
representative Jeannie Jyurovat.
Ciccone’s probation period, according
to the executive board, will be led by a
committee of five representatives to
ensure duties and responsibilities are
met by a certain deadline so as to avoid
removal from office.
Representatives varied in their
positions with the executive board.
According to sophomore representa-
tive Dan McNulty, the executive
board’s reasoning for impeachment
was not warranted.
“This should not have happened,”
he said. “This was simply too much
for a representative to deal with in one
night.”
Senior Kathleen Chew, however,
disagreed. “(Jen) was told the
responsibilities beforehand,” she said.
“We are all held accountable for hard
work.”
Please See Impeachment on Page 4
Contributed photo
dren from the Erie area will gather on
the Mercyhurst College campus Satur-
day, Dec. 10 for some holiday joy and
fun provided at no cost by Mercyhurst
students and faculty.
Without volunteers, Christmas on
Campus would not be able to be the
success that it is.
Darcey Kemp, the director of the Stu-
dent Union and advisor for Christmas
on Campus explained that more than
250 students volunteer to help with
Please see Tidings on Page 3
PAGE 2 THE MERCIAD December 7, 2005

NEWS To contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Sigma Tau adds members

World Briefs Record number of inductees added to the revitalized ‘Hurst chapter
International news must have no reservations about
By Matt Hubert
them as a student.”
Compiled by Contributing writer
The 2005-06 class of inductees
Corrie Thearle
consists of Sarah Arnold, Lakyn
Beta Upsilon, the Mercyhurst Bianco, Josie Cattron, Matt Hu-
Saddam trial College chapter of the Interna- bert, Katie Lish, Shelly Manison,
The first witness to speak in tional Honor Society Sigma Tau Amanda Marton, Anne Munz,
person at the trial of ousted Delta, inducted a record 14 new Ger Power, Hope Randall, Ka-
Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein has members in a ceremony held last cie Rea, Mandy Schuyler, Jason
spoken of arrests, torture and month. Sepac and Julie Whan.
murder in a Shia village. Co-Presidents Emily Whitaker In addition to the official cer-
Ahmed Hassan Mohammed and Matt Peterson, Vice Presi- tificates signifying their Sigma
detailed the killing of 148 people dent Brady Hunter, and Histo- Tau Delta membership, the new
in the village of Dujail, north of rian Katie Cerqua officiated the members were promised com-
Baghdad, in 1982. ceremony. memorative pins that have not
The Iraqi forces’ torture equip- Faculty sponsor Dr. Brian Reed yet arrived.
ment included a mincing machine also attended the ceremony. Each inductee also received a
sometimes fed with living human When asked to comment on hardbound edition of “The Rect-
bodies, he said. his role in the organization, Reed angle,” Sigma Tau Delta’s official
Saddam Hussein and seven explained, “I am responsible for journal of creative writing and
former senior Iraqi officials are amassing the pool of candidates “The Sigma Tau Delta Review,” a
accused of involvement in the each year, selecting the final journal of literary criticism.
murder of 148 Shia men in the roster of candidates, collecting Parents, friends and family were Photo courtesy of Dr. Brian Reed

village of Dujail, following an dues and working as a liaison to also in attendance at the event to New members of the Mercyhurst Beta Upsilon chapter.
attempt on the former leader’s the national chapter.” share in the celebration.
life. Beta Upsilon consists of Eng- After the new members took ship and a commitment to get- McGurk.
The defendants could face the lish majors and minors at Mercy- the official pledge, they posed for ting people involved through Beta Upsilon’s primary purpose
death penalty if found guilty. hurst College. a group photo, and enjoyed re- organized, sponsored group is to honor English majors and
In order to be considered for freshments while interacting with activities. minors who are exemplary stu-
induction, Reed explained, stu- new and existing members. The local chapter of Sigma Tau dents and scholars at Mercyhurst
dents “must be of junior stand- Sigma Tau Delta is presently Delta was founded in February College.
Earthquake shakes East Africa ing, have an acceptable GPA and enjoying a resurgence, both in of 1986 under the direction of
A strong earthquake jolted Africa’s Great Lakes region on Monday, the English Department faculty terms of a growing member- then faculty sponsor Dr. Joanne
killing at least one person in Congo’s remote east and rattling regional
capitals. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that a 6.8 magnitude
quake struck near the town of Kalemie in the Democratic Republic of
Congo, some 600 miles southwest of the Kenyan capital Nairobi.
Besides Kenya and Congo, tremors were felt in Burundi, Rwanda
Annual food drive was a great success
and Tanzania. “This was our most success- could easily collect donations. Ministry is hoping for another
By Lakyn Bianco
ful year in our 33 year history,” “It was very humbling to see all successful drive.
Contributing writer
said Campus Minister Paul Ma- of the food that was collected, “We hope to keep the momen-
cosko. especially with the approaching tum going and we are looking for
Rice responds The annual Mercyhurst College A week before the drive post holiday season. It seemed that ways in which to do so now,” said
Secretary of State Condoleezza food drive set a new record this cards were sent to residents from we did a great thing in helping Macosko.
Rice has admitted that terror year of 7,737 pounds break- Glenwood Park Avenue to Mc- to feed the hungry in our own Campus Minstry would like to
suspects are flown abroad for ing last year’s record of 5,825 Clelland and from 26th Street to area this season. It was very ex- thank the 269 student volunteers
interrogation, but denied they pounds. Grandview notifying them the citing to see all of the students who helped with this year’s food
were tortured. There were 269 student volun- collection would take place. return with full bags and stories drive, which took place in late
She said suspects were moved teers this year for the 33rd annual Residents were encouraged to about people they collected food October.
by plane under a process known food drive, including members put food on their porches so the from,” commented Macosko.
as rendition, and that this was “a of various sports teams. Mercyhurst student volunteers As for next year, Campus
lawful weapon.”
She refused to address claims
that the CIA runs secret prisons
abroad where suspects are inter-
rogated without reference to
international law.
She then flew to Europe, where
she can expect tough questions
on the issue. The allegations
have caused an uproar, and the
European Union has written to
D.C. asking for clarification.

Chavez victory
Supporters of President Hugo
Chavez claimed victory on Mon-
day in elections that were ex-
pected to give pro-Chavez politi-
cians all 167 seats in the National
Assembly.
Several of Venezuela’s major
opposition parties boycotted the
vote on Sunday, which had an
estimated turnout of 25 percent
and is likely to further polarize
Venezuelan society.
“Silence united Venezuelans,”
said Gerardo Blyde of Justice
First, one of several leading op-
position parties that pulled out
days before the vote, complain-
ing the voting system could not
be trusted.

Mercyhurst graduate injured in Iraq

Raymond Baronie, a 2002 criminal justice graduate of the Mercy-
hurst Erie campus, and a 2000 graduate of Mercyhurst North East,
was injured last week in Iraq.
According to a news account in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review,
Baronie, a first lieutenant in the Second Marine Division, suffered
two broken legs and internal injuries when the vehicle he was in was
hit by a roadside bomb 70 miles west of Baghdad. Another Marine
was killed in the blast. Baronie, 26, has been in Landstuhl Regional
Medical Center, a U.S. military hospital in Germany, undergoing treat-
ment for his wounds, his relatives told the Tribune-Review.

Israeli suicide blast

A Palestinian suicide bomber
killed five people and injured
dozens in the Israeli coastal town
of Netanya Tuesday.
The bomber attacked the Sha-
ron shopping centre, the scene
of previous bombings, at about
11:30, injuring some 40 people,
several of them seriously.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad
group claimed responsibility for
the attack and released a video of
the bomber.
December 7, 2005
Dave Robinson leads a discussion on global poverty.
Speaker discusses
global poverty
By Jonelle Davis
Contributing writer
U.S. and global poverty was the
discussion at Monday’s global
issues forum at Mercyhurst, led
by the Executive Director of Pax
Christi U.S.A., Dave Robinson.
Before the discussion began,
the small but diverse group of
faculty, community members
and others, viewed “The U.S.
and global poverty,” by Scott
Standley.
The video focused on the idea
that the breach between the rich
and the poor is larger than ever
and the gains in human devel-
opment have not been evenly
distributed.
Robinson began a discussion
by saying that when he first
watched the video he jumped
out of his skin. He then gave
some propositions for everyone
to ponder, including the idea
that there are serious flaws in the
World Bank’s one dollar per day
poverty line, saying that the GDP
skews results.
“If one percent of the popu-
Tidings of joy
Continued from Page 1
Christmas on Campus each
year.
“The energy in the Union that
day is unbelievable,” said Kemp.
She explained that the students
really enjoy the time they spend
volunteering for the event.
Amy Todd is this year’s stu-
dent director of Christmas on
Campus. A special education
and early childhood education
major at Mercyhurst, she has
been involved with Christmas on
Campus for the past three years.
Todd is excited about leading the
experience this year.
It’s a “nice event that gets the
whole college working together,”
said Todd.
She explained that she is as-
sisted by Kemp and eight other
student volunteers who serve as
committee chairs in planning the
event. These volunteers begin
work and planning for the event
in October and continue up until
the big day.
In addition to the chair people,
each committee has a number of
extra volunteers to help with the
workload.
Committees take charge of
decorations, events, publicity,
refreshments, volunteers, gifts
and characters.
College clubs, organizations
and teams also play a big role in
the event.
These groups volunteer to
provide the children with games,
crafts or activities.
Approximately 100 students
volunteer to do an activity with
the children.
Any college recognized group
is invited to provide an activity.
Some activities include: making
ornaments, sing-a-longs, danc-
ing, cookie decorating, face
painting, musical chairs, bingo,
making special gift wrap and
lots more.
Each year, Mercyhurst Student
Government provides a unique
activity for the children.
MSG sets up a little store where
the children can pick out and
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
lation is doing fabulous and 99
percent is stagnant, everyone
will still look like they’re doing
well, which is not the case,” said
Robinson.
“Also, they don’t use a country
specific approach. They don’t
focus on specific realities of the
cost of living. In one part of a
country, one dollar per day will
get you something different than
what one dollar per day will get
you in another part.”
Robinson also focused on the
idea that countries developed
significantly better between 1960
and 1980 compared to 1980 to
2000, and also commented on
the issues of education, corrup-
tion and more.
After making opening com-
ments, the group joined Robin-
son in discussing the video and
the issues at hand.
The forum was part of the
Great Decisions discussion
group of the Foreign Policy
Association, which covers vari-
ous international issues facing
the U.S. in today’s volatile world
environment.
wrap small gifts for their parents
and family. This gives the kids a
chance to give presents to their
family, something they would not
otherwise be able to do.
Another popular activity is pic-
tures with Santa Claus and Mrs.
Claus. The children get to make
an ornament out of the picture
to take home with them.
Each year, Campus Ministry
dresses around 25 students up
in costumes for the event. Sister
Geri Rosinski, the director of
Campus Ministry, takes charge
of the costumed characters for
Christmas on Campus.
The students that dress up “get
into the characters and have fun
with it,” said Rosinski. She ex-
plained that they really enjoy it.
The costumed characters walk
around the Union and pass out
candy to the children.
Students also help out with the
event by providing entertain-
ment. The choir and musicians
sing and play Christmas carols
and songs.
Performances are also provided
by the Mercyhurst Dancers and
dance team.
Besides planning the event,
providing activities, dressing up
and providing entertainment,
more than 120 students sign up
to be “buddies” for the event.
Each buddy is assigned one
child to spend the entire day
with.
The buddies go around to all
the activities with children and
help the children to have fun.
“It’s a wonderful experience for
the students who are buddies to
have a one-on-one relationship
with the kids,” said Rosinski.
Typically, between 100 and 120
children attend the holiday event.
“The turn out is extraordinary,”
said Todd.
This year’s Christmas on Cam-
pus will be held in the Student
Union on Dec. 10 from 1 p.m.
until 4 p.m.
To get involved with Christ-
mas on Campus, contact Darcey
Kemp in the Student Union.
Travel broadens student horizons
Continued from Page 1
and learn at the same time.
One of the greatest benefits of
the program is that it’s an excel-
lent way for students to travel in
a group setting.
The trip provides a safe envi-
ronment for students to experi-
ence new cultures and ideas. In
addition, students get to know
each other quite well and make
memories that will last a life-
time.
The trip will not just consist
of sightseeing and leisure but
schoolwork and education.
While in Rome, students can
visit the Vatican City, which
will coincide with their religion
class.
In Dublin, students will learn
of the 1916 Easter Rebellion,
which corresponds with the
social ethics class.
Globalization will also be fo-
cused on while visiting Italy.
Furthermore, while in Dublin,
the discussions of what a “just
war” is and terrorism will take
place.
The courses are related to every
city visited on the trip. Not only
are students given the chance
to have an interactive learning
experience but they will also be
reading articles and books that
have to do with what they are
experiencing.
Everyday there are group ac-
tivities planned for the students.
One example would be a morn-
ing visit to a museum and then
spending lunch together dis-
cussing some of the items they
viewed. After lunch students
will then be allowed time for
themselves.
Students spend break helping others
Senior Christina Machesney enjoyed her alternative break.
Continued from Page 1
offered by the college last spring.
“I went on the trip expecting to
help people. They ended up help-
ing me. They welcomed us with
open arms and truly appreciated
what we were doing for them in
our time there, ” Wayman said.
This year members of Mer-
cyhurst College have a number
of different destination oppor-
tunities.
As they have in the past, Cam-
pus Ministry is offering trips
through organizations such as,
Border Awareness, Urban Chal-
lenge and Habitat for Humanity
to name a few.
“We want to connect students
with Mercy volunteers from dif-
ferent branches and cultures,”
said Sr. Geri Rosinski director of
Campus Ministry.
Mercyhurst Florence summer program
By Stephanie Williams
Contributing writer
Florence, Italy, has long been
renowned as a city of culture,
history and art.
It is with much excitement
that Mercyhurst College is now
offering for the first time a sum-
mer program taking place in this
historic city.
The program, which is to last
for a duration of six weeks, is a
rare opportunity for students to
experience Italian culture while
earning a total of six Mercyhurst
THE MERCIAD
To contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
If students want to hop on a
train and visit an outlying village,
they can. There are mandatory
activities yet there is also a great
deal of free time.
Sometimes students can check-
in, in the morning then do not
have to check-in again until the
next morning.
The trip is extremely struc-
tured, yet, the professors are not
going to hold students hands
and lead them through the ex-
perience.
The individuals that participate
in the trip are students, tourists
and cultural observers all at the
same time.
McFee said that on last year’s
trip, “People really stuck together
last year even on free days the
students and professors contin-
ued traveling together. On eve-
nings, we would all go to a pub
together just because that is how
close we became over the period
of the trip. It became like a fam-
ily in some ways, which is a huge
benefit for us as faculty because
we get to know the students on
a personal level.”
The program is very challeng-
ing and students put out a lot of
effort each day in their studies.
Students are pushed while on
the trip, but McFee said, “The
students might have played hard
during the day but they were hard
workers at night,” and got their
schoolwork done.
Last year, all the students did
extremely well in all the classes
despite the intensity of the
program.
To make the trip more afford-
able and realistic, the administra-
tion is now offering financial aid
grants for students to participate
Contributed photo
Each of these establishments
offers different opportunities
depending on what kind of
outcome the student wishes to
accomplish.
The Border Awareness mis-
sion takes students down to
the border between Texas and
Mexico. Here they will work with
families and help them rebuild
communities.
This trip runs from Feb. 22
until the 28, which coincides with
the Mercyhurst spring break.
“The Border Awareness Trip
is the only place where first and
third world countries meet,” said
sophomore Nick Pecon who at-
tended the trip last year.
“It was a true eye opener, es-
pecially to see families sleep on
the floor so we could have their
beds. You just don’t see that too
often,” he said.
Credits.
The classes offered are History
105 and the student’s choice of
a studio class in photography,
painting, sculpture or drawing
for an elective.
According to Dr. Randall How-
arth, who will be conducting the
history 105 course, the students
will have the benefit of being im-
mersed in the city’s rich culture as
they will be living in Florence for
an extended period of time.
One cannot get this kind of
experience from simply touring
for a few days by bus.
The accommodations include
Students enjoy their last delicious Italian gelato in Rome.
in the program. The trip is the
cost of regular tuition plus an
additional cost of $3,750.
Mercyhurst has $300 and $400
grants available for some stu-
dents.
The trip price includes two
meals a day, living accommo-
dations and the admission for
group activities to such places as
the Vatican.
The students last year stayed in
convents, local university hous-
ing and hotels when necessary.
Livingston and McFee are work-
ing very hard to make the trip
affordable and worth its value.
Last year McFee, Snyder and
Livingston took 22 students to
Italy, Oxford and Ireland.
McFee believes that the trip
was a great success. This year
they are extending the trip to
Florence, Italy and omitted a stop
at Oxford.
McFee explained, “I enjoyed
For students looking for a
spring break experience that
doesn’t necessarily involve warm
weather, the Urban Challenge is
just right.
This alternative break takes
students into the inner city work-
ings of both Camden, N.J. and
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This
trip runs from Feb. 25 until
March 4.
While there, volunteers work
with families and children from
inner cities. This trip allows for
a better understanding of life in
large cities, while putting their
situations into perspective.
Another opportunity for the al-
ternative spring break is through
Habitat for Humanity.
Mercyhurst has been offer-
ing Habitat trips for more than
10 years. Past travels included
trips to Georgia, Florida and
Alabama.
While on these trips students
have the opportunity to help
rebuild houses and communities
for those in need.
This year’s trip will take vol-
unteers to Foley, Alabama. Its
location right on the Gulf Coast
made it a target for the recent
hurricane season.
Mercyhurst students will be a
key factor in the rebuilding of
the south and a huge assistance
to the hurricane relief.
This trip will tentatively run
during the week of Feb. 26.
“I loved being able to help the
program move forward,” said
junior Ralph Capone.
Last year he went on the Habi-
tat trip located in Dade City,
Florida.
an apartment paid for and pro-
vided by Mercyhurst College and
two banquet style meals a week.
In the past Mercyhurst Col-
lege has sponsored study abroad
programs in other European
countries such as England.
Florence, however, was chosen
for a variety of reasons entirely
unique to it. First of all, Florence
was the birthplace of the Renais-
sance and the home to geniuses
such as Leonardo da Vinci,
Dante and Michelangelo.
The influence of these re-
markable men is still evident
as Florence continues to serve
PAGE 3
News
Photo courtesy of Kelly Dombrowski
traveling with the students and it
was a wonderful privilege to get
to know the students on a per-
sonal level. We moved beyond the
formality of the classroom and
learned a tremendous amount
about life which is what a liberal
arts education is all about.”
Livingston expressed similar
thoughts.
“I spent three months in South
America when I was in college
and it changed my perception
on the world and I just want to
give my experience back to other
students,” he said.
The deadline for applications
and the $100 deposit has been
extended until Dec. 12.
Students should feel free to
contact McFee or Livingston
with any questions or concerns.
Do not miss a great opportu-
nity to travel, learn, and experi-
ence life!
“It was a great thing to do. I got
to help the families work on their
houses. I’m going back again
this year and I’m really looking
forward to it,” he said.
Other Trips sponsored by the
Campus Ministry include a visit
to a Navajo Reservation in Ari-
zona that will run from Feb. 25
until March 4, as well as an annual
trip to Honduras which runs at
the end of the year from May 22
until the 31.
Both of these trips provide
a look at different cultures and
allow student volunteers to be-
come active in an important
cause.
The estimated cost of any of
these trips ranges from $200 to
$600. For anyone who may be
concerned that the price may
be a problem, the school has
answers.
Each year the school applies for
academic grants. Once the grant
is received, the money is spread
out across all of the trips.
In addition, students can talk to
advisors at the financial aid office
in order to work something out if
monetary issues still arise.
For students unable to partake
in the alternative spring break,
the offices of Campus Ministry
offer year round opportunities.
Anyone interested in going
on one of the alternative spring
break trips or simply interested
in getting involved in community
service should contact the offices
of Campus Ministry located in
the Herman Student Union.
The phone number there is
(814)824-2301.
as Europe’s center for art and
learning.
Therefore, $3,900 plus the cost
of registering for the history
class is a small price for such
a great opportunity, especially
as all ground and air travel is
provided.
To ensure a position in the
program, you must pay a deposit
of $1,000 by Jan. 15.
Since the trip has a limit of 20
students, hurry fast to guarantee
your spot.
This summer session runs from
June 5 to July 13.
PAGE 4
News To contact: newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
MSG student body votes
to impeach secretary
Continued from Page 1
Some representatives also were
not pleased with either votes and
stated that the issue should have
been publicized with students.
Junior Jeff Cagle supports
Ciccone and informed the rep-
resentatives about lack of com-
munication in informing the
student body about the situation.
“Students must be informed,” he
said. “The student body elected
Jen.”
Agreeing, McNulty said the
impeachment “…should have
been brought to the students’
attention beforehand.”
Chew disagreed. “We (as rep-
resentatives) were voted to make
decisions (for the students),” she
said. “(The students) voted us to
Students voice their opinion on lack of communication with MSG
All 38 student representatives were present during the Dec. 5 meeting.
By Chelsea Boothe
Copy editor
On Tuesday, The Merciad sent
an all campus e-mail to students
asking them for their opinion
on whether or not they feel the
Mercyhurst Student Govern-
ment accurately represents the
student body, especially after
the impeachment of the MSG
secretary.
The poll began at 9:00 a.m.
and finished at 6 p.m. Over the
eight-hour period a little over
300 students could choose one
of two responses: Yes, they feel
completely represented by the
MSG, or no, they don’t feel MSG
is doing a proper job.
Below are some of the com-
ments The Merciad received from
Merciad student poll results
MSG does
accurately
represent the
student body
14%
be trustworthy enough.”
According to Schuler, it is not
protocol for MSG to inform
students. “That is not the way
MSG works,” he said during the
meeting.
Graduate student and past
MSG President Michael Manci-
nelli stated during the meeting
that the executive board should
learn to work together and un-
derstand that the entire board
is responsible for Ciccone’s lack
of work.
“The board is a team,” he said.
“And not one of (the execu-
tive members) said ‘let me help
(Jen).’”
Junior representative Eric
Everts shared Mancinelli’s opin-
ion. “We (representatives) all
represent the students,” he said.
“We should have been asked for
students.
“I do believe that MSG in-
forms the students. I am a junior
and I think that what MSG did
was the right thing. They had an
issue that needed to be resolved
within the group and only the
students in the government
should have known what was
going on to figure something out
before the whole school knew,”
said Stacey Basile.
“Although the entire student
body votes for the position of
MSG secretary, it is the execu-
tive board and representatives
who best understand the job
responsibilities of the Secretary
and therefore are the people
who needed to know about the
issue first.
“I have no doubt that the issue
MSG does not accurately
represent the student body
help.”
Senior representative Eric
Squatrito said the executive board
is supposed to run smoothly as a
unified body. “The board should
be able to function and get along
with one another,” he said.
Schuler stated that “MSG
represents 3,000 people” and the
body “tries to reach all constitu-
ents when we can.”
Treasurer Ryan Palm informed
the representative body that “the
doors will always be open for
students to ask questions and
inquire about anything that may
arise.”
Vice President Mike Nichols
agreed with Palm’s opinion.
“(Students) can rest assured that
MSG will move on from this
incident.”
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
would have been presented to
the student body following last
evening’s meeting if the student
body did not already know about
it,” said Lindsey Kole.
“I believe that the Mercyhurst
Student Government accurately
and adequately informs the cam-
pus on important issues that have
an effect on the entire student
body. This was an issue that
did not directly concern all of
the students, but rather was an
internal issue that dealt with the
members of MSG and how they
functioned.
“I think that publishing the
results of last night’s meeting is
appropriate. However, we did
not need to tell everyone about
the possible removal before-
hand, because if there wasn’t
86%
THE MERCIAD
Student representatives posed questions to the executive board and voted the impeach-
ment by secret ballot.
even an impeachment process,
then nothing would’ve happened
anyway,” said Ashley Masi.
“I believe that MSG informs
and represents the student body.
If you didn’t vote don’t com-
plain. MSG executive board
elections are at the end of the
previous year and all freshmen,
sophomores, juniors and seniors
can vote. Also class representa-
tives are also chosen. So if you
don’t like the way the people in
office are handling things then
get involved, don’t sit and com-
plain,” said Sarah Fedenets.
“I had no idea about this
impeachment. I am curious as
to why it is happening. I thought
that MSG had kept us, the stu-
dent body, well informed but
maybe that’s because I am not
informed about the things they
aren’t telling us,” said Brandy
Weber.
“This information is all news to
me. I do not feel that the Mercy-
hurst Student Government accu-
rately informs and represents the
student population on campus. I
had no knowledge of any issues
involved with the MSG secretary,
much less a vote concerning her
standing with MSG. If MSG
members are meant to represent
us, as students, we definitely
should have been kept informed
of something of this level,” said
Christin Lersch.
“I’m extremely disappointed
with MSG in being a represen-
tative of the student body. I at-
tended the impeachment hearing
last night but only because I am
a student who wanted to raise
a new order of business. I feel
as though the entire student
government doesn’t understand
the bigger picture of what really
matters.
“I sat and waited for two and
a half to three hours before I
could speak on my proposal for
slight revisions to the student
December 7, 2005
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
handbook (something that af- students.”
fects all of the students). After Ryan Palm, treasurer for MSG,
being rushed to speak the student said that since the beginning of
government returned to the is- year making MSG more avail-
sue of the impeachment,” said able to students has been their
Lauren McDermott. primary goal.
“Mercyhurst Student Govern- Palm has been the heading the
ment has become a clique of cause for the Website re-design
students that make decisions on proposal. It was accepted by the
a whole without surveying the administration, and will hopeful-
student body when big decisions ly be up and running next week.
need to be made. So many things Palm said the primary purpose
need reform on this campus, and will be “to get MSG and what we
student government instead de- do out to the students in a much
cides to focus trivial concerns. different form.”
“Things could be greatly im- Two ways this can be done will
proved if student government be through a blog system where
implemented a better communi- MSG will post a question and
cation system between student students can comment on them.
officers and the student body,” Secondly, they have a contact
said Amanda Pakutz. section that will be extremely
Dan Schuler, president of user friendly, as is the goal of the
MSG, also responded to the entire Website.
survey, “I understand that it is Palm said MSG is trying for a
always difficult to reach students “full scale attack” on the students
and can assure you that MSG to get out the word on MSG.
has worked very hard to inform
Reasons for
impeachment
The following list includes the secretarial tasks complet-
ed past deadlines as set by the executive board and are the
rationale for impeachment.
Not completed until after third deadline:
Student Directory:
• Finish ads-five ads confirmed from a list of 11 interested.
• Collect money-Money from five ads confirmed (all monies not
received).
• Call Office Max about pricing-Initiated contact with Office
Max; price quote not received.
• E-mail Tom Billingsley about employees getting the directory.
• Finished copy to print.
• Determine logistics of distribution (e-mail reps).
• Contact Jess Lamb and develop publicity for directory pick-up.
MSG Contact Sheet:
• Compile contact sheet.
• Put contact sheet in reps’ mailboxes.
Minutes:
• Give body minutes (draft) to Dan and Darcy for Review.
Tuesday Afternoon:
• Draft the first TA of winter term and e-mail to Darcy.
Exec Board Meetings and Schedules:
• E-mail final meeting time and schedules to Exec Board.
Not Completed as of Dec. 5, 2005
(day of impeachment):
Minutes:
• Give Exec Board minutes (draft) to Dan and Darcy for Review.
• Distribute final copies to everyone.
• Full term Exec Board minutes distributed to Exec Board.
MSG Rep Pictures and Display Case:
• Put pictures up and complete the display case.
• E-mail pictures to Ryan for Web Site.
Bulletin Boards:
• All bulletin boards completed.
Strike Policy:
• Distribute the final list of strikes for the last week and full
term to Exec Board.
Constituencies:
• E-mail results of the first constituency to reps.
• Determine 1st constituency of winter term (discuss with
Exec Board).
December 7, 2005 THE MERCIAD PAGE 5

Grad students execute Operation Reindeer
Christmas cheer made its way overseas to Iraq this November
By Jen Helbig
Contributing writer
In just a few weeks, faculty
and students will pack up and
go home to spend the holiday
season with their families.
Food, company and presents
are always wonderful to return to,
but what if they were not a train
or car ride away? What if they
were as far away as Iraq?
Dr. Missy Breckenridge, associ-
ate vice president of the Office
of Academic Affairs, with the
help of students and faculty in
Mercyhurst’s graduate school
were recently able to pack up and
send the holidays to 80 soldiers
stationed in Iraq on Nov. 15.
“We focused on soldiers who
weren’t married, because when
you’re married, you have a hus-
band or wife worried about you,”
Breckenridge said. “The graduate
students brought videos, DVDs,
magazines, candy, books and
baked goods to send to them.
We originally had 68 names, but
I e-mailed for more names be-
cause we had so many packages
to send.”
Breckenridge was able to find
the names of soldiers through
her daughter, Katie Brecken-
ridge- O’Leary, who is a platoon
leader and executive officer of a
troop that runs convoys in Iraq.
Katie’s father-in-law, John
O’Leary of Beaver Falls, Pa.
planted a seed of inspiration for
what eventually became “Op-
eration Reindeer” after holding a
similar event this past summer.
He asked that friends and
family who attended his Fourth
of July party bring small gifts to
send to the American soldiers in
Iraq to show them support.
Breckenridge said that O’Leary
called to start another project for
the soldiers, but he unfortunately
fell ill soon after. She was able to
take his idea and copy it within
the Mercyhurst community for
incredible results.
“Once a term, the graduate
school directors have a meet-
ing, and I mentioned the idea,”
Breckenridge explained. “The
directors were excited about the
idea of their students participat-
ing in a philanthropic event. The
graduate faculty distributed the
information in classes, and also
acted as contacts for student
questions.”
Breckenridge asked Kristin
Austin, the academic coordina-
tor in the Office of Adult and
Graduate programs, to help her
organize the event.
“I served as the contact per-
son,” Austin said. “I assisted in
advertising the program and in
running the event.”
Through their planning, “Op-
eration Reindeer” not only
brought presents to soldiers, it
also brought together a variety
of students who do not normally
interact.
“Mercyhurst has five graduate
programs that are very different,”
Austin said. “I was most pleased
that the graduate students had
the opportunity to come together
across disciplines.”
“Most people don’t realize,
each program has specific classes,
it’s not like you can take a few
classes in one and then transfer
to another,” Austin added.
Breckenridge agrees that Op-
eration Reindeer had a side ben-
efit of socialization. “We wanted
them to socialize with each other,
and it was also a great way to
integrate the graduate students
into the Mercyhurst college com-
munity.”
To contact: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
FEATURES
The graduate programs include
forensic and biological anthro-
pology, applied intelligence,
organizational leadership, admin-
istration of justice and special
education. Even though it’s a
spectrum of concentrations, the
students hit it off well.
“The event started at 6:00,”
Breckenridge said, “and at 8:15
they were still talking.”
Austin also recalled, “The fac-
ulty were all in attendance. They
stayed and socialized, and just
enjoyed each other’s company.”
The disciplines were even able
to contribute their own personal
flair when it came to the details.
“The special education stu-
dents asked their elementary
students to write cards for the
troops,” Breckenridge said. “We
already received a response to
one of them, and it was heart-
warming.”
“Operation Reindeer” was a
great success, and it is certain that
it not only spread holiday cheer
across campus, but also all the
way to Iraq.
“We hope to have more social
gatherings in the future,” Breck-
enridge added.

Behind the scenes of Mercyhurst Hockey

By Denis Kirstein
Contributing writer

Everyone has heard the saying

“Behind every great man, there
is a great woman.” But have
you heard, “Behind every great
hockey team, there is a great
“ Folgs is
the best thing
equipment manager?”
Mercyhurst College’s men’s and
women’s ice hockey teams are
to happen to
Mercyhurst
fortunate enough to have Mike
Folga as their equipment manger,
who also does double duty as the
athletic trainer.
hockey

“Folgs is the best thing to hap-
pen to the Mercyhurst hockey
teams,” said junior hockey player
Pat Henk.
Folga’s nickname to the players
and hockey staff is “Folgs.”
Folga has had green and blue
running through his blood since
1986, when he graduated from
Mercyhurst College with a bach-
elor’s of science degree in Sports
Medicine.
After graduation, from 1985
to 1988, he worked as head
medical trainer for the Pittsburgh
Pirate and Chicago Cub affiliates
in the Carolina, Midwest and
Appalachian Leagues. In 1988,
Folga began a lengthy career in
the NHL as head medical trainer
for the St. Louis Blues.
Five years later, he worked as
the head medical trainer for the
Indianapolis Ice of the Interna-
tional Hockey League. Later that
year, Folga returned to the NHL
as head equipment manager for
the New York Rangers. He was
among the staff for the 1994
MIke Folga works on the skate of hockey player Denis Kirstein during a game.
NHL All-Star Game that season,
then ended the year by helping
the Rangers win the Stanley Cup.
Folga worked for the Rangers
until the end of the 1999-2000
seasons.
Without a doubt his great-
est moment was when he won
the National Hockey League’s
Stanley Cup with the New York
Rangers, in 1994. “It was a great
moment for me personally and
for the team,” said Folga. “I
have some great memories and
friends from the ’94 Stanley Cup
team,” he said.
Folga has many day-to-day op-
erations that he has to take care
of for the men’s and women’s
hockey teams. As the equipment
manager, his first order of busi-
ness is to make sure that all the
players have the proper equip-
ment. “I order and give out all
of the players’ equipment,” said
Folga.
Currently the hockey teams
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
fit right, I have to complain to
him,” said junior hockey player
Mike Ella.
Folga also is the one who has
to keep the equipment in playing
condition. For example, if one
of the player’s pants rip, Folga is
the one responsible for sewing
the pants back together.
Some jobs Folga has to do
for equipment repairs include
”
teams.
- Pat
Henk
attention,” said sophomore Ryan
Toomey.
“I swear Folgs is always doing
a million things at once, I wish
there were people to help him,”
said senior men’s hockey player
Scott Reynolds. Another duty
of Folga’s is managing a work-
study crew of students that help
him do the hockey team’s dirty
laundry.
“Without a doubt, Folgs’ job
is very demanding,” said Reyn-
olds.
Folga’s job is demanding be-
cause he has to spend so much
time at the rink and on the road.
The men’s and women’s hockey
teams participate in a very com-
petitive game schedule nationally,

The ‘cutting edge’ of have an equipment sponsorship

with Mission Itech Hockey. To
be a successful Division One
sewing jerseys, sharpening of
skates, stick repairs, he does the
which involves an enormous
amount of traveling. Therefore,
it becomes difficult for him to
laundry after every practice and

Mercyhurst College collegiate hockey team, these

teams need a full time equipment
manager.
game, equipment adjusting, get
the players sock and stick tape
for games and practices, and if
spend time with his family.
“It’s hard at times to find time
for my family, but I make due,”
Are you doing research right now, either individually or with a professor? Would any of this “All of our equipment from some piece of equipment breaks said Folga. Folga makes every
research be considered ground-breaking or innovative? Would you like an opportunity to share head to toe, Folgs gets us,” he has to replace it. The most road trip with the men’s team.
your work with the Mercyhurst campus and the surrounding Erie community? said junior hockey player Jamie important thing to understand Because both teams play on the
Hunt. is Folga does all these activities weekends, Folga has to work on
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then the Academic Celebration Committee Folga’s job is not as easy as for both teams. the weekends, and therefore he
invite you to submit a proposal form for Academic Celebration 2005-2006. This year’s theme it sounds, because many times Along with being the equip- does not get the weekends off.
is “The Cutting Edge.” It will be held from March 19-22 and the main focus will be radical and equipment orders do not come ment manager for both teams, One would think though that
out-of-the-ordinary research. We will be featuring lectures, debates, audio-visual presentations, art in on time, and then he has to Folga is also the athletic trainer when the men’s team has an off
displays, photography displays, game-shows, other audience-participation formats and anything deal with the problem. “I feel for both teams. “Folgs is always weekend, Folga would have an
else your amazing minds can think up, all presented by students and faculty. bad for Folgs, because every time taping ankles and wrists as well off weekend. That is not true,
something doesn’t come in or as giving people ice and medical because when the men’s team
Events are open to everyone and all free of charge. All honors students can get event cards has an off weekend Folga has to
for attending events. manage the equipment for the
women’s team. “It’s hard because
If you think you might be interested in presenting your work, proposal forms will be sent out it seems like everyday I have
via e-mail and will be due to Dr. Karen Williams or Jessica Kocent by Jan. 16, 2005. If your more to do,” said Folga.
preliminary proposal is selected, you will then be asked to submit a final proposal. Please do With all the work Mike Folga
not miss out on this exciting opportunity!! does, it is great when he gets
recognized for “Being that guy
Gretzky bought a Range Rover
for.”
PAGE 6 THE MERCIAD December 7, 2005

FEATURES To contact: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu

A healthier column
With Jen
New classes bring a new term, fridge. So what does that leave chicken broth, fry a chopped
and the snow brings a new sea- us for a game plan for 14 more tomato and then add the rest of neighbors over and cook an extra
son, but there is one aspect of my meals? the veggies and cook them in its large portion – and ask them to
life that does not feel rejuvenated We’re not sure if this will get juice, or even eat it with a fried cook dinner tomorrow with their
at all: my bank account. us through two more weeks, egg white for breakfast. leftovers. That way you won’t get
After numerous trips to the but last night we found a great For some nutritional guidelines tired of what you’re eating.
mall and even more to online solution – we tossed everything though, stick to vegetables, they’ll So don’t starve while you’re
stores, the holiday season is test- in a frying pan with some olive be going bad over break so eat waiting for break, be creative with
ing the limits of my credit card. oil, and it tasted wonderful! I them now, and they are very in- your leftovers,
My roommate and I decided normally would not proudly expensive if you do need to run you might just
to eat everything remaining in recommend this, but it covered to the store. come up with Katie McAdams/Photo editor
our cupboards for the next two many nutritional bases, and left Don’t open up any sauce to put something ‘Hurst Cheerleaders perform stunts during halftime.
weeks so that we will have just us feeling full. on it, vegetables cooked in a bit good!
enough money to make it home Try playing around with the of olive oil will release flavors
on fumes. ingredients a bit to your taste, that don’t need to be covered Is cheerleading a sport?
We found a few cans of beans, you could brown some chicken, up in cheese or a creamy
apples, potatoes, and rice. The
freezer has some ice cubes, and
cook in white wine instead of
olive oil, chop it smaller and put
sauce that could mask their
flavor.
It’s a toss in the air
there are condiments in the it in a heated can of veggie or If you have a plethora of a be an athlete. The cheerleaders at
certain vegetable or food that By Missy Mulvihill
this school are just as physically
you need to use up, have your Contributing writer
active and involved in what we do
Bottom of the Fridge and as any other athlete on campus,”
The dictionary defines the Frantz concluded.
Back of the Cupboard Fry word “sport” as a “physical “They are a team. They have
Ingredients activity that is governed by a set to rely on one another, just as
of rules or customs and often much as the quarterback on a
1 Tbsp olive oil (vegetable oil or Pam cooking spray can work also) engaged in competitively.” football team relies on the line
1 handful of chopped onion Physical activity? Check. Set of to block for him. If one of them
2 cloves chopped garlic rules? Check. Engaged in com- is not doing their job, they will
2 large potatoes petition? Occasionally. not only look bad, but someone
2 apples- we mixed a Yellow Delicious and an Ida By these standards, the diction- can become seriously injured,”
Red, sliced about ¼ inch thick ary has defined cheerleading as a said Sodor.
1 stalk celery sport. Yet, there are those who There are rarely any questions
adamantly contend this very about the athleticism of these
2 Morningstar farms Grillers, or any meat
statement, calling cheerleading cheerleaders, so are cheerleaders
or meat substitute of your choice. We thought an activity. athletes without a real sport?
the “sausage” taste went well with the sweet apples One of the people who held They cheer at other sports, but
and hearty potatoes. this viewpoint is Mercyhurst ju- hardly do you see other sports
nior Hilary Frantz. Growing up cheering for the cheerleaders.
Directions as a dancer, Frantz never once “The only time we get cheered
took a second look at cheerlead- for is at competitions, except at
- Heat oil in pan.
ing. She, like many others, viewed games, where the parents cheer
- Add onion and garlic, make sure you move it around the pan, until the garlic begins to brown and the it as a chance for girls to stand for us after we perform during a
onion begins to soften. before a crowd and do “prissy time out.”
- Toss the potatoes in the microwave for about 3 minutes; make sure you pierce them with a fork cheers.” Recently, the Women’s Sports
beforehand so that the steam can be released. After they are softened, slice them about ¼ inch thick. “A couple of my friends in Foundation released the elements
- Add apples, potatoes, and celery to the pan, fry until the potatoes begin to brown and the celery is high school were cheerleaders that defined when a sport is a
softening. and they marched around in sport and not just an activity.
- Microwave the veggie burgers or pan fry any meat choice until fully cooked. Chop up and add to the their short skirts and just acted The first of these, was a physi-
skillet. obnoxious. It never interested cal activity in which some form
- Serve hot, season to taste with pepper. We also liked ours with ketchup, or a spoonful of honey or me,” Frantz said. of mass is propelled through the
That is, until she came to col- air or overcoming the resistance
brown sugar. This meal took us only about 15 minutes to make, and was very filling.
lege. “When I came to college, I of a mass.
really needed something to do in “Have you ever seen a basket
order to keep physically fit, so I toss?” asked Sodor. “Four girls
decided to try out for the cheer- essentially toss another girl high

Comm. upgrades benefit students

By Zachary Ross
Contributing writer
Communications professors
were recently granted permis-
sion to purchase a major series
of equipment upgrades for their
department. The upgrades are a
part of a long process to improve
the overall quality of the depart-
ment for the benefit of student
learning.
Brian Sheridan, department
chair of communications, and
Dennis Lebec, assistant profes-
sor of communications, have
been planning to make this se-
ries of equipment upgrades for
more than a year. Funding for
their plans was finally approved
last week by Dr. Michael J. Mc-
Quillen, interim president, and
Thomas Billingsley, executive
vice president of administra-
tion.
“I really credit Dr. McQuillen
and Mr. Billingsley for seeing the
need for this new equipment and
how it will strengthen our depart-
ment and help our students,”
Sheridan said.
After receiving funding for the
equipment upgrades last week,
Support the AdPro Club
and
Mercyhurst’s Art Department
Come to our Bake sale in the Student Union
December 13 and 14
from 9:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Indulge in brownies, cookies, cupcakes and
* homemade apple pie *
Also available for purchase will be the annual
Art Department Calendar,
which makes a great Christmas gift.
Sheridan purchased three new
“AVID Xpress Pro HD” non-
linear digital editing systems, two
new “JVC 5100” digital camcord-
ers with built in hard drives and
one new Sony digital camcorder.
The total cost of the new equip-
ment was not disclosed.
Sheridan stated that the new
equipment was purchased be-
cause he and other communica-
tions professors were unsatis-
fied with the operation of the
department’s current equipment
and its overall quality for student
learning.
“The equipment that we have
is not made for the abuse it is
expected to receive, especially
our editing systems. They are
outdated and are not reliable for
student use,” Sheridan said.
The new AVID digital editing
systems will replace the depart-
ment’s two “Screenplay” digital
editing systems, which have small
hard drives and are plagued with
computer bugs and viruses.
Sheridan feels that the cur-
rent editing systems had to be
replaced because of these prob-
lems and that the new editing
systems will be a major improve-
ment to the department.
“The editors we have offer
less than what most high schools
provide their students with. Re-
placing them with the AVID’s
will be like going from a Yugo to
a Ferrari. The systems are light
years apart,” Sheridan said.
The new systems have substan-
tially bigger hard drives and have
higher levels of audio and video
resolution. They also support
more media formats, such as high
definition, standard definition,
digital video, and film.
In addition, the AVID editing
systems are a popular choice
among professional production
companies and TV stations,
including the local news stations
here in Erie. Sheridan stated that
this was one of his main reasons
for purchasing them.
“The AVID’s will bring us to a
professional level of production.
They will provide students with
a higher level of technological
experience and can help them
get that extra job interview after
college,” Sheridan said.
Along with Sheridan, Lebec
also feels that the new systems
will play an important role in
helping students prepare for their
futures. He credits this assertion
to a digital editing demonstra-
tion he recently attended at the
National Broadcast Society’s
regional convention at Kutztown
State University.
“The demonstration had sys-
tems similar to the AVID systems
and I was basically able to see
what we are getting. The new
systems will put us in the best
possible situation to educate
students and prepare them for
the professional world of pro-
duction,” Lebec said.
According to Nadine Zinram,
a foreign exchange student form
Germany, “I think its great that
we are getting them, but I was
disappointed when I found out
that the department did not have
them when I came here.”
Zinram arrived at Mercyhurst
at the beginning of this year and
she has an extensive background
in the area of production. She
has worked with several presti-
gious production companies in
Germany, including the German
MTV affiliate VIVA and ZDF,
one of the biggest TV stations
in Europe.
In addition, Zinram also has
years of experience with the
AVID editing systems and has
one of its versions on her com-
puter that she has used for sev-
eral of her solo productions.
“I used the version I have on
my computer to edit my docu-
mentary on a medical helicopter
and for a short movie I produced.
It is really easy to use and I think
it is one of the best systems out
there,” Zinram said.
Like Sheridan and Lebec,
Zinram feels that it was necessary
to purchase the new editing sys-
tems to replace the department’s
current editing systems.
“I actually avoided working
with the editors we have now
because I heard so many bad
things about them. It is sad, but
true,” Zinram said.
Zinram also stated that she
feels the new systems will create
major improvements within the
department.
“It will take some time for
the students to become familiar
with the AVID’s, but once they
do, their production skills will
highly improve and so will the
credibility of the department,”
Zinram said.
Sheridan said that the one
system will be used this year for
the faculty and certain students
to train on. “All three will be up
and running for everyone’s use
next year,” Sheridan said.
Sheridan and Lebec will be at-
tending training sessions during
the spring term in order to famil-
iarize themselves with the new
editing systems. Students who
are interested in attending these
sessions or that have questions
about the new equipment can
contact Brian Sheridan at (814)-
824-2464 or through his e-mail at
bsheridan@mercyhurst.edu.
leading squad.” Frantz, along
with numerous other girls, went
through an extensive cheerlead-
ing try out.
The try-outs consisted of
cheers, jumps, gymnastic skills,
stunting and more. These all
require a great deal of physicality
in order to execute the skills to
perfection.
“We look for girls who are in
top physical condition and have
the stamina to essentially do car-
dio activities for a long period of
time,” said Mercyhurst cheerlead-
ing Coach Kim Sodor. “If they
cannot run three miles, they will
not be able to keep up in cheer-
leading at games, in competition
or at practice.”
“It is extremely common for
dancers or gymnasts to turn
into cheerleaders,” said Sodor.
“Cheerleading is a combination
of the two, dance and gymnas-
tics, with a little kick thrown in
between.”
If cheerleading is a combina-
tion of both, and both are con-
sidered sports, with the exception
of some thinking dance is not,
why is cheerleading not filed into
that category along with dance
and gymnastics? “It has been said
that cheering takes the strength
of football, the grace of dance,
and the agility of gymnastics.”
The people who oppose cheer-
leading as a sport do not have a
substantial number of reasons
for why it should not be catego-
rized this way.
“I do not consider cheerleading
as a sport. I mean, they are fun to
watch sometimes, but it is noth-
ing like watching, say basketball
or volleyball,” said senior Kath-
ryn Reeners.
Why should the Mercyhurst
cheerleaders be considered ath-
letes, instead of members of an
activity or club?
“We put just as much time into
what we do as any other team
does. We have practice, we are
required to attend gymnastics, we
must lift three times a week, plus
on top of cheering at the football
and basketball games, we go to
competition and compete against
other squads,” said Frantz.
“Yes, I do consider myself to
into the air. But, she is not only
just tossed up and comes back
down. While in the air, she per-
forms some form of split, tuck,
twist, whatever is choreographed.
That is much more than what
a basketball can do when it is
tossed into the air.”
The next requirement is a
competition between opponents.
“When we are cheering at games,
this does not apply to us. But, we
do compete and when we go to
these competitions we are enter-
ing into a contest with hundreds
of other squads,” said Frantz.
There have to be rules which
define time, space and purpose
of the contest and the conditions
under which a winner is declared.
According to the United Cheer
Association, in competition,
cheer performance are limited
to two minutes and 30 seconds.
They must keep within the blue
lines outlining the floor and the
purpose is for the best dance,
stunt and cheer group to win.
Finally, there has to be a com-
parison of the skills of those
participating in the competition.
“Competition is all about who
the best is. Who can perform
better than the others, has the
best dance technique, which
team can hold or throw the best
stunts, that is what competition
is all about,” said Frantz.
By these standards, cheerlead-
ing is technically a sport. How-
ever, the debate rages on. After
all, on the Mercyhurst Athletics
home page on the Internet, the
cheerleaders and the dance team
were removed from the women’s
sports drop down list and added
to the athletic department info.
Currently, the American Asso-
ciation of Cheerleading Coaches
and Advisors has created its own
category of what cheerleading
is. It is now termed an “athletic
activity” with dance teams and
marching bands grouped to-
gether.
“It would be great to be consid-
ered a sport,” said Sodor. “That
way these girls could get funding
and scholarships for all the hard
work and effort they put into it.
Now, they only put in so much
time because they love it.”
December 7, 2004 THE MERCIAD PAGE 7

To contact: featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
FEATURES
Cafe Diem continues to grow and improve
By Lori Letender
Contributing writer

It’s 10 o’clock on a Tuesday

night. Mercyhurst junior Melissa
Vasquez has been studying for
hours for her huge exam tomor-
row at 8 a.m., but there is still a
lot more information to cover.
As she lets out a big yawn,
she wonders how she will ever
be able to stay awake and finish
studying.
Then it hits her. She will make
a run to Café Diem.
Located in the Hammermill
Library, Café Diem is the only
student-managed and operated
coffee shop on the Mercyhurst
campus. This student enterprise
has grown quite a bit since it first
opened nearly five years ago.
“We’ve come a long way from
just having a calculator and a very
limited coffee menu; now, cus-
tomers can choose from a vast
assortment of specialty drinks,”
said Rachel Levasseur, a student
manager at Café Diem.
Levasseur explained that Café
Diem was first opened as a stu-
dent project out of the HRIM
department. As the years passed,
A Cafe Diem barista makes one of their hot drinks.
Café Diem grew in popular-
ity and expanded its menu and
business.
This year, Café Diem has a few
new additions and changes.
The coffee shop’s hours have
been expanded. On Monday
through Friday, Café Diem is
open in the morning from 8
– noon. Café Diem is also open
from 6 p.m. until midnight on
Sunday through Thursday eve-
nings.
Another new addition coming
this year will be Fair Trade coffee.
Fair Trade coffee assures that
coffee producers are being fairly
compensated for their hard work
in manufacturing coffee and not
being forced to sell their coffee
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
for less than it is worth. The ar-
rival of Fair Trade coffee at Café
Diem will take place in the next
few weeks.
Bagels are another addition
to Café Diem. Both plain and
cinnamon-raisin bagels are now
available with butter or cream
cheese, and a toaster is also on
its way.
Students enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Cafe Diem.
Bagels will join cookies and
strudels on Café Diem’s always
growing and changing pastry
menu. Each month a new cookie
or pastry becomes the special of
the month.
Being a coffee shop, Café Diem
focuses mainly on beverages.
Customers can choose from
coffees, teas, espressos, Italian
sodas or steamers. More than 20
specialty drinks are available and
can be made either hot or iced.
A large variety of flavors are also
available to add to any drink.
The goal of Café Diem has
long been to “offer students
quality drinks at unbeatable
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
prices,” said Levasseur.
All drinks at Café Diem are
under $3 and can be paid for with
cash or by using a campus card.
“You really get your money’s
worth,” said Levasseur.
Café Diem also has frequent
customer cards. When custom-
ers buy nine drinks, they get one
free with the card.
“We’re trying really hard to
extend our services and expand,”
said Sara Cockrell, another stu-
dent manager at Café Diem.
Some ideas in the works in-
clude board games, new furni-
ture, smoothies and a scholarship
fund.

Excessive alcohol consumption

plagues American college life
By Denis Kirstein
Contributing writer
Over the years alcohol has
become synonymous with the
college atmosphere. Society has
also glorified the image of alco-
hol in our culture.
Alcohol is a dangerous sub-
stance that is abused, by many
people in the United States. The
first step is to recognize what a
standard alcoholic drink is.
“A standard drink contains
about 0.6 fluid ounces of pure
alcohol,” said Renee Patton, MS,
LPC, and doctoral intern from
the Counseling Center in the
Cohen Health Center at Mercy-
hurst College.
“These are the standard drinks:
12 ounces of beer or wine cooler,
8.5 ounces of malt liquor also
known as a mixed drink, 5 ounces
of table wine, and 1.5 ounces
of spirits also known as a shot,”
said Patton.
“They lie or hide their drinking
habits to others. They become
abusive with others verbally and
physically. An alcohol abuser
needs to consume more bever-
ages in order to achieve the
desired effect,” Patton explained.
“Another sign that someone is
abusing alcohol is that they be-
come irritable, aggravated, and
unreasonable when not drink-
ing,” said Patton. “Another sign
that someone may witness is, an
abuser will have many medical,
social, financial, and family prob-
lems that are caused by drinking
alcohol.”
Abusing alcohol also causes
an array of medical problems.
“Alcohol is very abusive to the
brain, liver, and stomach,” said
Colvin. “When a student abuses
alcohol it leads to poor decision
making, which can then lead to
unprotected sex, which can lead
to pregnancy.”
types of strokes.
“Abusing alcohol in most cases
leads to depression, which causes
many more problems,” said
Colvin.
Women who are pregnant and
drink alcohol not only put them-
selves at risk, but put the child
they are carrying at risk. “Even
if a pregnant woman consumes
only one drink, it will affect the
fetus and increase the chance
of fetal alcohol syndrome,” said
Colvin. Fetal alcohol syndrome
will impair a child mentally,
behaviorally and physically as it
matures.
Many people, not just stu-
dents, use alcohol as a means to
overcome their stress. “People
abuse alcohol for many different
reasons that relate to their level
of stress,” said Patton.
“Some people have a family
history of drinking to relieve
stress, some believe that alcohol
will help to reduce their stress,”
incorporate alternative ways to
handle the stress without drink-
ing alcohol,” said Patton.
“And if they continue to
struggle with stress, set up an
appointment with a trained pro-
fessional, because they will help
immensely,” said Patton.
There are also ways to confront
a family member or friend that
has an alcohol problem. “Let
your abuser know that risky
drinking can lead to more severe
alcohol problems,” said Patton.
“Seek out resources in the
community such as AA, Alateen,
or Al-Anon, to help the abuser
understand that other people
in society are going through the
same problems as they are,” Pat-
ton said.
“Do not ever make excuses for
the alcohol abuser,” said Patton.
People often try to cover up or
hide the problem, because they
care so greatly for the person.
In most cases, the drinker is not Katie McAdams/Photo editor

said Patton. This Christmas tree made from beer cans shows how cre-
“Drinking alcohol can also lead said Patton. “In many cases, the aware of their problem and their
There are also drinking levels ative and obsessive college students are with alcohol.
to long term problems such as people who abuse alcohol feel drinking habits. Also, though it
that put people at risk. “Men are altering sleep habits, alcohol-re- helpless and have no control may sound strange, make sure said Patton. “Social drinkers personality, and becomes de-
at risk if they consume more than lated liver disease, heart disease, over the stressful event or feel- when you are having the discus- consume alcohol slowly, know pendant on alcohol as a form of
four drinks a day or more than cancer, and pancreatitis,” she ings. Another reason why people sion the person is sober. when to stop drinking, eat before courage.”
14 drinks a week,” said Patton. said. abuse alcohol is to avoid and “If the problems still exist, drinking, never drives after drink- “An alcoholic usually spends
“Women who drink more than “More than 2 million Ameri- numb their feelings that were the next best thing is to seek out ing, and respects nondrinkers,” most of their free time drinking,
three drinks a day or more than cans suffer from alcohol-related caused by the stressful event,” other people to help support she said. drinks alone, denies drinking,
seven drinks a week are at risk,” liver disease,” said Colvin. Patton explained. your cause,” said Patton. “A problem drinker, drinks to needs to be drunk to relieve
she said. “Men and women, of Heavy drinking over time can There are many ways to avoid “The best way to know if you get drunk, tries to solve problems stress, ignores the laws about
the age 65 and older, are at risk if increases a persons risk for high abusing alcohol when feeling are abusing alcohol is to identify by drinking, drinks at the wrong alcohol, and drinks to the point
they knock back more than one blood pressure and different stressed out. “The key is to your personal drinking habits,” times, experiences changes in of blacking out,” said Patton.
drink a day,” Patton said.
Alcohol abuse is a very serious
issue, especially amongst teenag-
ers, who are not even of the legal
drinking age. In many cases,
teenagers begin to abuse alcohol
before they step onto a college
campus. “The leading cause of
death for teenagers and young
adults is auto accidents related
to alcohol,” said Colvin.
“In the month of October,
Mercyhurst College Residence
Life wrote up 23 students for
underage consumption or un-
derage possession of alcohol
on campus,” said Alice Agnew,
Associate Director of Residence
Life and Student Conduct. Un-
derage students at Mercyhurst
may feel pressured to conform to
drinking alcohol at social events,
even though it is against the law
and student conduct.
The nurses at the Cohen Health
Center only see acute cases of al-
cohol abuse. “Mostly for alcohol
poisoning and intoxication,” said
Colvin.
There are many signs to recog-
nize if a family member or friend
is abusing alcohol. “People, who
have an alcohol problem, drink
because they feel guilty about
drinking. They have unsuccess-
ful attempts to quit or cut down
on their amount of drinking,”
PAGE 8
OPINION To contact: opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
MSG out of touch? Campus Question
The intent of this article is not to diminish the
hard work of the Mercyhurst Student Government.
The members of this organization work diligently
to provide many different outlets for activity and
participation for students on campus. MSG also
represents the student body faithfully in all mat-
ters of the college. You could say that MSG is the
“voice” of the students.
However, that voice is beginning to lose touch
with the large body of students it must speak for.
In article 10 of the Mercyhurst Student Gov-
ernment Constitution the duties of officers and
members is outlined in detail.
The first two sentences clearly state, “All repre-
sentatives shall have the responsibility of effec-
tively representing their constituents. Close contact
between representatives and constituents is the
primary duty of the representative.”
Each member of MSG understands that this is
their vital role
as a representa-
tive and is held
accountable to Corrie
their constitu-
ents to uphold Thearle
this duty.
Mercyhurst
students elect
representatives
to student government based on the trust that
these representatives will effectively speak for the
entire student body in issues concerning academic,
financial, social, cultural and political affairs of the
Mercyhurst community.
In article 10, section F, the Constitution also
outlines that, “Each Representative must participate
in Constituency. A) Representative must visit the
building(s) assigned to them at least three (3) times
per term.”
This specific task directly reflects the overarching
principle stated above maintaining “close contact
between representatives and constituents.”
In all aspects of decision making in order for
one person to speak or act in the best interests of
another, they must first have a deep understanding
of the other person’s ideas, desires and opinions on
the subject matter.
In the case of the recent impeachment of MSG
Secretary Jennifer Ciccone, 86 percent of students
who responded in email to an online survey claimed
that they felt MSG did not accurately inform and
represent them in affairs of the college.
Many students had no idea that Ciccone was
being reviewed for impeachment and were not
informed of the reasons behind this motion by
MSG representatives.
In many respects students feel that they were left
out of this decision making process by having no
idea that it was going to occur.
Students should be aware that the minutes from
every meeting are available in the MSG office
in the student union. Officers of the executive
board are always available to answer questions or
receive student response as well. Students have
the responsibility of keeping themselves informed
about issues on campus by venturing out and taking
advantage of these resources.
However, in the situation regarding the important
decision of impeachment, there was no possible
option for the student body to obtain information
independently from representatives.
The information regarding the vote for impeach-
ment was sent out to MSG representatives on Nov.
18, three days after Thanksgiving Break began.
It is entirely understandable that representatives
could not be expected to make phone calls to all
Using cheerleaders to sell prescription drugs
to doctors is troubling, changes needed
By Editorial from the Orlando Sentinel
Knight Ridder Newspapers
Sex sells. That truism is not so troubling when
it comes to businesses such as entertainment or
clothing or even cars.
But the New York Times reported recently that
the drug industry has been hiring cheerleaders as
representatives to pitch their products to doctors,
a profession still dominated by men. It’s disturbing
that doctors might make their drug choices based
on the sex appeal of sales reps rather than the qual-
ity and price of products.
A drug-industry executive insisted to the Times
that his company hires the pep squad for their
personalities, not their looks. Right.
Decisions that doctors make about drugs not
only can make or break the health of their patients.
They also impact the cost of private insurance and
The purpose of “Ask the Ethicist” is to provide insight and reflection on everyday ethical dilemmas facing individuals on campus.
The “Mercyhurst Ethicist” is not one person, but a group of Mercyhurst faculty, administrators, and staff
who will take turns responding to submitted questions.
To submit a question, e-mail lseddig@mercyhurst.edu
Your e-mail address will be removed to ensure anonymity.
THE MERCIAD December 7, 2005
their constituents during break to inform them of
the numerous reasons for impeachment.
Do you think the Mercyhurst Student Government
The impeachment process of Ciccone was a first is justified in impeaching an officer without the
in the history of MSG. It should be noted that
the executive board did not want to cause Ciccone knowledge or the student vote of the student body of
undue strain or embarrassement and gave her the Mercyhurst?
option of resigning before break.
Ciccone chose not to resign and to bring the issue
of her transgressions before the entire MSG body
for a vote of impeachment.
‘
After sitting in on the meeting on Dec. 5, I con-
gratulate MSG on the way they handled the process
of impeachment. Every representative was given
I would like to be informed
‘
on what is going on with our
a chance to speak and respected the opinions of
others. With no precedent to base this process on, government.
MSG effectively dealt with the situation.
However, this situation brings an imminent
problem to the minds of many students across
campus.
The only way students could be accurately
informed about the possible impeachment and
removal of Ciccone was through their representa-
Robert L., freshman, pre-major
tive.
Unfortunately many students did not find out
about this event until receiving the e-mail from the
‘
Merciad on Tuesday morning.
The most glaring problem that resulted in the As the student government is meant to
recent impeachment of Jennifer Ciccone was the represent the student body, I think we
lack of communication between the MSG repre-
sentatives and the student body.
should be informed of decisions this ‘
It cannot be claimed that the impeachment and important.
possible removal of an executive board member
from MSG is not an important issue that students
should have been made aware of.
The students directly voted Ciccone into her posi-
tion, they should know that she was in jeopardy of
being voted out of that position.
Many student representatives feel that they do not Angela Schumerth, freshman, undecided
need to consult their constituents on every issue
discussed at an MSG meeting. Kathleen Chew, a
senior representative explained that representatives
‘
are elected by the student body to make the best
decisions for the campus community. I don’t see why they wouldn’t
“Students were not aware of all the issues in-
tell us. We’re the ones that vote
volved in the impeachment and are not educated in
how MSG properly works. They have given their officers in. We should know if
trust to us that we will make an informed decision they are coming out of office.
‘
for them,” she explained.
This is true in some respects. Although many
students had no knowledge of the magnitude of
the allegations against Ciccone, they were never
given the chance to find out and learn about the
situation.
I’m not going to suggest that MSG reps should Kevin Szcezepanski, sophomore, intelligence studies
have gone door to door or posted flyers around
campus about the impeachment. It is up to each
representative to decide the methods of commu-
‘
nication with their constituents.
This is where the problem exists. There seems As a student of Mercyhurst, I
to be a large gap in constant and effective com- believe we are entitled to know
munication between MSG representatives and the what is going on in our student
student body.
Many students responded in their emails that government.
‘
they have never received any contact from their
representative.
Is the trust that we have bestowed upon represen-
tatives to uphold their primary duties of maintain-
ing close contact with constituents in jeopardy?
Repeatedly throughout the MSG meeting on Derek Hornaman, junior, sports medicine
Dec. 5, many representatives mentioned account-
ability and a failure of Ciccone to meet her duties
as secretary.
Sadly it is now evident that many of these same
‘
representatives failed in their own duties of faith-
fully representing the student body by not maintain-
ing close contact with their constituents. I think so if they are not fulfilling
their job requirement. ‘
huge public-health programs such as Medicaid and
Medicare.
One doctor who serves in the West Virginia Calvin Kelly, senior, business
Legislature was so concerned about attractive but
otherwise uninformed drug sales reps that he tried
to get a state law passed that would have required
‘
pill peddlers to have science degrees.
Legislation is a blunt instrument to deal with this The student body voted an officer
issue. Under federal scrutiny, the drug industry in and should be informed of the
has backed off from another untoward sales tactic situation and be allowed to vote her ‘
lavishing vacations and speaking fees on doctors
out/in.
to cinch their product choices. The industry needs
to show similar judgment and discretion in hiring
sales reps, and start putting competence ahead of
comeliness.
Doctors should not be making decisions about
drugs based on anything other than the best inter-
ests of their patients. Katie King and Christine Smith, seniors,
forensic science and HRIM
Do you have tough dilemmas right here on campus?
In your dorm … In a class … On a team…
Or…
Do you have big questions about world events?
Ask the Ethicist!
December 7, 2005
Patriotism wars
Congressman John Murtha, D-Pennsylvania spoke out calling for the United States to
withdraw its troops from Iraq. His remarks have sparked a fiery debate on Capitol Hill.
Over the last few weeks, Capitol Hill has erupted
into a scene just short of a WWF match.
Harsh words, defiant actions and even name call-
ing have echoed throughout the halls of govern-
ment. Tension on Capitol Hill is not new but is
rarely this thick. At the center of it all, questions
of patriotism have been presented, challenging
members of government and their positions.
In late November, Congressman John Murtha, D-
Pennsylvania
singlehandedly
galvanized this
debate, when
he spoke out Allison
against the Moore
war in Iraq
and called for
the troops to
come home.
M u r t h a i s a well-respected congressman and
is a hawk who supports a strong national defense.
That is why his public announcement, which de-
nounced the war, was so bold and effective.
Soon after his statement, Murtha’s critics began to
attack his position and his patriotism. Never mind
the fact that Murtha chose to forsake his college
student deferment at the age of 19 to enlist in the
Marine Corps in order to fight in the Korean War.
Later, Murtha left his wife and three children to
fight in Vietnam at the age of 33. He was injured
twice earning the Bronze Star with a combat
“V,”two purple hearts and the Vietnamese Cross
of Gallantry. Furthermore, Murtha was the first
Vietnam veteran to be elected to Congress, where
he has served for over 30 years. The biggest blow
was ignorantly delivered by Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-
Ohio who quoted a Marine during a fiery debate
in the House of Representatives saying “cowards
cut and run, Marines never do.”
John Murtha’s patriotism was questioned because
he stood up for what he believed in.
Is it fair to berate this man’s love of country
because he spoke out against the current policy
in Iraq? Who are his critics to decide what is and
isn’t patriotic? Do we elect our representatives to
be patriotic, or do we elect them to be objective
and responsive to the needs of this nation and its
citizens?
Honoring the promise for a cure
World AIDS Day focuses on the disease and the need for progress
By Dr. Rafael Campo
Knight-Ridder Newspapers
During my residency in internal medicine at the
University of California, San Francisco, more than
a decade ago, I remember marking a chilling mile-
stone: the 10,000th death from AIDS in the city.
Among those many dead was a close friend of
mine, a talented young writer who never saw his
first book published. I made him a promise dur-
ing that harrowing time. As I sat helplessly at his
bedside as he struggled to breathe in the cloud of
vapor that came from his oxygen mask, I promised
I would devote my medical career to help in the
fight against what was already, even then, a world-
wide pandemic.
Now in 2005, more than a decade later, I am still
struggling to keep that promise. (Ironically, the
theme of this year’s World AIDS Day, which is
Dec. 1, is “Keep the Promise.”)
More people are now infected with the virus- a
mind-boggling 40 million men, women and children
than ever before, according to the latest UNAIDS
report.
Tragically, effective treatment remains out of
reach for most people in developing countries,
such as those in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin
America, where the rates of new infections are
also highest.
The number of people living with the disease
in the United States alone is around 1 million, an
astonishing figure that makes the once incompre-
hensible 10,000 seem almost paltry.
Amid this global bad news, we are fortunate to
have at least some progress to celebrate here at
home.
Better treatment for HIV has helped many people
with the virus to lead longer lives in the United
States and Western Europe.
Through the kind of humane partnerships that
make our diverse country so great, churches work-
KRT
Joan Chittister, a Benedictine Sister of Erie, also
a well-known author and lecturer, summed it up
best in the National Catholic Review, “‘Patriotism’
is no substitute for Congressional responsibility.
Loyalty does not supersede accountability. We do
not elect senators and representatives to get behind
the president in times of war. We elect them to get
behind the Constitution, to get behind the country,
to get behind the arguments, to get behind the
administration spin on whether we should be in
a war or not. And when. And how. And for what
real purposes.”
Since 9/11, patriotism has been drilled into our
heads using simple terms like “good” and “evil,” or
“you’re either with us, or with the terrorists.”
Well, as we are learning, the world is not a simple
place.
Creating a society where questioning authority is
looked down upon is a recipe for disaster. Wav-
ing your American flag blindly, supporting every
decision and policy made, is not patriotism. It is
nationalism.
Nationalism suggests that the nation is above all
else and can do no wrong, and it is dangerous. For
example, such sentiments fueled World War I, as
well as, created and sustained Nazi Germany.
Patriotism, on the other hand, embodies the love
of country; however, it recognizes that love is not
above all else; there are limits.
In our own Pledge of Allegiance, we recognize
the state is not the highest authority when we
declare, “one nation under God,” meaning God is
not always on the side of the nation. Just because
a policy has been enacted does not automatically
make it correct or in the best interest of citizens.
As citizens in a country where opinions are sup-
posed to be heard and respected, it is our right and
duty to express our positions.
If these opinions are not respected in the Ameri-
can Congress, then where will they be?
Perhaps questioning authority and realizing that
the nation and its policies are not above scrutiny, is
in fact the most patriotic position to stand behind.
But our society is continually belittling the aspects
of healthy patriotic discourse.
John Murtha, right or wrong, is fighting to keep
true patriotism alive, and if nothing else, Americans
should be grateful.
ing with gay activists, African-American community
leaders teaming with federal and state health offi-
cials, we are beginning to see a welcome decline in
infection rates among certain populations in some
of our hardest-hit cities and towns.
HIV transmission among injection drug users
and African-Americans was down significantly last
year, for the first time since such statistics have
been tracked.
Among men who have sex with men, statistics
show there was a slight increase in transmission,
which most experts say likely signals better report-
ing because of more access to (and trust in) HIV-
testing resources in this perhaps most stigmatized
and marginalized group.
Many patients here who need expensive antiretro-
viral treatment receive it, either through insurance
benefits or state-subsidized programs that bear
some or all of the cost.
But we must do more.
Public assistance for HIV treatment is constantly
under threat of budgetary constraints and cutbacks.
Our successful prevention efforts, which have be-
come a model for the rest of the world, are similarly
at risk for funding cuts.
Sadly, there is also the menace posed by the
prevailing attitude that the crisis is over. Some of
this apathy is based on misinformation or wishful
thinking that the treatments we have can cure HIV
infection. But such a cure remains elusive.
Since my friend died back in San Francisco, I have
seen too many more people die of AIDS friends,
as well as patients, many of whom I considered
friends.
What I realized, as I held their hands or listened
to their hearts, is that a promise is not a passive
gesture. It need not become a dream deferred. It
is something we must actively make and keep. We
make it each day in our own hearts, and we keep it
in our every touch, in each word and deed.
World AIDS Day reminds us of that promise.
THE MERCIAD PAGE 9
To contact: opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu OPINION
‘Oh, the weather outside is frightful’
Snow is to Erie as death is to man. In other words,
both are inevitable. With the recent dumping of
the winter weather is the one topic the admissions
office fails to mention in their glossy view books.
the white stuff, I have heard complaints “it’s cold’ Pertinent information about how long the winters
or “I hate snow.” My first and only question to are and how much snow Erie gets on an annual
such people is; why in God’s name did you come basis is likely to affect someone’s decision.
to Mercyhurst? There should be an entire section of the tour that
Erie, Cleveland and Toledo, basically any city mentions the climate, how windy it gets and how
south of the Great Lakes is known for the lake ef- the overcast days can go on for a weeks time.
fect snow storms. While Erie does have the sunny blue skies and
Perhaps it is just we did enjoy rather warm temperatures up until
the change in sea- the end of November, don’t let that fool you: the
son that people are Ellen typical winter begins in November and can last all
adjusting to, but it the way up until May.
Koenig
is now December For students who are already in attendance at
and we knew the Mercyhurst, there are a couple of issues that have
snow was coming. come to my attention in the past week.
Well, when you While maintenance tries their hardest to keep the
hear snow plows pathways clear, continuous snow fall delays their
at four in the morning; guess what, it’s here! efforts. Walking to class can be dangerous, so leave
This is the one topic that I feel admissions should yourself enough time to get from point A to point
touch on when touring prospective students around B safely. Drivers please be mindful not to park in
the campus. the crosswalks on Lewis and Briggs avenues, it is
I remember on my first visit it was the middle of hard enough to walk through mounds of snow,
summer and raining. Despite the rain, the campus even more when there is a 2-ton Jeep in the way.
still looked immaculate. Overall, some people embrace the cold weather,
On the second visit it was an autumn weekend, others who are from slightly warmer environments
just before Halloween. I feel this is when most learn to loathe the snow and wind.
students come and see the school. Whether it is a However you feel about Mother Nature’s effects
nice warm spring day in early April or May, or in the in Erie, don’t forget to bundle up!
autumn when the leaves are changing and it is still
warm enough to rain, the grounds look gorgeous
and students become attracted to the school. I feel
The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
By Katie Tillman
Contributing writer
The Good
Well, seniors, it is time for yearbook pictures. Luckily, the school is providing us with two op-
tions. One is this week, December 5-9. The other option is in January on the 9-13. For those who
forgot to get a haircut over break or if your checkbook has drastically decreased due to Christmas
shopping, the January option looks pretty sweet.
The Bad
The winter term has arrived at last. Prepare yourselves for the longest term imaginable. The
break three weeks into the term is sure to demotivate even the most devoted student, and the
winter blues will almost certainty strike those least expecting it. The days ahead are filled with
snowfall and skating to class on sheets of ice. For those of you hoping for a Mother Nature
enduced break, don’t count on it. As past experience dictates, classes will never be cancelled due
to simple snowfall.
The Ugly
Last night at the MSG meeting, Secretary Jennifer Ciccone was impeached. Whether right or
wrong, the student body was not properly informed of the possibility of impeachment. Being
that we, the student body, voted Jen into office, notification of the proceedings as well as the
grounds for impeachment would have been appropriate.
This concludes this week’s Good, Bad & Ugly. As always, goodbadugly05 is available on AIM.
Goodbadugly05@hotmail.com is the other option to praise, rant, or leave general comments
about the school.
Letter to the Editor:
Editor-in-Chief,
I must thank Mel Brandt for her review of the Turovsky show in the Cummings Gallery. I feel there
are so many people to thank, for support in all aspects of the function of the gallery. But immediately
I want to give credit to Michael Fuhrman for his plan to have a presentation uniting music in the Per-
forming Arts Center with art in the Cummings Gallery. It was his idea to bring Natasha and I Musici
together, and I was delighted. The staff of the PAC have been wonderful in so many ways. I appreci-
ate them a lot.
Peggy Brace
MERCIAD
The
Joshua Wilwohl Editor-in-Chief editormerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Corrie Thearle News Editor newsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Melissa Jack Features Editor featuremerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Allison Moore Opinion Editor opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Ryan Palm Sports Editor sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Melissa Brandt A&E Editor entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Katie McAdams Photo & Production Editor photomerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Melissa Brandt Advertising Manager admerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Chelsea Boothe Copy Editor copymerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Emily Crofoot Graduate Assistant ecrofo81@mercyhurst.edu
The Merciad is the student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College.
It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of midterms
week and finals week. Our office is in the Old Main, room 314. Our telephone
number is 824-2376.
The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and
names will be included with the letters. Although we will not edit the letters
for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due the
Thursday before publication and may not be longer than 300 words. Submit
letters to box PH 485.
PAGE 10 THE MERCIAD December 7, 2005

ARTS &
ENTERTAINMENT To contact: entertainmentmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

tHe
BuZz Bid AIDS adieu with art
Art Becker, a well-known
By Melissa Jack
photographer, donated a pho-
DEC. 9. U2. HSBC Arena, Features Editor
tograph, Kris Risto donated
Buffalo.
a painting and one of Mercy-
On Sunday, Dec. 4, some hurst’s own faculty members,
DEC. 9. Paul Fayrewether.
healthy competition took place Gary Cardot, donated one of
House of Blues, Cleve-
at the Moonsense Café for a his photographs.
land.
good cause. Cardot is, in fact, a member of
ALIVE, an organization that the organization and was pres-
DEC. 10. Funeral for
promotes AIDS awareness in ent at the fundraiser.
a Friend, Static Lullaby,
the community, hosted a live art When asked about it he said,
Hopesfall. Odeon, Cleve-
auction on the premises—the “I was happy to donate to a
land.
first of what will hopefully be- worthy cause.”
come an annual event. The Moonsense Cafe’s earthy
DEC. 10, 11.”Home for
ALIVE, which was formed in yet retro vibe and contemporary
the Holidays” with Amanda
June of this year, is just begin- design was the perfect venue for
Post, Erie All-Star Singers,
ning to blossom, as this was the events about to unfold.
Erie Philharmonic Pops.
their first major fundraiser. “Jo, the General Manager of
Warner Theatre. On sale
ALIVE President Kim David, Moonsense, is involved with
at 455-1375.
when asked what gave her the ALIVE and volunteered the
idea for this type of fundraiser space,” explained Kim David.
DEC. 11. Reverend Horton
responded, “We brainstormed ALIVE was able to acquire
Heat, Supersuckers. House
for what we thought could raise the services of professional
of Blues, Cleveland.
a good amount of money, while auctioneer Mark Tanenbaum
at the same time combining our for the event, and soon his
DEC. 15. Boys from Coun-
interest with the community authoritative voice was echoing
ty Hell (Pogues tribute).
interest.” rapidly throughout the room.
House of Blues, Cleve-
Because Erie has a rather It was decided that bids would
land.
prominent art community this start at $25 and increase from
was a perceptive and creative there.
DEC. 15. Kissmas Bash Melissa Jack/Features Editor
avenue to choose for their first Tanenbaum made quick work
with Click Five, Lifehouse, Although it looks good enough to eat, this sculpture’s purpose was to raise money for AIDS.
fundraiser. of the pieces and at one point
Pussycat Dolls, Gavin De-
Some 40 works were donated said, “There is nothing more re- Eventually all the pieces were The proceeds of the art auc- nization, Kim David said, “We
Graw, Ryan Cabrera, HSBC
to the cause and every medium warding than denying someone claimed, and later Cardot com- tion fundraiser will benefit the are always looking for people
Arena, Buffalo. On sale at
was accounted for: painting, something that they want,” as mented, “For a first try the Erie County Health Department to join.” She offered her mobile
tickets.com, by phone at
drawing, photography, print- he goaded opposing bidders to fundraiser was a success.” to fund AIDS education. number to reach her if anyone
(888) 223-6000.
making, mixed media, digital im- higher and higher sums. Many of the pieces were Portions will also go to local was interested: 882-1268.
agery/collage, pottery, sculpture The room was fairly crowded, auctioned in the $80 range and HIV scientists to support the She also said that their next
DEC. 15. Jingle Jam with
and even a quilt. with the available seating taken a few climbed over $100. By process of finding a vaccine, major fundraiser they are hop-
Avant, Keyshia Cole, Olvia.
Distinguished artists from the up, so there were quite a few the end of the auction ALIVE as well as for counseling and ing to extend to annual status
Odeon, Cleveland.
community donated some of battles of will and wallet when it raised $1,200 for AIDS aware- testing. is an AIDS walk, which is set
DEC. 16. Q92 Live in 0’5
their work. came to some of the artworks. ness. Because ALIVE is a new orga- for May.
Finale Concert with Bowl-
ing for Soup, Javing Jane,

Philharmonic resounds holiday cheer

Wakefield. Canton Palace
Theater, Canton, Ohio. On
sale at www.q92radio.com.

DEC. 17. Dark Star Or-

chestra. Odeon, Cleve-
land.
DEC. 17. Povertyneck
Hillbillies. Denny’s Bar,
Fairview.
DEC. 18. Staind. Niagara
Fallsview Casino Resort,
Niagara Falls, Ont.
DEC. 18. Trans-Siberian
Orchestra. Mellon Arena,
Pittsburgh.
DEC. 23. Michael Stan-
ley and the Resonators.
Odeon, Cleveland.
DEC. 28. Holladay Jam.
Petersen Events Center,
Pittsburgh.
DEC. 29, 30. Chimaira.
By Jessica Ciccone
Contributing writer
Snow is falling, driving condi-
tions are terrible, students are
blinded by freezing rain and
wind on their way to classes and
everyone is anticipating a much
needed holiday break.
Yes, Christmas time is here
once more.
An integral part of the Christ-
mas season is holiday music. And
no one can perform amazing
holiday music quite like the city’s
own Erie Philharmonic.
This season take the opportu-
nity to be awed by the incredible
abilities of the musicians that
make up the Erie Philharmonic.
An Erie native, remarkable
entertainer Amanda Post, will
join the Philharmonic in cre-
Courtesy of the Erie Philharmonic
Holidays with Amanda Post
ating a breath-taking holiday
spectacle that is sure to appeal
to everyone.
The show, titled, “Home for
the Holidays with Amanda Post,”
also features local saxophonist
Bruce Johnstone, who will take
the stage with the Philharmonic
for a few numbers to help get
everyone in the holiday spirit.
The show also features an
intermission, with desserts pro-
vided by Wegmans.
The Erie Philharmonic has
been in existence since 1913 and
has consistently offered incred-
ible musical programs, featuring
world-renowned artists such as
Duke Ellington, Joseph Fuchs
and Helen Traubel.
They are well-known, both
within the state of Pennsylvania
and nationally, for the quality
and entertainment value of all
of their shows.
In its 86-year history, the Phil-
harmonic has wowed audiences
with incredible musicians and
brilliant performers.
This is one of the many reasons
that the Philharmonic’s annual
holiday concert with Amanda
Post is a premiere holiday tradi-
tion in the city of Erie.
As Executive Director Eric Bo-
renstein said “We’re very pleased
to present this winning combina-
tion – your nationally recognized
Philharmonic and local favorite
Amanda Post.”
Erie citizens, and, more spe-
cifically, Mercyhurst students,
should not let the opportunity
to see this stunning combination
of holiday entertainment pass
them by.
Numbers in the show include:
“I’ll be Home for Christmas,”
“Sleigh Ride,” “White Christ-
mas,” and other holiday favor-
ites.
And if all goes as planned,
the audience may also receive a
visit from a certain jolly fellow
in red too.
The show will be performed at
the Warner Theatre on Saturday,
Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. and Sunday,
Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. Ticket prices
range from $15 – $45. Discounts
are available for students, seniors
and groups.
Doors will open an hour be-
fore the show starts. Also, the
Philharmonic is partnering with
the Erie City Mission to collect
non-perishable food items at the
concert.
So if the start of the second
term has got you down, you need
a little break from your pile of
holiday homework or you just
need a little holiday fun to get
you in the Christmas spirit, make
sure you don’t miss your chance
to experience some of the best
live music the city of Erie has
to offer.

Best CD’s released in 2005 - Part one

Odeon, Cleveland.

DEC. 29. Holiday Bling

with Pretty Ricky, Trey
Songz. Carnegie Music
Hall, Pittsburgh.
DEC. 31. Average White
Band. House of Blues,
Cleveland.
JAN. 1. Whispers, S.O.S.
Band. Hilton Gateway
Center, Pittsburgh.
JAN. 6, 7. Carrot Top.
Avalon Ballroom, Niagara
Fallsview Casino Resort,
Niagara Falls, Ont.
JAN. 7. Capitol Steps.
$42.50, $30, $25. Warner
Theatre, Erie.
JAN. 19. Derek Trucks
Band. Odeon, Cleveland.
JAN. 20. Almost Queen.
House of Blues, Cleve-
land.
JAN. 20. Bon Jovi. HSBC
By Joe Fidago
Contributing writer
ROCK: Anberlin, “Never
Take Friendship Personal”
This group is a small band with
huge potential. After you hear
this album you’ll wonder why
these guys haven’t made it big.
No skipping of tracks needed
here. I can’t really compare
these guys to anyone, and that’s
a shame for all the other bands
out there.
Audioslave, “Out of Exile”
After Audioslave’s debut was
released, the big question was if
they would be another victim to
the sophomore slump.
On “Out of Exile,” Chris
Cornell explains why they don’t
fall into that trap in a 53-minute
answer. No rock fan should miss
this one.
The small
a concert Green Day did in perspective. aren’t always about sunshine and fectly mixed sing/scream cho-
England. They play through the Fall Out Boy, “From Under flowers, the songs are upbeat ruses and verses. Any “screamo”
entire “American Idiot” album, the Cork Tree” enough to keep you listening fan should own this.
and throw a few classics in for Possibly my personal favorite over and over again (trust me, Underoath, “They’re Only
good measure. CD of the year. Everyone and I’m hooked). Expect a SoCo- Chasing Safety”
The CD also comes with a their 14 year-old sister has heard esque vibe. A 2004 release that we re-re-
DVD of the entire performance, of this band from Chi-town by Silverstein, “Discovering the leased a few months ago with a
making it even better. now, and for good reason. Waterfront” DVD and bonus tracks. Harder
Spoken, “Last Chance to Patrick Stump writes some of I like focusing on smaller than the Silverstein CD, and in
Breathe” the wittiest and catchiest lyrics bands that most people may my opinion, better. Upon first
Amazing. It’s funny how the I’ve ever heard. Make sure to also not be exposed to, and here is listen you might hate it, but after
small bands who don’t have mil- get their 2003 debut, “Take This another, this time from Victory the third and fourth listens, it will
lions of dollars put out some of To Your Grave,” it’s even better. Records. be a staple in your CD player.
the best stuff. Yes, seriously. Their debut was pretty much To get a taste, legally download
Well, I guess that explains it atrocious, but this second release “Reinventing Your Exit” or “I’m
actually. Regardless, another is a complete turnaround. Per- Content With Losing.”
great release – these guys could
be loosely compared to a more-
upbeat Fuel, with a little more
screaming.
System of a Down, “Memo-
rize/Hypnotize”
This is actually one really long
CD, released as two CDs six
months apart. If you like System
of a Down or hard rock/metal,
this is an essential - just like
their previous efforts. Frantic
Courtesy of www.jacksmannequin.com

Arena, Buffalo.
JAN. 21. Keller Williams.
University at Buffalo Cen-
ter for the Arts, Buffalo.
JAN. 25. Derek Trucks
Band. Center for the Arts,
University of Buffalo, Buf-
falo.
Bible”
Courtesy of GoErie.com
bands who don’t and complex with the political
lyrics normally expected. In a
have millions word…excellent.
PUNK/EMO: Cartel,
put out some of “Chroma”
Pop-punk done right. You
the best stuff. either love or hate this kind of
music – if you hate it, listen to
this and it just might change
Green Day, “Bullet in a your mind.
This could even fall into the
This recording comes from rock genre, depending on your
Jack’s Mannequin
Jack’s Mannequin, “Every-
thing in Transit”
As the story has it, this record
is a testimonial of the past few
years in Something Corporate
(SoCo) lead singer Andrew Mc-
Mahon’s life.
Regardless of how true-to-life
these tracks are, the CD is un-
believable.
While the topics touched
December 7, 2005
Men’s basketball at 6-1(1-1)
Team draws on newcomers to lineup for scoring boost
By Chris Van Horn
Contributing writer
Another season of Lakers
basketball is underway and the
Lakers are out to a fast start.
After finishing last season with
a disappointing 8-19 record, the
Lakers have won six of their first
seven games, including their first
five to start the season.
The Lakers have been led by
junior guard Avi Fogel, who is
averaging 17 points and four
assists while playing 33 minutes
per game.
Fogel is a transfer from San
Diego who played Division I in
the West Coast Conference.
Mercyhurst began the season
by winning five straight; a 75-62
decision over Notre Dame of
Ohio, wins over Felician, 83-79,
and Molloy, 74-72(OT) at the
Stonehill Tournament in Easton,
Mass., a victory against Blooms-
burg 69-48, and a demolition of
Ohio Valley, 90-58.
The Lakers dropped their Sophomore shooting guard Terry Smith averages 13 points and three assists per game so far this season.
opener in GLIAC play against
Hillsdale at the Athletic Center
63-52 on Thursday night, but re- cess can’t all be attributed to
bounded nicely over the weekend Fogel. He has been getting plenty ers, juniors Mitch Brennan and
to even their conference record of help.
at 1-1 with a 65-61 victory over
Wayne State.
Fogel dropped in 29 points senior forward Andy Kubinski is
against Wayne State to lead the averaging 10 points and five re- a factor in their hot start out of
Lakers to the victory.
Men’s hockey scores 17 goals on weekend
By Brady Hunter
Contributing writer
The Thanksgiving break was a
bit unkind to the men’s hockey
team, but once classes resumed,
they meant business.
Fortunately, only one of the five
games that the Lakers dropped
over the break were within Atlan-
tic Hockey, and they managed to
rack up two impressive wins this
past weekend.
Friday’s contest was the first
game of a weekend series, and
Mercyhurst handily defeated
Bentley 7-4.
The Lakers were able to play
in front of almost 1,300 fans, as
school had started back up and
the student body was out in full
force.
The win came after a disap-
pointing 1-5 stretch, as well as
three straight losses to non-con-
ference opponents.
Senior Scott Reynolds started
the scoring, lighting the lamp in
the second period.
Senior Dave Borrelli then
scored his first of five goals on
the weekend.
Finishing up the second period
scoring was sophomore Ben
Cottreau.
Both sophomore Ryan Toomey
and junior Kyle Gourgon came
through with power play goals
Wrestling preps for ‘War at the Shore’ event on Friday
By Matt Jackson
Co-Sports Editor
Mercyhurst wrestling fans bet-
ter take the opportunity to see
the Lakers wrestle in their four
matches this week.
The Lakers, ranked No.15 in
Division II, will wrestle in the
“War at the Shore” at the Erie
Civic Center Friday against East
Regional opponent No.16 Gan-
non and will then host three
other teams in the Mercyhurst
Duals on Sunday.
After that it will be more tahn
a month before Mercyhurst
will return to the Erie area to
compete.
The Lakers will be without the
The Lakers early season suc- ing 55 percent from the field.
The Lakers other two start- a combined 20 points per game. has been able to compensate for
Richard Field, are combining vantage with its lack of size, the Manchel said.
Sophomore guard Terry Smith for 16 points and eight rebounds Lakers have still managed to put
is averaging 13 points per game, per game.
The Lakers bench has also been against bigger opponents.
bounds per contest while shoot- the gate.
in the third. Borrelli and junior
Denis Kirstein rounded out
the third period with open-net
goals.
For the game, the Lakers were
able to take advantage of their
power plays, converting five of
10.
Bentley, on the other hand,
failed to convert five of their six
opportunities on power plays.
For the first time in more than
a month, Mercyhurst outshot its
adversary (43-27).
The Lakers were also able to
take advantage of 23 saves from
junior goaltender Mike Ella and
two assists each from Cottreau
and juniors Scott Champagne
and Jamie Hunt.
On Saturday, the Lakers de-
feated Bentley even more impres-
sively. In a 10-5 win, Borrelli
came away with a hat trick and
Ella made 45 saves.
The win brought Mercyhurst’s
record to 8-2-0 in Atlantic Hock-
ey (9-6-0 overall) and dropped
Bentley to 3-3-2 in AH (5-7-2
overall).
Borrelli scored two power
play goals in the first period,
and added a shorthanded goal
in the third.
Also scoring on power plays
in the first were freshman Chris
Tafford and Champagne, whose
goal extended his team-record
scoring streak to 34 games.
File Photo
Sophomore Don Cummings
services of sophomore Mike
Morgan at 174 who suffered an
ankle injury and may take a medi-
cal redshirt. Gerred Tolson will
step into the spot.
The Lakers bench is averaging but so far our aggressiveness
While the team is at a disad- that lack of size,” Coach Gary
up good rebounding numbers bench give the team more min-
“We knew coming into this sea-
son that we would be undersized, good minutes so far, but I hope
Junior Dave Borrelli scores one of his five goals against Bentley this past weekend.
Tafford also came through
with another power play goal in
the third.
Senior Erik Johnson contrib-
uted to the scoring with an even-
handed goal in the first, bringing
the score to 4-1 at the end of the
opening period.
File Photo
Junior Zach Schafer
Although Morgan’s tough,
aggressive style will be missed
by his teammates and Coach
Cipollone, Tolson has already
proven that he can compete at
THE MERCIAD
To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
Manchel would like to see his
utes to rest the starters.
“The bench has given us some
In a span of 14 seconds in the advantage of power plays on just
second period, Gourgon and six occasions out of a total 33
sophomore Matt Warren each opportunities.
scored a goal. That sort of inefficiency makes
During the Thanksgiving break winning more difficult, and
stretch, which included losses to it showed during the rough
1-6-0 Yale and a split series with stretch.
Sacred Heart, Mercyhurst took Next Friday the Lakers take on
the college level with a fourth Fleming by a score of 5-3 over
place finish at Ashland’s Simon- Lucas Huffman.
son Invitational. Morgan also came through
Tolson holds a victory over with a nice match at 174 with a
Morgan in the Blue/Green 4-3 win over Chris Gibbs, ranked
match at the beginning of the No. 8 at 165.
season. The match of the night for the
Also out is senior Jake Squire Lakers should be at 165 pounds
with a knee injury. where junior All-American Zach
Squire, a national qualifier his Schafer will square off against
freshman season, was never sophomore A.J. Sayles. Schafer,
able to match that success due ranked No.3 in Division II, lost
to constant injuries the last few to Sayles in the Slippery Rock
seasons. tournament before turning the
Despite the injuries the Lakers tables on the returning national
will be ready for battle against the qualifier in the finals of the
Golden Knights Friday. Simonson Invitational to with a
They enter the match 1-0 in 6-4 overtime win.
dual meet competition after a 21- Another intriguing matchup
13 win over West Liberty State, may take place at 149. No. 7 Don
which included a big win by John Cummings will get a chance to
PAGE 13
LAKER
SPORTS
to give them more throughout
the season, with hopefully more
production from them as the sea-
son progresses,” Manchel said
The Lakers have enjoyed the
friendly confines of the Mer-
cyhurst Athletic Center in this
season’s early goings as they are
4-1 at home.
They have to take advantage of
their home court advantage early
on in the season.
In mid-December the Lakers
will have five straight games on
the road and on neutral courts.
While the offense has been
clicking early on, shooting 45
percent from the field as a team,
the defense has played even bet-
ter, allowing just 63 points per
game while scoring 72 points
per game.
They have done it by allowing
their opponents to shoot just 42
percent from the field and forc-
ing 18 turnovers per game.
“We’ve played good defense
in the early goings but there is
always room for improvement,”
Manchel stated.
Mercyhurst will take on Edin-
boro Dec. 7 at the MAC before
continuing their conference
schedule on the road against
Grand Valley State on Dec. 10.
Mercyhurst then returns home
on Dec. 17 to take on Slippery
Rock before they begin the five
game road trip towards the end
of the month.
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
Canisius at home and then clash
with Canisius on their home ice
on Saturday.
The series will be an intrigu-
ing matchup, given that current
Canisius coach Dave Smith was
once an assistant for the Mercy-
hurst team.
knock off No.3 R.J. Paterniti.
The Lakers will have little time
to rest after the rivalry match
with Gannon.
With just a one-day break,
Mercyhurst will host a dual
competition with Kent State,
East Stroudsburg and Delaware
State.
Kent State has two wrestlers
ranked in Division I, while Dela-
ware State and East Stroudsburg
also compete at the Division I
level.
The “War at the Shore” will
begin at 6 p.m. Friday and the
Mercyhurst Duals will kick off in
the MAC at noon Sunday.
See the Athletic Center Office
for tickets for Friday’s nights
matchup.
 PAGE 14 THE MERCIAD December 7, 2005

LAKER
SPORTS To contact: sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu

Laker Sports “Quick Hits” Women’s hockey at No. 6

This Weeks Results...
By Ryan Palm
Women’s hockey................................................Dec. 3, W 6-2, Yale
Sports editor
Dec. 4, W 4-3, Yale
Men’s hockey................................................Dec. 2, W 7-4, Bentley The quality of schedule that
Dec. 3, W 10-5, Bentley women’s hockey coach Mike Sisti
Women’s basketball...............................Dec. 1, L 88-64, Hillsdale took on this year is evident in the
Dec. 3, W 90-89, Wayne St. (OT)
Lakers’ No. 6 ranking in the latest
national polls.
Men’s basketball.....................................Dec. 1, L 63-52, Hillsdale Despite six blemishes and a
Dec. 3, W 65-61, Wayne St. tie, Mercyhurst still stands tall in
Wrestling...........................................Dec. 3, 2 of 8, Simonson Invt. the ranks of Division I women’s
___________________________________________________
ice hockey.
The intensity of their schedule
was realized from the start of the
season, and by no means has it
In the news... been either an excuse for losses,
or a display of lack of talent for
the Lakers.
Lakers earn GLIAC Honors The schedule has become eas-
ier these past few weeks, but has
The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC)
not come with perfection. Since Katie McAdams/Photo editor
announced its postseason awards during our Thanksgiving
our last publication Mercyhurst Junior forward Julia Colizza notched a hat-trick Sunday against Yale.
break, and several Mercyhurst athletes received recognition.
has tangled with Niagara, Be-
Senior Ben Bluemle and sophomore Jim Kokrak were both Five Lakers trail Chouinard in ter. the newest member of College
midji State, Princeton and most
named to the Second-Team defense. that category, each having five With just over a minute left Hockey America.
recently, Yale University.
Bluemle played defensive back and returned punts for the The Lakers made it through goals on the season. sophomore forward Stephanie The games are Dec. 9-10, both
Lakers, while Kokrak led the team and conference in tackles that stretch with a 6-1-1 record, Freshman Courtney Drennan Jones netted her fifth goal of at 7:30 p.m. at Robert Morris.
and finished fourth in NCAA Division II. which is impressive considering started for the Lakers picking the season on a feed from Julia The Colonials are currently 1-
the lone loss came to the team up her first collegiate victory, Colizza. 9-0, playing in their first season
In addition, five Lakers earned Honorable Mention: wide the Lakers have gone ahead of going the entire contest making The goal would be the last of of Division I hockey.
receiver Calvin Kelly, linebacker Grant Marshman, center Ed and also trailed in the national 22 saves. the game for either side, giving In addition, the head coach
Pfeiffer, tight end Dan Schuler and offensive tackle Brooks rankings, the Princeton Tigers. Sunday’s contest began just like the Lakers a narrow 4-3 win. of the team was fired in mid-
Davidson. This past weekend Mercy- Saturdays: with Mercyhurst tak- Colizza had quite the afternoon November, presenting addi-
hurst entertained Yale for a pair ing an early 2-0 lead at the end herself, notching a hat trick for tional challenges for a struggling
Volleyball also received recognition when Kari Clapham was of afternoon games at the Ice of the first period. the Lakers. team.
named to the Honorable Mention team at the setter position. Center. During the second Yale She is now in the cluster of Mercyhurst remains on the
Clapham, the only Mercyhurst player to receive recognition, In Saturday’s contest Mercy- bounced back with two goals Lakers which are second on the road following a Christmas break
leaves Mercyhurst as the all-time leader in assists with 4,222. hurst controlled the game from of their own to even the score team with five goals. when they travel to UConn on
the start, defeating Yale 6-2. at 2-2. Drennan again picked up the Jan. 7 and Providence on Jan. 8.
Freshman Valerie Chouinard Mercyhurst and Yale each tal- win, in this game allowing three Far ahead on the Lakers’ sched-
Hockey In the National Limelight scored goals number 11 and 12 lied goals during the middle of goals while making 25 saves. ule is New Hampshire, currently
in the contest, extending her the period, setting up another Up next for the Lakers is a pair ranked No. 4 in the USCHO.
Three Mercyhurst hockey players are in the spotlight for their dramatic finish at the Ice Cen- of games against Robert Morris, com poll.
team lead.
offensive activity thus far in the season. Junior defender Jamie
Hunt tops all of Division I hockey in points-per-game, scoring
one point in 12 of 13 games he has played.

His average of 1.92 points-per-game is generated from 21

assists, which also gives him the national lead in assists-per-
Women’s hoops upset Wayne St.
game at 1.62.
By Brady Hunter
Junior Scott Champagne and senior Dave Borrelli are tied for Contributing writer
third and fourth respectively in points-per-game, tallying 1.73
and 1.67 each.
After six straight losses, the
Mercyhurst women’s basketball
Champagne has a 34-game scoring streak, which is a new
team came through in dramatic
team record. Borrelli tallied five goals and four assists this past
fashion on Saturday with a upset
weekend against Bentley.
win over GLIAC rival Wayne
State.
Athletes of the Week The losses were not pretty, but
there was some good news: only
Borrelli and senior basketball forward Erin Solada were one of the games was against a
honored by the college as this week’s Athletes of the Week. GLIAC team.
That’s why Saturday’s win was
Borrelli poured in five goals and four assists in helping men’s so important - it raised the Lakers
hockey destroy Bentley 7-4 and 10-5 this past weekend. to 1-1 in the Southern Division
of the GLIAC.
Solada scored 23 points to lead the women’s basketball team Wayne State left the loss with a
to their first victory of the season over Wayne State. She 3-4 overall record and standing at
connected on 9 of 13 shots from the field and converted five of 1-1 in the division.
six free throws. The game certainly had its
share of excitement, but it was
She also grabbed seven rebounds and blocked three shots awfully slow in coming.
defensively.
In fact, it was not until senior
Cassie Seth drained a three-
Mercyhurst athletes prove abilities off the field pointer with 15:42 left in the
second period that Mercyhurst
It was recently released that 48 percent of the student-athletes took the lead and made things
on this campus achieved a 3.0 GPA or better for Fall Term. interesting.
Going into halftime, the Lakers
Additionally, 27 students attained 4.0, with women’s soccer had just cut a 33-20 lead with five
leading the way with five students garnering perfection. minutes left in the first period to
a manageable score of 41-37.
To find out those who tallied the 4.0’s, visit the Mercyhurst Leading the way was Senior
Athletics webpage at http://hurstathletics.collegesports.com Erin Solada with 23 points, her
career high.
Women’s Hockey receives CHA awards It was a good day to be a So-
lada, as Samantha met her own
College Hockey America (CHA) honored several women’s career high with 12 points.
hockey players this past weekend for their roles in a sweep of
Yale University.
Freshman Stephanie Prischak looks to move the ball.
Freshman Stephanie Prischak
stole the show, however, with
four of her 21 points being par-
ticularly crucial.
With 27 seconds left, fellow
freshman Jena Schafer tied the
game at 81, but Wayne State soon
took control of the overtime
period.
The visiting team led until there
was just 1:06 left in overtime,
when Prischak began working
her magic.
Her layup gave Mercyhurst the
lead, 88-87.
After two successful foul shots,
Katie McAdams/Photo editor
the Warriors were once again up
(89-88) with 45 seconds left.
But it was Prischak’s time to
shine.
She came through with another
layup to put the Lakers up 90-89
for good.
The Warriors missed two foul
shots with five seconds to play,
got the rebound, but were unable
to get off another shot.
Prischak was the epitome of
humility and team spirit after the
game, “I just go out every game
and try to do my best, try to help
the team win.”
The pressure of the overtime
situation seemed to be a non-fac-
tor, as she explained.
“Everyone was so focused on
winning the game. I really didn’t
even think about it. We had two
minutes left to play, so we just
had to go out there and do it.”
And what did she have to say
about the dramatic game-win-
ning shot?
“I didn’t even realize, until I
read the paper, what my layups
did for us. I had missed once be-
fore, and so we ran the play again.
Coach just said, ‘It’s time to go
out and redeem yourself.’”
For the game, Mercyhurst
matched its season-high field
goal percentage of 47, and hit
34 of 42 free throws.
The production off the glass
was a close matchup, with Wayne
State amassing 48 rebounds to
Mercyhurst’s 46.
Leading the Lakers on defense
was Erin Solada, with three
blocks, giving her a team-high 10
for the season.
Senior Mary Clare Harlan
grabbed eight rebounds during
the game, while junior Kaitlyn
Petit paced the Lakers with
nine.
The Lakers hope to continue
winning at Grand Valley State
on Saturday, and then host West
Virginia Wesleyan on Monday
night.

Sophomore forward Stephanie Jones was named Offensive

Fall intramural season ends on a good note
Player of the Week for scoring both of the game-winners
against the Bulldogs. Football defending champions.
By Deanna Fletcher
Ultimate Frisbee also ended
Contributing writer
Freshman goalie Courtney Drennan was named Defensive the same evening with Denny
Player of the Week, she picked up a pair of wins, the first Porter’s team beating Tim Watts’
of her collegiate career, in logging all 120 minutes in goal. Intramural Flag Football ended for third place.
Drennan’s season goals-against-average is a strong 1.81. on Monday Nov. 7. The undefeated team, Joe
An upset occurred when the Ranallo, beat Jeff Cagle’s team
Finally freshman phenom Valerie Chouinard was again top seeded team, Brian Folland to earn their final victory of the
honored by the CHA. The forward has received two Offensive (Team 2), was beat by Scott season and also first place.
Player of the Week, and just received her third Rookie of the Wirtanen’s team (13) in the Thank you to all of the teams
Week. semifi nals. who participated this season and
The other game of the tourna- congratulations to the winners!
She tallied two goals and three assists on the weekend, now ment occurred when Jamie Walc- Starting this winter will be
sporting an 11-game scoring streak. zak (14) defeated Matt Kampman five-on-five basketball, volleyball,
(5) in a close game with a margin and a new sport to intramurals:
of only five points. dodgeball.
After the semifinals at 8 p.m., Signs are up all over campus
Scott Wirtanen and Jamie Walc- advertising for the events, if you
zack’s teams each moved onto the have any questions call Joe Spano
Quick hits are compiled by sports editor Ryan Palm. Any- finals at 9 p.m. at x2441. Start thinking about Contributed Photo
thing worthy of being a “quick hit” should be emailed to Jamie Walczack’s team earned your teams and keep an eye out The fall 2005 intramural ultimate frisbee champions
sportsmerciad@mercyhurst.edu. their victory by defeating the Flag for more announcements.