Unsure. 14%

No. 65%

Yes. 21%

Total votes: 161

ONLINE POLL RESULTS

Faculty Art show

arrives

Page 6

Mâché man lurks around

campusPage 4

MSG moves offices in

UnionPage 3

READ THE STORY ON PAGE 2

PHOTO BY SAMI RAPP

Mercyhurst community lives the mission

The Merciad

NEWSPage 2 September 12, 2012

’Hurst gives back to community

The House that Hurst Built is a blitz building project taken on by Mercyhurst University and Habi-tat for Humanity. The four-week build began Monday, Aug. 27, and continues until Saturday, Sept. 22, of homecoming weekend.

The House that Hurst Built involves Mercyhurst faculty and students from every major, club and athletic team from the Main campus as well as North East. In order to complete the project on time, volunteers have been excellent in turning out and working through weather conditions such as rain on

the first day of the build.After becoming a university in

early 2012, Mercyhurst decided to take on a project that would prove fitting to one of the University’s core values – service.

“The House that Hurst Built is a great way for Mercyhurst to give back to the community in a way that is consistent with our mission and values of service and compas-sion,” Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management Christo-pher Coons said.

To fulfill this mission, the Uni-versity has teamed with Habitat for Humanity to build a home for Rosemary Anderson and her family. Anderson is a Liberian refugee who fled her war-torn country with her seven children.

She spent 16 years in a Ghana refugee camp before coming to the United States in 2006. While at the camp, Anderson learned valuable construction skills which she uses in her job with the main-tenance department of the Erie Housing Authority. In 2011, Anderson became an official U.S. citizen, and eventually qualified for the House that Hurst Built project.

The purpose of the House that Hurst Built is three fold. The first goal is a community goal, bonding students and faculty members as they put in hours of labor toward the completion of the project.

The second goal is a community need, providing a home for Ander-son and her family.

The final goal is a service goal: by Mercyhurst University giving back to the community in a mutu-ally beneficial arrangement.

“I truly think this project is what our school is all about,” said junior and member of the Habitat for Humanity Board Amber Penna. “Being able to see the progress, from ground level to a completed house, is so fulfilling. To provide that joy to the family is unbeliev-able.”

Director of Service Learning, Colin Hurley expects the project to meet its deadline. Even so, there will likely be little things, such as painting, that Anderson will com-plete herself as part of the “sweat equity,” a required 300 hours of work the family must complete in

order to qualify and receive their home.

Hurley gave his thoughts on the faculty and staff ’s support: “I am overwhelmed by Mercy-hurst’s support and commitment to the project, and thrilled that it is approaching completion.”

Work on the House that Hurst

Built is ongoing. Anderson and her family will be presented with the key to their house Saturday, Sept. 22.

For more information about the project visit http://mercyhurst.edu/hursthouse or email hurst-house@mercyhurst.edu.

By Kierston BromleyContributing writer

Notice from Chief KuhnWith a new academic year under way, Chief of Police Robert Kuhn

would like students to direct their attention to the Police & Safety alerts on the portal.Alerts will contain important information students must know

about campus including local criminal activity.To access the alerts, go to http://portal.mercyhurst.edu. The Police

& Safety section can be found under the Services tab.

Students work together on the outside of the house.Sami Rapp photo

Students, faculty collaborate to build house for refugee family

Harassment/disorderly conduct Sunday, Sept. 2

BurglarySaturday, Sept. 1

Warde HallReferred for conduct

3807 Briggs Ave.Closed

False IDSaturday, Sept. 1

McAuley HallRes-life incident

HarassmentMonday, Sept. 3

3924 Briggs Ave.Closed

Aug. 30 - Sept. 5, 2012

LarcenyWednesday, Sept. 5

Rec CenterClosed

Bad ChecksThursday, Aug. 30

BookstoreClosed

HarassmentThursday, Aug. 30

Lewis AvenueClosed

Mercyhurst UniversityPolice & Safety

Page 3 September 12, 2012 NEWS

MSG revamps for new academic year

Even though students are only a few weeks into Fall Term, the Mercyhurst Student Govern-ment (MSG) has been busy with restructuring, planning and coor-dinating events for the student body.

With newly renovated offices, a new hands-on approach to school spirit and working toward a greater student-outreach initia-tive, this year’s MSG officers are already making changes that they hope will benefit the campus as a whole.

The Carolyn Herrmann Student Union houses the Laker Inn, the Great Room and many of the stu-dent life offices so that everything is in a centralized and easily accessi-ble location for students. The MSG offices were located in a small hall-way on the top floor, but this year the offices have moved next to the Laker Inn.

“A lot of people didn’t even know that the offices were there before,” said MSG President Rich-ard Molloy, “So the whole idea of moving downstairs was for acces-sibility. People can stop in and see

what we are all about.”The new location of the offices

is much more accessible for stu-dents to stop in and chat with MSG members about various issues and events.

“I only quickly saw the new offices, but they look nice and

feel much more welcoming, along with the new officers,” said junior Heather Christensen. “I applaud them for all of the hard work that has been done so far, and I can’t wait to see what this year has to bring.”

Aside from the Welcome Week

activities for the freshmen, MSG also sponsored an Upperclassman Welcome Back Barbeque that had a turnout of 200-300 upperclassman students.

MSG Events Coordinator, Jenna Dascanio designed the magnets that students received on the doors of

their housing, as well as the pop-corn given out to raise awareness for the DVD rentals available in the library.

Along with the new offices and various events that MSG has planned for the upcoming year, the group is also taking a new approach to campus spirit. With many stu-dents voicing their concerns about Mercyhurst’s lack of school spirit, Molloy and Vice President Brian Lombardo, with the help of fellow MSG executives, have made it a point to start new traditions in school spirit with the release of the new spirit shirts.

The purpose of the shirt is to have a unified sense of spirit and start traditions.

“If we can go to a football game and see the entire student section covered in these green shirts, it will simply show unity within our stu-dents,” Lombardo said.

Spirit shirts are at the Mercy-hurst University Bookstore and cost $5.

MSG has open forums Monday nights at 8:30 that students are encouraged to attend, make sug-gestions and learn what is going on around campus. Meetings take place in the MSG chambers located on the top floor of the Student Union.

By Jaslyne HalterStaff writer

Golf team honors Evann Parker at Light the Night Walk

The new MSG offices are located on the bottom floor of the Student Union next to the Laker Inn. Students are invited to stop in any time.

Zach Dorsch photo

New offices, shirts, ideas created for student body

Former Mercyhurst student Evann Parker will have a team participate in her honor at a walk for leukemia research later this month.

Parker attended Mercyhurst from 2009 until she was forced to withdraw at the end of her sophomore year to seek treatment for leukemia. During her time here she was a member of the golf team. She lost her battle with cancer and died in August 2011.

The golf team has organized a team that

will walk in memory of Evann at the 13th annual Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Light the Night walk, which will take takes place at Jerry Uht Park on Tuesday, Sept. 18.

Brenda Youmans is the Campaign Coordi-nator for the walk.

“What makes it worth being a part of for me is listening to the stories from the patients and their families about how LLS has helped them in so many ways,” said Youmans. “That may be financially or through new medical options that have become available through the research that is funded through the walk.”

Senior Andrea Carneval was a close friend

of Parker’s and an important part of organiz-ing the team in her honor.

“Evann and I both came in as freshmen on the golf team in 2009 to Mercyhurst. She was only at school for a year and a term, but I feel that I became as close to her as I could in her short time here,” Carneval said.

Carneval saw the Light the Night walk as both a great way to honor her friend and bring the golf team together.

“We wanted to walk and raise money for her to bring our team closer,” she said. “She was a girl with so much drive and spirit that we find it hard not to live for her every day, every golf tournament, and in everything

we do. We obviously think about her and miss her everyday, but it’s something that helps us to become stronger as individuals and as a team.”

Carneval also organized a fundraiser for Evann at the Cornerstone Bar and Grill on Sept. 10.

The team for Evann will be holding a gold balloon during the entire walk to honor her.

Students can get involved in the team for Evann by contacting Carneval at acarne38@lakers.mercyhurst.edu.

By Brady GreenawaltStaff writer

FEATURES September 12, 2012Page 4

West Nile Virus, a tropical disease brought to the United States in 1999, has hit an all-time high, with breakouts starting in Texas and other Southern states this summer. Normally, West Nile starts in

August with its peak of attack usu-ally in September. However, with our recent winter being so mild, the mosquitoes have had the chance to breed earlier and longer. Mosquitoes are usually the cul-

prit in spreading West Nile Virus, but the start of the spread occurs in birds. Mosquitoes often prefer

birds to humans so when the bird they feast on happens to have the virus, it then gets transmitted to the mosquito itself. Traces of West Nile were recently

found in Erie by the Health Depart-ment after examining dead birds in the area. The birds that contracted the virus may have passed it along to mosquitoes or humans. Since the virus is hard to diagnose, many people will not even realize they have West Nile until it worsens. According to the director of the

Mercyhurst Institute of Public Health, David Dausey, Ph.D., stay-ing away from stagnant/standing water helps ones chances of not being infected with West Nile and

any other diseases that mosquitoes may carry because stagnant water is a breeding ground for the bugs.Other tips to stay safe from West

Nile would be to always have a screen in windows when open and to avoid having them open at night since mosquitoes are more active at that time. Wearing bug repellent with DEET in the ingredients will help repel them as well.Taking all precautions could be

necessary during the month of Sep-tember as Dr. Dausey states that “even though only about 1 percent could die from the virus, it only takes one bite.”

By Samantha LinkContributing writer

West Nile Virus attacks

Commonly she is known as the Director of the Graduate Program, but here in the world of journal-ism, Jane Blystone is known as an extremely accomplished, award- winning teacher and “pioneer.”Blystone has been honored the

National Scholastic Press Associ-ation Pioneer Award, which is the highest honor of the organization and recognizes contributions to scholasticism. Blystone and four other national journalism leaders will receive the award at the JEA/NSPA national convention this November in San Antonio, Texas. This is not Blystone’s first national

award: She has also received awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Journalism Educa-tion Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. To Blystone, however, these are the least of her greatest accomplish-ments. “I think the greatest accomplish-

ments that I have had as a journal-ism educator have been helping students find their life’s passion in journalism,” said Blystone. “When I read a local paper and

know that one of my former edi-tors is now the editor of a profes-sional paper, that is inspiring, just as when I see one of my former students is broadcasting a story that

makes national news.”Journalism ensures that the people

can express their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and freedom of the press. As Blystone put it, “journalism is

the frontline of history is one of the pillars of democracy.” Not only can individuals voice

their opinions, but also collectively the people can voice their opinions through the media, and thus, hope-fully “come to a place of cooper-ation.”Blystone’s clear passion for jour-

nalism has been an evolution throughout the years and started at quite an early age when her eighth grade teacher advised her to join the school newspaper. On top of that, she was a news carrier for the Erie Morning News, and was “addicted to reading it every day before school.”

Blystone went on to earn advanced degrees in English as well as a K-12 principal’s certification. She is a Master Journalism Educa-tor through the Journalism Educa-tion Association and serves as the Director for the Northeast region.Before her career began here

at Mercyhurst, Blystone taught English and Journalism at North East High School in North East, Pa., before retiring in 2008. In 2009, she became a member of the North East School Board, never losing her continual devotion to students and the learning process.Blystone’s advice for students

interested in writing and journalism is to, “Read, read, read and write, write, write.” She insists that one must con-

stantly know what is going on both locally and globally in order to understand and interpret events, as well as “understand the power of story in decision-making in a global society.”When asked why she was so pas-

sionate about journalism, Blystone recalled when her students live-streamed media stories on 9/11 for the first time. “Journalists were the ones who

told us the moment-by-moment details of the terrorism we were facing,” said Blystone. “Never in the past did we know so much so quickly. That is what journalism is –the power of the people. When people have no power, there is no democracy.”

By Jade GelsiminoContributing writer

Blystone honored by NSPA Mystery of theMâché Man

If you have recently walked through Preston Hall and have been spooked by a colorful papier mâché man, you are not alone. Last spring, sophomore Rosemary Moore constructed and decorated a

papier mâché man for an art class. While the students’ creations were on display for the Mercyhurst community in Zurn Hall last year, Moore’s piece has recently become a topic of discussion on campus. “I thought it was thrown away at the end of the term last spring,” Moore

said. To this day, it is still uncertain who moved Moore’s piece into Preston and

the reasoning behind it. Moore is excited to have people interested in her piece, as long as they don’t do anything too inappropriate to the project. “It was just a class assignment and to have people interested in it months

later is exciting,” Moore said.The mâché man, who’s name is unknown, has been an inhabitant of the

Criminal Justice Department in Preston Hall for the past few weeks. Shirley Greene, administrative assistant of the department, said that “the

man” has become part of the family. “Everyone comes in each day, wondering where he will be next,” Greene

said.The professors on the floor have played practical jokes on each other,

placing him in offices so he scares the occupants when they walk in, pasting a picture of Dr. Benekos’ face on the man and taping a chili pepper to his right hand. Students’ responses vary in

regards to the papier mâché man. However, each student questioned about the mystery man was intrigued, and all tried to personalize him, giving the man names and various person-alities. Moore is pleased with the life

the community has given to her art.“Art is supposed to be enjoyed

and if this is the public’s way of enjoying it then I’m happy.”

By Abigail RobinsonContributing writer

Jane Blystone awarded the National Scholastic Press Asso-ciation Pioneer Award.

Sami Rapp photo

The mystery of the mâché man continues, and he is found relax-ing in President Gamble’s office.

Sarah Hlusko photo

Mâché man lounging on a bench in the hallway.

Caitlin Handerhan photo

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 5September 12, 2012

New York dazzles for spring fashion weekBy Juan MendezContributing writer

Liturgical Dance Ensemble performs at traditional Mass

Although many changes are under way for Mercyhurst, last Thursday was confirmation that traditional values are still alive and well at our university.

The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a tradition that dates back centuries meant to celebrate the start of an academic year.

If you were able to attend the Mass, you had the opportunity to experience the artistic displays of the Liturgical Dance Ensemble and the Mercyhurst Concert Choir.

The choir performed a handful of selections throughout the Mass,

including “Come, Holy Spirit” which was used as prelude music to set the mood as students, faculty and guests made their way into the Chapel.

The concert choir also had the honor of singing “Ubi Caritas” for the Communion Meditation por-tion of the Mass.

During the choirs’ performance in the middle of the program, “Come, Holy Spirit Come”, the Liturgical Dance Ensemble gave a stunning performance.

The dancers seemed to float down the center of the chapel through the introduction of the piece, and then moved gracefully into place before starting their rou-tine.

Dressed in conservative white costumes with peaceful blue accents, the performers danced with accuracy and precision, but were also elegant and fluid.

Within the performance they conveyed traditional religious ideas, hands raised to the Heavens and faced pointed upward, representing the acceptance of God.

The Liturgical Dancers looked as though they were genuinely enjoy-ing themselves, smiles on every face throughout the duration of the per-formance.

All who were in attendance of the Mass seemed to have enjoyed themselves. Spirits are high and looking bright for the start of this brand new year.

By Mathew AndersonA&E editor

Onlin

e

Upcoming events at the PAC:

On Screen/ In person: “Gen Silent”Friday, Sept. 14

at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

Langer Film Series: “The Guard”Friday , Sept. 21

at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m.

Voxare String Quartet Meets Man with a Movie Camera

Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.

After a few runway shows, the world of fashion had its biggest night on Thursday, Sept. 6.

More than 500 retailers across New York City and the biggest names on the entertainment indus-try reunited for a night of shopping on Fashion’s Night Out.

Musicians, fashionistas, artists and celebrities converged together to mark the fourth year anniversary of the event.

The runway dazzled with the designs of both major and up-and-coming wearhouses for the several days long event.

Students from the Academy of Art University as well as some of the participants on this season of Lifetime Television’s Project Runway got to showcase their talent, standing as some of the hopeful names in fashion.

Rebecca Minkoff, who had

received praise on her Fall-Winter 2012 collection last fall, fell short with her Spring 2013 collection, created to “imagine the glamorous life, but set 50 years later,” in the words of the head designer.

Her designs were criticized by the blogging community for being “all over the place,” using white as an anchor color as opposed to the floral prints she had used to blend it all together last fall.

She failed to showcase any of the key spring pieces such as the maxi dress, replacing it for ill-fitting over-alls and sloppily-tailored jackets in bold colors.

However, others did not disap-point, and consistently presented jaw-dropping collections for the spring.

Personal favorites include Monique Lhuillier, whose use of floral prints in burgundy, maroon and poppy seed fit perfectly into the siren-like silhouettes and structured cuts. His details in leather and gold had a combination usually suited for the fall; a risky choice, but a

delightful execution.Chadwick Bell’s use of simple

cuts and neutral colors worked well for the winter season, but the lack of color and the poor use of neu-

tral accessories proved to be a miss for him this time around.

One of the biggest statements imposed for this season is skin. A trend that is usually part of summer,

but made it’s way to the breezy days, accompanied with strategic cutouts. Deep necklines and an array of bra-style tops delivered impeccably by Victoria Beckham in her Spring 2013 collection is also in style.

Other contributors to the trend were Derek Lam, who showcased an edgy but chic kaleidoscope of colors, fabrics and patterns.

In addition, Alexander Wang, whose collection featured black-and-white pieces combined with parkas and tops inspired by sports jerseys put against elegant halter dresses and other pieces that turned to glowsticks when the lights went out for the final walk along the runway.

Penned to close the ceremonies before the event moves to other fashion capitals are crowd favorites Zac Posen, Ralph Lauren, Caro-lina Herrera, Vera Wang, Badgley Mischka, Michael Kors and Calvin Klein. These prominent names in fashion will be showcasing their collections throughout the remain-ing week.

Young and upcoming models strike a pose for fashion week held in New York City.

Huffington Post photo

Discussion, interaction expected from new PAC

series

Look for a full calendar of A&E Events

www.merciad.mercyhurst.edu/arts_entertainment

September 3, 2008ARTS & ENTERTAINMENTPage 6 September 12, 2012

“Your Sister’s Sister” was shown Friday, Sept. 7 at the Taylor Little Theater as part of the Langer Film Series.

In just an hour and a half, the film comprised of various emo-tional levels.

At first it was sad, then extremely funny, but the very end took a turn for the awkward.

I would say that most people were drawn to the movie because of ‘big name’ Emily Blunt, who plays Iris.

Iris tells her friend, Jack, to stay at her father’s island house. When he arrives he finds Iris’s sister Hannah. Hannah and Jack proceed to bond over hard times and a bottle of tequila, which never ends well.

I must admit that this scene was one of my favorites as the two have a hilarious, drunken time.

To Hannah and Jack’s surprise, Iris shows up at the house the next morning and the rest of the film surrounds the unfolding of a not-so expected secret.

One viewer, Thomas Hall said, “It was a great story about not letting hurdles in life prevent you from being happy.”

Throughout the movie, the char-acters exchange delightfully witty banter, which gives a sense of real-ism to the movie.

I thought the script was extremely well written because the lines were not forced or fake. I could see myself being friends with Iris and Jack.

The characters find humor in real life situations. For example, Hannah makes a batch of vegan pancakes and the other two pretend to enjoy them when in reality they are disgusted by them.

Speaking in terms of relation-ships, the film was able to accu-rately portray love in various forms. Iris and Hannah’s relationship as

sisters made me want to immedi-ately see my sister.

You can tell the two are close and even though they make mistakes, they love each other anyways.

Jack and Iris are a hysterical pair. The two feed off each other and make the viewers root for them until the end.

Lastly, Hannah and Jack have just met but the two manage to have a comical drunken night, an awkward sexual encounter and an overall uncomfortable story line.

Although their time together might not be perfect, it was still enjoyable.

Overall, “My Sister’s Sister” was a good film. I would suggest seeing it when it comes out on DVD, but be prepared.

I don’t want to spoil the plot, so I am just giving a warning; there is a deeper storyline that gets uncom-fortable.

The jokes are funny and the actors are great, so please don’t let the warning scare you off.

Faculty Art show open to the public

In 2004 the song, “Mr. Bright-side” brought the little-known, Las Vegas band, The Killers into mainstream success. Now eight years later, this same song may lead another band into its mainstream success.

Monsters Calling Home is a Los Angeles based band comprised of six Korean-American musicians that include Daniel Chae, John Chong, Jennifer Rim, Sally Kang, Joe Chun and Alex Hwang.

The first thing that caught my attention about this band was the cover for “Mr. Brightside.”

The best way to describe this cover would be that it was stripped down, but not in any way left hollow.

The album’s title track, “Mon-

sters Calling Home,” really shows the skill of this band when it comes to composing a song, with slow har-monized male and female vocals in the beginning, to the explosion of the entire band during the chorus.

The last song that really caught my attention was “Goodnight Moon.” The song is surprisingly happy, attached with a folk song feel. It was written for lead singer, Alex Hwang’s family.

The only issue I have with this album is the phrasing used on “Mr. Brightside.” It felt a little choppy on some parts. Despite that small issue, this is a great EP considering it is the band’s first.

It boasts enough variety in the songs so that they don’t blend together and Alex’s creative lyrics will keep you pondering what morals or meanings are hidden within. So I suggest everyone ought to check it out.

By Zachary DorschStaff writer

“Your Sister’s Sister” an emotional roller coaster

Upcoming band uses The Killers in rise to the top

The public is invited to visit the Cummings Art Gallery for the Annual Faculty Art show, through Sept. 23.

The gallery features works from many of Mercyhurst’s own, as well as a few guest works contributed by alumni including Annoel Krider ‘77.

Art was contributed from faculty members, such as Daniel Burke, Tom Hubert, Jodi Staniunas-Hop-per, Gary Cardot, Robert Tavani, Mary Elizabeth Meier, Jamie Boro-wicz and Patricia Tomzcak-Czule-wicz.

Alumna Krider, who holds an art education degree from Mercyhurst exhibits large colorful weavings with warm colors and bold shapes.

She has traveled from Pittsburgh to Mexico, to New York to study her artistic tapestry. Krider’s art-work is featured in both public and private collections alike throughout the world.

Her public artwork includes con-tributions to IBM, Robin Williams

and Kelly McGrillis, as well as a multitude of other venues.

Tom Hubert features a couple ceramic teapots, including a lovely striped one, and a jar with a platter. Hubert has taught on Mercyhurst’s campus for 32 years. He has won awards in national and regional exhibitions.

Jodi Staniunas-Hopper holds an MFA in advertising/ design from Marywood University. Now a Graphic Design Program Director, she unveiled a series of masks made from lace and feathers.

Included with these masks are photo representation of the works in use, atop a subject’s head. Hop-per’s work “Mascara” took second place in an art show held at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center.

A doctoral candidate at Pennsyl-vania State University, Mary Meier earned her M.S. and B.S. in art edu-cation from Florida State.

A brand new faculty member for the art education program, she was named Outstanding Elementary Art Educator by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association and will

begin a two-year term in October as president of that group.

Meier presented works on office chairs, having them seemingly com-municate between one another. Her art work is captivating, and has a quality that draws one in.

Patricia Tomczak-Czulewicz has taught art in Erie for more than 30 years.

She is currently working on a couple of fine art books that document small towns around Pennsylvania. Tomczak-Czulewicz graduated from the Cleveland Insti-tute of Art with a degree in paint-ing.

“The paintings that I create are an honest response to the beauty that I see every day. My work rep-resents images that are often over-looked in search of something greater than ‘the ordinary’,” she said.

Cummings Gallery, located in the lobby of the Mary D’Angelo Per-forming Arts Center at Mercyhurst, is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. For more information, please call 814-824-2092.

By Mathew AndersonA&E editor

A sample of each person’s work was featured in the announcement for the faculty art exhibit.

Sarah Hlusko photo

By Caitlin MacBrideContributing writer

OPINION Page 7September 12, 2012

EditorsStacy SkiavoAlicia CagleKayla Kelly Caitlin HanderhanJoe ChiodoMat AndersonChelsea SchermerhornSamantha LinkZach DorschEthan JohnsCourtney HartlineBill Welch

@mercyhurst.edueditormerciadnewsmerciad

featuremerciadopinionmerciadsportsmerciad

entertainmentmerciadcopymerciad

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The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst University. It is published throughout the school year, with the exception of finals weeks. Our office is in Hirt, Room 120B.

Our telephone number is (814) 824-2376.

The Merciad welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and names will be included with the letters. Although we

will not edit the letters for content, we reserve the right to trim letters to fit. Letters are due Mondays. by noon and may not be

more than 300 words. Submit letters to box PH 485 or via email at opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.

If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen.Positions

Editor-in-ChiefNews Editor

Features EditorOpinion EditorSports EditorA&E Editor

Copy EditorGraphics

Photo EditorWeb Editor

Ad ManagerAdviser

In 2008 at the Democratic National Convention many state delegates planned to unite behind President Obama before the roll call of the delegates’ votes were cast.

During the actual roll call the Democratic Party came together when California passed with its 441 votes of leverage, Illinois passed, New Mexico yielding back to Illi-nois and then yielding to New York and history was made as Hillary Clinton entered onto the floor and rallied the convention behind their leader President Obama.

The Democrats had their “eyes set firmly on the future, in unity, a goal of victory, faith in party and country” Clinton said, as the Con-vention passed an Acclamation to nominate its leader. The rest is his-tory.

Unfortunately, Republicans have not fostered a spirit of unity but rather have encouraged disrespect, corruption, violation of their own

rules and violating people’s hard work and rights.

Before the roll call of votes, two rules were put to a vote, fixing future delegate outcomes at con-ventions by binding delegates to state caucus and primary results, stripping away hard-working dele-gates such as those of Ron Paul’s who were present at the Conven-tion.

The other rule changed the number of states needed to place a name in nomination for president from only five to eight states. The teleprompter for Chair John Boeh-ner (House majority leader) already had the results scripted on it as the delegates voted from the floor for the rules change.

The ayes have it, was on the teleprompter before the vote was taken. Is that democratic or some-thing else? I’ll let you decide.

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

By Travis LindseyContributing writer

RNC nomination process questionable, possibly hypocritical in nature

DNC delivers a better narrative

For the past two weeks, politi-cos from sea to shining sea have been tuning into C-SPAN to watch unadulterated footage of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Tampa, Fla., and Demo-cratic National Convention (DNC) in Charlotte, N.C.

These conventions are basically a policy wonk’s Olympics, Oscars, and Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show all rolled into a span of three days.

With the aid of social media, even those who hate politics were exposed to the events; both con-ventions filled up Twitter’s trend-ing topics list each night they were

televised. With so many eyes on the conventions, the political parties had to present their best faces to the public.

Regardless of your political ori-entation, you have to admit, the Democrats presented their narra-tive better.

The atmospheres of the two conventions couldn’t be more dif-ferent; the only common element was that they were both about Pres-ident Barack Obama.

Sure, the RNC pulled together a roster of excellent speakers.They spoke about overcoming personal adversity through hard work, and why another four years of President Obama could be dangerous for the United States—but none inspired a rallying cry around the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney.

As Rachel Maddow pointed out, “[New Jersey Governor Chris Christie] waited 1,800 words into a 2,600-word speech to even bring Romney up.” The convention’s key-note speaker didn’t even talk about Romney. The entire convention seemed more like a platform for 2016’s prospective candidates to shine, than a call for unification.

In contrast, the DNC was all about Barack Obama. The speak-ers wove personal stories into their speeches, but focused more on the party’s platform and the accom-plishments of the president. Their speeches and enthusiasm reminded me of Friday Night Lights, “clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose!”

The Democrats effectively rebutted all attacks made against Obama’s presidency throughout

this campaign season, from John Kerry’s zinger of “ask Osama bin Laden if he’s better off than he was four years ago” to Bill Clin-ton’s off-teleprompter speech that took on every single argument the Romney campaign made.

The overwhelming message throughout the DNC was, “change is slow, but we’ve made progress and we can’t go back.” I think that was just enough to revitalize the 2008 voters disillusioned by the slow pace of change. I believe the DNC solidified the election for President Obama.

If anything, we will get to see more Clint Eastwood versus wooden chair conversations.

By Zainab JavedStaff writer

The Center for Academic Excellence is open and stu-dents are enjoying the awe-some walls, which are all dry-erase boards. Too bad the marker doesn’t erase very well, giving the clean-ing crews fits.

The Mercyhurst University Class of 2016 is comprised of 677 freshmen, with the total number of new faces on campus reaching 799, one of the highest num-bers of incoming students in Mercyhurst history.

Police and Safety will be ticketing cars without parking permits beginning this week. Students must go through multiple steps online and in person in order to pick up their hang-ing tag, another hassle busy students don’t need.

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

Sports September 12, 2012Page 8

Mercyhurst University football hasn’t fallen to 0-2 since 2006. So, after losing their season opener to Notre Dame College on Aug. 30, 59-42, the pressure was on to win their next game, which took place this past Saturday, Sept. 8th against the Millersville Marauders.

The Lakers showed up in full force, crushing the Marauders in a 45-7 victory. The game was won on the ground, with 379 rushing yards. Overall, the Lakers averaged 7.4 yards per carry on a total of 51 runs against the Millersville defense.

Running backs freshman Bran-don Brown-Dukes and junior Allen Jones II both had career record days on the field. Brown-Dukes became one of only five players in Mercy-hurst history to rush for more than 200 yards in a single game, while Jones II had a career-high 132-yard

game and a touchdown.Additionally, junior Steven Wake-

field booted a 77-yard punt, the second longest in school history. Furthermore, Wakefeild kicked a 46-yard field goal, breaking his pre-vious record of 35 yards.

With all of these impressive run-ning stats, it’s hard to forget the other positions that are necessary to make such results possible. The offensive line is often overlooked in regards to recognition, but their role is vital to the offense’s ability to make plays happen.

Senior offensive lineman Kevin Poropat wasn’t surprised by the win against Millersville, but he is relieved.

“It feels good to bounce back, especially after last weeks game,” Poropat said.

As a senior, Poropat knows his way around the offensive line. “As a freshman, I was playing right tackle. Sophomore and junior year I switched over to left tackle, and

now I play left guard. I’ve been all over the place,” Poropat said.

Poropat was recently awarded two All-American honors from the USA Football Freedom Bowl and the D2 vs. NAIA Bowl. Poropat knows the importance his team played in him receiving All-Ameri-can recognition.

“I’m honored to be named an All-American; not many people can say that,” said Poropat. “I owe it to my teammates, they help me a lot.”

Expectations are high this year for the Lakers, and Poropat can’t help but desire a repeat of their 2010 season, when the Lakers won the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Ath-letic Conference) Championship.

“We definitely want to get back to the top of the PSAC, we’re opti-mistic. Our first goal is to ‘win the West’ though,” said Poropat. “All I care about is doing my job and helping my team win ball games. It is all I care about.”

The Lakers will make their first home appearance this Saturday, Sept. 15 against the Clarion Golden Eagles on Tullio Field.

By Joe ChiodoSports Editor

Lakers run over Millersville MaraudersFootball finds redemptionin 45-7 win over Marauders

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

Lindsay Beers photo

Women’s volleyball explodes to 7-1Coach credits maturation, determination for team’s success

After dropping their first contest to Northern Michigan University in the Ferris State Tournament, the Hurst has rolled to a seven-game win streak. The most notable of wins came over Ferris State Univer-sity which was ranked 14th in the nation at the time.

The five-game thriller was led by senior Kiera Rebert with a career-high 41 assists and senior Elyse Texido with 35 digs. Texido’s digs were also a career-high and the most by a Mercyhurst libero since 2004.

After the upset win, the Lakers

picked up three more wins during the Mercyhurst Gannon Invita-tional. All matches were won in four sets or less.

The team of 19 is led by a power-house packed upperclass. The 2012 Lakers have seven seniors and five juniors. This experience has fueled the team’s exciting run.

“Maturation that comes with age has made a big difference so far,” said Head Coach Ryan Patton. “Specifically, there seems so far to be a determination to buckle down and do the extra things that good teams do.”

Senior Katie Powell agrees. “We have been playing together

since we were freshmen and now that we are seniors we have a lot of

experience,” said Powell. “Because our senior class is large, we have been able to lead the underclassmen by example.”

The Lakers have rebounded from the 2011 season, finishing the year with a 14-18 overall record. Only losing seniors Chelsea Hen-nigan, Kelsey Richardson and Megan Riske has allowed the team to use their existing chemistry to fuel their 2012 run.

It is the little things that have impressed Coach Patton. “Covering attackers and playing solid defense has been our strongest points, this may be the best team I’ve ever had or seen at it.”

As the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference) approaches,

the Hurst eyes on being a top con-tender.

“We need to improve our inten-sity,” said Powell. “Usually by the third set we lose a little momentum, and we need to be able to rally and finish the game.”

Patton feels this team has put it all together. “We finally have good competitive aggression pointed at people in other uniforms, an under-standing of all the extras it takes to be good instead of ok, and a sense of urgency that successful teams feel.”

The Lakers added four newcom-ers in 2012, Kelly Vitt, Erin Byrnes, Karly Burns and Lexi Stefanov. These freshman have used experi-ence from upperclassmen to find

their place on the roster.Seniors Kiera Rebert, Amanda

Balasko, Becky Smith, Becky Leusch, and Elyse Texido have been leading the stat column.

Most of these seniors have been in their position since freshman or sophomore year making each of their roles difficult to fill. Rebert and Texido are off to career starts and will be tough roles to find replacements in 2013. Rebert has 237 assists on the year, and Texido has 132 digs.

The 2012 Lakers have set the pace for a memorable year, and will open home PSAC play Oct. 5 against Kutztown at 2:30 p.m. in the MAC (Mercyhurst Athletic Center).

By Lindsey BurkeContributing Writer