Top Banner
A healing experience Raw Edges : Conflicting national studies examine academic balance Photo by Ethan Magoc Jill Barrile photos The typical college student is reportedly not learning the basic skills needed to land a job after graduation. Yet his or her stress levels are at all-time highs, according to two recently published studies. The first report was based on a book titled “Aca- demically Adrift” by Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa, and it discussed the lack of writing-intensive courses that college students are required to take. The study tracked approximately 2,000 students; half took less than six courses that required 20 pages of writing. This lack of writing in college courses contributes to the underdevelopment of such tasks as critical thinking and complex reasoning, and it leaves students with knowledge in their field but without any analytical skills to use that knowledge. The second story, published in the New York Times in late January, explored college students’ stress levels and concluded that they are at a record high. The stress level includes classwork and outside factors, such as the economy, ability to find a job and distrac- tions. The question remains: How do college students really feel about their courses and stress levels, and which survey is closer to the reality? It seems there is no simple answer. Read the story on page 5 By Alaina Rydzewski Features editor Slacking, studious or stressed? Are students more stressed now trying to keep up or slacking with a lighter writing workload? Story continued on Page 4 Teri Rhodes receives three to six-year sentence Page 3 Photos: Women’s hockey sweeps Wayne State Page 8 Faculty Collage returns to Walker Recital Hall Page 5 Erieite Appetite: Enjoying The Golden Wok Page 4
8

The Merciad, Feb. 9, 2011

Mar 20, 2016

Download

Documents

The Merciad

Digital version of The Merciad, Feb. 9, 2011.
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: The Merciad, Feb. 9, 2011

A healing experienceRaw Edges :

Conflicting national studiesexamine academic balance

Photo by Ethan Magoc

Jill Barrile photos

The typical college student is reportedly

not learning the basic skills needed

to land a job after graduation. Yet his or her stress

levels are at all-time highs, according to two recently

published studies.

The first report was based on a book titled “Aca-

demically Adrift” by Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa,

and it discussed the lack of writing-intensive courses

that college students are required to take. The study

tracked approximately 2,000 students; half took less

than six courses that required 20 pages of writing.

This lack of writing in

college courses contributes

to the underdevelopment of

such tasks as critical thinking and complex reasoning,

and it leaves students with knowledge in their field but

without any analytical skills to use that knowledge.

The second story, published in the New York

Times in late January, explored college students’ stress

levels and concluded that they are at a record high.

The stress level includes classwork and outside factors,

such as the economy, ability to find a job and distrac-

tions.

The question remains: How do college students

really feel about their courses and stress levels, and

which survey is closer to the reality?

It seems there is no simple answer.

Read the story on page 5

By Alaina RydzewskiFeatures editor

Slacking, studious or stressed?

Are students more stressed now trying to keep up or slacking with a lighter writing workload?

Story continued on Page 4

Teri Rhodesreceives three

to six-yearsentence

Page 3

Photos: Women’s

hockey sweeps Wayne State

Page 8

Faculty Collage returns to

Walker Recital Hall

Page 5

ErieiteAppetite:

EnjoyingThe Golden Wok

Page 4

Page 2: The Merciad, Feb. 9, 2011

NEWSPage 2 February 9, 2011

Campus chefs compete in cook-offTo celebrate Groundhog’s Day,

Mercyhurst College’s Campus Min-istry and Human Resource depart-ments presented the annual Chili Cook-off.

The event, now in its sixth year, was held Feb. 2 and encouraged the college community to come and “Phil up their Bowl” with several varieties of chili.

Tickets cost 25 cents to taste a chili sample, and participants voted for their favorites.

The contest was broken into four categories: Best Traditional, Best Hot and Spicy, Most Unique Ingre-dient and Best Vegetarian. A trophy was given for The Best Chili on the Hill for the chili with the most over-all votes.

Sixteen chefs from different areas on campus made chili for others to taste and judge. Although no stu-

dents entered the contest this year, several students from groups like WMCE took part in the cooking.

“It took us a day to research our chili and choose a white chicken chili,” said Mike Leal, director of WMCE. “We thought this was the best choice since one member doesn’t really enjoy tomato baste, and we thought it would win in the most unique category.”

Admissions secretary Debbie Wurst has won awards the past two years.

“My fi rst win was Best Overall Chili, and the next was Best Tradi-tional. This year, I’m hoping to get a hat trick,” Wurst said.

She got her wish, winning this year’s Best Traditional Chili.

Wurst explained her secret to winning.

“I got the recipe from my neigh-bor who was a chili cooking cham-pion, although I added my own touch to it,” she said. “Each time I make my chili, I make it differ-ently.”

Husband-wife duo Aaron and Darcey Kemp of the athletic department and Center for Student Engagement & Leadership Devel-opment, respectively, received a trophy for having the Best Chili on the Hill.

Keith Cammidge, head coach of the women’s soccer team, had the most unique ingredient, and crimi-nal investigator Dennis Donovan won for having the best hot and spicy chili.

Dean of Faculty Brian Ripley and assistant volleyball coach Jenell Patton’s chili was voted the best vegetarian.

Event organizer Jim Tometsko, director of human resources, explained the purpose of the chili cook-off.

“I organized this event for fun,” he said. “It’s diffi cult to get people out and about during winter and this is just the thing.”

The event raised $300 and 47 canned goods for the Mercy Center for Women.

By Stacy SkiavoStaff writer

WMCE Station Director Mike Leal, right, hands Sports Information Director Lauren Packer Webster a cup of chili on Wednesday, Feb. 2, at the Student Union.

Ethan Magoc photo

Library adds chat services

The library has added two new features to the way it assists stu-dents: Ask a Librarian and Refer-ence Chat.

Ask a Librarian refers to “any of the services we offer for reference,” said Jennifer Harris, who is a system administrator and teaching librar-ian. Ask a Librarian includes chat, phone, e-mail or offi ce visit.

This feature is the actual chat part of the Reference Chat, allow-ing an instant way for students to get services. Harris said the library has always had Ask a Librarian, but the Reference Chat was added in the beginning of winter term.

“We receive quite a few ques-tions daily, relating on how to fi nds books and articles, general ques-tions like how long a book can be checked out for and where things are,” Harris said.

Harris said the reason for the addi-tion is “students dealing with grow-ing technology are looking for more

instantaneous access, plus students are familiar with chat services.”

Several different libraries that Harris researched already had chat services like this, which encouraged her to take the necessary steps to create the Reference Chat.

Although students said they didn’t know about the new services, many said they will keep it in mind if and when they have a question about the services.

Sophomore Braden Greenawalt didn’t know about the chat, but said, “I suppose if it was something really important I would use the new service.”

Junior Randi Heitman agreed, saying, “I will be likely to ask them if I have a question.”

These features can be accessed at library.mercyhurst.edu.

Librarians are free to chat Mon-days through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Mondays through Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m.

They can chat on Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m. as well.

If the librarians are not available during this time, they will respond within 24 hours.

By Alaina RydzewskiFeatures editor

Page 3: The Merciad, Feb. 9, 2011

NEWSPage 2 February 9, 2011

Campus chefs compete in cook-offTo celebrate Groundhog’s Day,

Mercyhurst College’s Campus Min-istry and Human Resource depart-ments presented the annual Chili Cook-off.

The event, now in its sixth year, was held Feb. 2 and encouraged the college community to come and “Phil up their Bowl” with several varieties of chili.

Tickets cost 25 cents to taste a chili sample, and participants voted for their favorites.

The contest was broken into four categories: Best Traditional, Best Hot and Spicy, Most Unique Ingre-dient and Best Vegetarian. A trophy was given for The Best Chili on the Hill for the chili with the most over-all votes.

Sixteen chefs from different areas on campus made chili for others to taste and judge. Although no stu-

dents entered the contest this year, several students from groups like WMCE took part in the cooking.

“It took us a day to research our chili and choose a white chicken chili,” said Mike Leal, director of WMCE. “We thought this was the best choice since one member doesn’t really enjoy tomato baste, and we thought it would win in the most unique category.”

Admissions secretary Debbie Wurst has won awards the past two years.

“My fi rst win was Best Overall Chili, and the next was Best Tradi-tional. This year, I’m hoping to get a hat trick,” Wurst said.

She got her wish, winning this year’s Best Traditional Chili.

Wurst explained her secret to winning.

“I got the recipe from my neigh-bor who was a chili cooking cham-pion, although I added my own touch to it,” she said. “Each time I make my chili, I make it differ-ently.”

Husband-wife duo Aaron and Darcey Kemp of the athletic department and Center for Student Engagement & Leadership Devel-opment, respectively, received a trophy for having the Best Chili on the Hill.

Keith Cammidge, head coach of the women’s soccer team, had the most unique ingredient, and crimi-nal investigator Dennis Donovan won for having the best hot and spicy chili.

Dean of Faculty Brian Ripley and assistant volleyball coach Jenell Patton’s chili was voted the best vegetarian.

Event organizer Jim Tometsko, director of human resources, explained the purpose of the chili cook-off.

“I organized this event for fun,” he said. “It’s diffi cult to get people out and about during winter and this is just the thing.”

The event raised $300 and 47 canned goods for the Mercy Center for Women.

By Stacy SkiavoStaff writer

WMCE Station Director Mike Leal, right, hands Sports Information Director Lauren Packer Webster a cup of chili on Wednesday, Feb. 2, at the Student Union.

Ethan Magoc photo

Library adds chat services

The library has added two new features to the way it assists stu-dents: Ask a Librarian and Refer-ence Chat.

Ask a Librarian refers to “any of the services we offer for reference,” said Jennifer Harris, who is a system administrator and teaching librar-ian. Ask a Librarian includes chat, phone, e-mail or offi ce visit.

This feature is the actual chat part of the Reference Chat, allow-ing an instant way for students to get services. Harris said the library has always had Ask a Librarian, but the Reference Chat was added in the beginning of winter term.

“We receive quite a few ques-tions daily, relating on how to fi nds books and articles, general ques-tions like how long a book can be checked out for and where things are,” Harris said.

Harris said the reason for the addi-tion is “students dealing with grow-ing technology are looking for more

instantaneous access, plus students are familiar with chat services.”

Several different libraries that Harris researched already had chat services like this, which encouraged her to take the necessary steps to create the Reference Chat.

Although students said they didn’t know about the new services, many said they will keep it in mind if and when they have a question about the services.

Sophomore Braden Greenawalt didn’t know about the chat, but said, “I suppose if it was something really important I would use the new service.”

Junior Randi Heitman agreed, saying, “I will be likely to ask them if I have a question.”

These features can be accessed at library.mercyhurst.edu.

Librarians are free to chat Mon-days through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Mondays through Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m.

They can chat on Sundays from 6 to 9 p.m. as well.

If the librarians are not available during this time, they will respond within 24 hours.

By Alaina RydzewskiFeatures editor

Page 3February 9, 2011 NEWS

Former Mercyhurst volleyball player resentenced

A three-year-old case against a former Mercyhurst College volley-ball player came to a close Friday morning at the Erie County Court-house.

Judge Ernest J. DiSantis Jr. sen-tenced Teri Rhodes to a minimum of three years and four months in state prison stemming from a vol-untary manslaughter charge in the Aug. 12, 2007, smothering of her newborn daughter.

Rhodes, 22, had previously been given nine to 18 years for voluntary manslaughter in a November 2008 ruling by Judge William R. Cun-ningham. A Pennsylvania Superior Court overturned that sentence in

2009, citing a belief that Cunning-ham had acted impartially in sen-tencing Rhodes for a duration she had not agreed to in a plea bargain.

The investigation, the contro-versial charge of voluntary man-slaughter (a crime committed after provocation from the individual killed—in this case, a newborn baby), and Cunningham’s initial sen-tence divided the Erie and Mercy-hurst communities. Some believed his punishment too severe, others thought it not stiff enough.

DiSantis’ sentence carries a max-imum term of six years and eight months.

“I think his decision was fair for this crime,” said Rhodes’ lawyer, Philip Friedman, after the 9 a.m. sentencing. “We would have liked a lesser sentence, but we can’t com-plain.”

Rhodes, then an 18-year-old sophomore, delivered the baby alone in a college apartment bath-tub at 3810 Briggs Ave. Police found the child’s body hours later wrapped in a plastic bag.

She had not told anyone—family, friends, teammates or roommate Julia Butler—that she was expect-ing. Butler returned from volleyball practice that Sunday afternoon, later telling police she heard Rhodes in the bathroom making noises to suggest she was in pain.

Butler contacted former vol-leyball assistant coach Sarah King, who took Rhodes to the hospital after the birth while investigation into the infant’s death began.

“I just want to tell you how sorry I am,” Rhodes said as she stood before DiSantis on Friday. “If I could change anything from that day, I would... I will try, every day for the rest of my life, to atone for that day.”

Following her release from Erie County Prison on $25,000 bond in February 2009, she returned home to Commerce, Mich., and enrolled at Oakland University.

She had been expected to gradu-ate with a degree in computer sci-ence in spring of 2012.

“There’s no question she’s a good kid,” Friedman told DiSantis during the proceedings. He had sought a reduced sentence without time served in a correctional facility.

“She’s not the type of person who belongs in prison,” he said.

Both DiSantis and Erie County District Attorney Jack Daneri acknowledged Rhodes’ positive behavior since the incident, her clean record prior to August 2007 and her remorse for the crime.

Still, they each asserted that her

conduct must be punished. Daneri said he has received some 60 letters from those close to Rhodes vouch-ing for her character. Of those, he said only three mentioned the child’s life.

“The Commonwealth is here to provide a vision of that little girl...(who) would be about this high,” he said as he held his hand a few feet off the ground.

“That’s what we’re here for,” Daneri said. “It is my duty to bring a case against (Rhodes) without malice.”

Rhodes, who—along with her assembled family—sobbed throughout the proceedings, then became openly distraught and was provided a chair by court offi cers.

She will be credited with three months served from November

2008 to February 2009. DiSantis also recommended Rhodes con-tinue to receive psychiatric aid and pursue educational opportunities during her prison sentence.

Toward the end of his dialogue, DiSantis acknowledged he was about to sentence Rhodes for the wrong charge.

“This is not a case of voluntary manslaughter,” he said. “I wanted to say this case fi t into a peg. It didn’t.”

Instead, he argued, Rhodes’ case was broader and should bring about a discussion of how this country views and deals with teenage preg-nancy.

“Society has to provide support and counseling to young people,” he said, “so they don’t have to wres-tle with this all alone.”

By Ethan MagocEditor-in-chief

Teri Rhodes walked into the Erie County Courthouse on Friday, Feb. 4, for a resentencing before Judge Ernest DiSantis.

Ethan Magoc photo

Parkhurst Dining Services, a division of Eat’n Park Hospitality Group headquartered in Pittsburgh, challenged the colleges the company caters to see which could sell the most food to its students for Super Bowl festivities and tailgating.

“Only 10 people purchased food with us for this event.” Of those 10, “a few were faculty,” said Kim Novak,

general manager for Parkhurst at Egan Dining Hall and dining facili-ties at North East campus.

Even though students had a span of a week and a half decided to pur-chase food from Egan for Super Bowl festivities, which they could have pur-chased with dining dollars or campus cash, less than 10 students purchased the Super Bowl food.

Junior Michelle Tatavosian decided not to purchase Egan’s food for the Super Bowl.

“It’s cheaper to go eat at Egan

or buy food from WalMart before the Super Bowl than pay for catered food from Egan,” she said.

Novak was not surprised that many students chose not to pur-chase the Super Bowl food.

“This is not uncommon,” Novak said, “People would rather go out to eat and drink” instead of buying food from the school cafeteria.

Another reason for the lack of interest is that Erie “has many teams here: Steelers, Browns, Bills, and not everyone wants to cheer

for the Steelers,” Novak, a devout Browns fan, said.

This is true especially when almost all of the food items on the menu had Steelers names associ-ated with them, such as ARTichoke Rooney Dip, 3 River Sausage & Dip and Steel Curtain Pizzas.

Novak, who has been working at Egan since August 2009 and has worked at other colleges before, said, “We advertised well, using the napkin holders in Egan, the Portal and the Morning Buzz.”

The average price for the items on the menu was $22.25. Most of the menu items served 15 people or more. The “3foot” Super Bowl sub with chips, which serves 25 to 30 people, cost $65.

“The food was too expensive, and my friends and I had fun making our own food for our Super Bowl party,” junior Jackie Ropelewski said.

Robert Morris University in Pitts-burgh won the Parkhurst challenge for selling the most Super Bowl food to its students, Novak said.

Students pass on Parkhurst’s Super Bowl foodBy Mike GallagherContributing writer

An exterior view of 3810 Briggs Ave. two weeks after former student Teri Rhodes smothered her newborn baby.

Scoot Williams photo

Page 4: The Merciad, Feb. 9, 2011

FEATURES February 9, 2011Page 4

What are your plans for spring

break?

“Mostly I’m just going to be working, but I am also taking a short trip to Chicago to go on a $1,000 shopping spree to French Connection that I won back in the fall!” -Brigitte Thompson, junior

“I’m heading to Panama City, Florida, with three other girls. We’ll be driv-ing down the Thursday right after finals, spend-ing about a week hitting the beach, playing vol-leyall, checking out the sights and parasailing.” -Gillian Jones, junior

“I’m going skiing at a few resorts near Salt Lake City, Utah. I’ve never skied out West, but everyone says it’s sweet. So it should be a good time.” -Aaron Loncki, sophomore

Erieite Appetite: The Golden Wok

This past Sunday, I went to The Golden Wok, located at 3202 Pitts-burgh Avenue, which serves Chinese food. This is not your typical Chi-nese buffet restaurant—in fact, there is no buffet in the place. The Golden Wok offers a nice variety of Chinese dishes at an affordable price.

Although approximately 20 min-utes from campus, The Golden Wok is worth the drive if you want genuine Chinese food that has not been Americanized like most of the buffets.

I went there for lunch with my mom, and for two meals, two egg rolls, a Pepsi and a pot of tea, the cost was only $15.

I chose the Mongolian Shrimp, which was served with your choice of rice and soup. Rice choices were white, fried or organic brown, and soup choices were wonton, egg drop or hot and sour.

I was surprised to see that organic brown rice was one of the options, so people trying to eat healthy can do so.

The Mongolian Shrimp was advertised as a spicy food, but was not too spicy, and the shrimp came with green beans, onions and mush-rooms stir-fried.

The Golden Wok is a refreshing

alternative from buffet style Chinese fare, and the food was fl avorsome.

The wait for the food was not long and everything was prompt.

Dinner prices, as well as lunch

prices, are reasonable, especially for students who want a nice meal at an affordable price. If you can fi nd the transportation, The Golden Wok is worth the drive.

By Alaina RydzewskiFeatures editor

The Mongolian Shrimp is one of many affordable options.Alaina Rydzewski photo

Studious, slacking or stressed?Continued from cover

“The problem you see is that there are two different kinds of students,” says Alice Edwards, Ph.D., Mercy-hurst’s world languages and cultures department chair. “There are students who are working really hard and are stressed, and there is the opposite—students who aren’t stressed at all.”

Edwards also says there are other factors that affect a student’s emo-tional balance.

“The fi nancial pressure is huge. Kids have to think really hard because they can’t afford to make bad academic mistakes.”

Robert von Thaden, Ph.D., of the religious studies department views these issues as part of a broader societal problem.

“We live in a culture that argues that college equals success,” says von Thaden, adding that America lacks a strong vocational education system, which can result in a number of stu-dents being stuck in college without the will or skills to succeed.

“This, I would argue,” he says, “leads to a segment of college stu-dents who are constantly stressed because they do not fi t.”

Randy Clemons, Ph.D., professor of political science, thinks students are learning and gaining the essential tools needed to succeed in the work force.

These include “critical thinking, writing skills, research and analy-sis skills; as well as being able to

identify moral dilemmas, a sense of responsibility, global awareness, citizenship skills and knowledge, and the importance of service.”

But other factors could be to blame for an increase in students’ stress.

For some professors, Facebook and text messaging come to mind.

“I have seen no convincing evi-dence, let alone proof, that the level of stress is actually related to the quality or amount of course work expected or delivered,” Clemons says. “Thus, students could be not studying much at all and still be very stressed by other factors.

“In other words, if you are spend-ing too much time social network-ing, too much time playing video games, too much time partying, too little or too much time exercising, it can make your academic respon-sibilities seem to be stressful,” he says, “But they are not necessarily the actual cause of the stress.”

Ludlow Brown, Ph.D., professor of philosophy, agreed.

“Students are constantly being bombarded with everything social networking represents,” says Brown, noting students generally cannot have both a solid academic life and hyperactive social networking per-sona. “Social networking becomes a job because students don’t want to be left behind. The additional stress isn’t from schoolwork; it’s from other work.”

The perceived light workload could

stem from yet another seemingly external factor but one that is related to course methods, von Thaden says.

“This is also linked to student evaluations — many junior faculty may fear giving challenging assign-ments (especially in core classes) because they fear students will write them really bad student evaluations, he says, “...this may lead some of us to cut back on the workload.”

On a more positive note, Edwards says, “I see enormous growth between freshmen and seniors; it depends on how seriously the stu-dent is taking (his or her) major.”

A recent Merciad poll indicated nearly 50 percent of respondents are “stressed just staying afl oat with jobs and classes.”

Other Mercyhurst students expressed similar thoughts.

“I think people feel like they’re coasting in the fi rst two years, but then it gets harder,” says junior J.A. MacDougall, an English major.

Freshman Valeria Silva, a fashion major, already knows college is much

harder than high school. It requires much more hard work and studying, and provides much less down time.

“I haven’t been sleeping for a week because of stress,” Silva says.

Freshman psychology student Daniela Funes added, “In high school, I didn’t have to do anything, but now I’m so stressed that I’m only sleeping from 2:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.; I just think that’s college.”

One student does believe his learning here is on track, despite Arum and Roksa’s national fi ndings.

Junior Stephen Donohue, a sports/pre-med major, says, “I’m learning because Mercyhurst College has exposed me to more things than I learned about in high school.”

Other factors contributing to students’ stress levels vary.

“A lot of bigger schools don’t have interaction with professors and stu-dents, so you would feel despondent like you’re going through the motions and don’t know how to interact with people,” MacDougall says.

Although there are more distrac-tions now than ever in the life of a col-lege student, fi nancial and economic pressures combine to the amount of stress a student has—even if stress from coursework does not increase.

“I will say, though,” von Thaden says, “I have no idea why writing proponents hold up 20 pages as the magic number. That seems odd to me. This issue seems to be one of skill development, not quantity.”

READ THE REPORTS

Go online to read the full reports published in The

Chronicle of Higher Education and the New

York Times.

Page 5: The Merciad, Feb. 9, 2011

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Page 5February 9, 2011

‘Raw Edges: For Jenni-Lyn Watson’ proves a healing experience for the community

This past weekend, the Mer-cyhurst dancers performed “Raw Edges: For Jenni-Lyn Watson,” at the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

While this concert had all the usual aspects of the annual student choreography showcase, this year’s performance was dedicated to the life of beloved dancer Jenni-Lyn Watson, whose November death deeply affected the members of the dance department.

Each piece in the concert pulled a quote from Watson’s philosophy of life from her MySpace page, which created a continual thread throughout the concert.

Each show also began with a montage of photos and video clips of Jenni-Lyn, compiled by Assis-tant Professor Mark Santillano, and a rendition of Josh Groban’s “To Where You Are,” sung by Matthew Tolbert.

Furthermore, following the Sat-urday evening performance a recep-tion was held in the Cummings Art Gallery, at which her close friends shared fond memories of their time with her.

Watson’s father, mother, and sister were special guests for the Saturday evening show and at the memorial service and Mass held in her honor Sunday morning at Christ the King Chapel.

The concert featured pieces cho-reographed by Choreography III and Senior Seminar students as well as a liturgical piece choreographed by Associate Professor C. Noelle Partusch. Partusch’s piece included many of the dancers that Watson had originally selected to be in her piece.

True to tradition, “Raw Edges” was a very eclectic show in both choreography and music selections.

Dance styles ranged from neo-classical ballet to modern and even belly dance, and music included classical composers such as J.S. Bach and Frédéric Chopin as well as contemporary artists such as Nine Inch Nails, The Cranberries and Heathers.

“The dancers were absolutely amazing, and the music was just as brilliant,” said senior Justin Kohnen, who attended the Saturday matinee performance.

The different pieces on the pro-gram explored a wide diversity of ideas spanning from a political state-ment on human traffi cking to bul-lying to more lighthearted themes such as the elements of coffee and

varieties of colors.Each piece also had a collabora-

tive aspect, as one of the require-ments for both classes was that each choreographer would collabo-rate with another artist.

These collaborations included projections and hangings of visual art, poetry read by Dr. Thomas Forsthoefel of the religious stud-ies department and live instru-

mental and vocal music among others.

“It was really interesting to see what the dancers choreographed themselves, and I was incredibly impressed by the creativity of the pieces,” senior Leah Kroll said, who attended the Saturday evening show. “Everything fl owed together so well, from the music to the cos-tumes, to the images that appeared

in some pieces.”“Raw Edges: For Jenni-Lyn

Watson” proved to be a fulfi ll-ing and healing experience for the community as a whole as well as an exciting treat for the audience members.

“This was probably the best ‘Raw Edges’ performance I have come to yet,” said Alethea Bodine, director of the Lake Erie Ballet.

By Sarah MastrocolaStaff writer

Choreography III and Senior Seminar students put together pieces to present this weekend.Jill Barrile photo

Students appreciate watching faculty perform in collage

On Thursday, the D’Angelo School of Music continued its Faculty Recital Series with its annual Faculty Collage.

The Faculty Collage, held in Walker Recital Hall, is part of a series of faculty recitals presented throughout the school year.

The recitals are significant because music students have the opportunity to sit and listen to their teachers perform, typically the other way around.

The Faculty Collage featured artists Barton Samuel Rotberg, Ph.D., on violin, Anna Meyer on flute, and Harry Jacobson on string bass.

Rotberg is an assistant profes-sor of music, and the chair of the strings area.

Opening the recital, Rot-berg performed a piece titled “Chaconne in D minor” by J.S. Bach that exhibited his profes-sional technique and artistry.

It is always interesting to watch Rotberg perform, because you can tell how much he really ‘feels’ the music.

Senior Lynn Dula says that she “especially enjoyed listening to ‘Chaconne’ because it was really complicated and beautiful.”

The second part of the recital was performed by Meyer, an adjunct instructor of flute.

She performed a piece called “Sonata Appassionata in F# minor, op. 140” by Sigfrid Karg-Elert—a powerful piece for the

flute.The piece was full of very

quick passages and high notes. Meyer was an inspiration to

students with her imminent pas-sion and precision in her craft.

Senior Megan Duane said she was “honored to be a student of such talented and diverse fac-ulty who master a wide array of instruments.”

Harry Jacobson, an adjunct music professor, performed two pieces accompanied by Shirley Yoo, Ph.D., on the piano.

The duet began their portion with a moving “Elegy in C major” by Giovanni Bottesini.

The piece was extremely poi-gnant, with the string bass play-ing a mournful solo.

They then closed their portion with “Four Episodes for double

bass and piano,” by Christopher Benstead.

This was a modern piece, first consisting of four parts including “Prelude, Conversation Piece,” “Lament” and “Finale: Presto.” Each movemebt was very differ-ent and unique.

By the close of the recital, it was apparent that the faculty’s performance was well received by students, fellow faculty and visitors alike.

Freshman Matt Anderson thoroughly enjoyed the concert.

“I was blown away by the entire performance,” he said.

“The fact that we have the opportunity to study under the direction of such talented musi-cians is one of a kind. Overall, I loved the concert, and I left it full of pride.”

By Natalie PertzStaff writer

Rotberg performed a piece by Bach, that showcased his technique and artistry.

Tyler Stauffer photo

Page 6: The Merciad, Feb. 9, 2011

September 3, 2008 OPINIONPage 6 February 9, 2011

@mercyhurst.edueditormerciadnewsmerciad

featuremerciadopinionmerciadsportsmerciad

entertainmentmerciadphotomerciadphotomerciad

ejohns89copymerciad

admerciadwwelch

bsheridan

The Merciad is the official student-produced newspaper of Mercyhurst College. 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 e-mail at [email protected].

If you don’t want it printed . . . don’t let it happen.EditorsEthan Magoc Kelly Luoma Alaina RydzewskiVictoria GricksNick GlasierAlex StaceyKaitlin BadgerTyler StaufferEthan JohnsChrissy MihalicDaniela CarcamoBill WelchBrian Sheridan

PositionsEditor-in-ChiefNews Editor

Features EditorOpinion EditorSports EditorA&E EditorGraphics

Photo EditorWeb EditorCopy EditorAd Manager

AdviserAdviser

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

House Speaker cries on camera

We have all seen it. Those baby blue eyes that well up with shin-ing tears as the mouth crumples and he gallantly tries to hold back the impending flood of pseudo emotion that is about to be unleashed.

Yes, I am talking about the newly elected Weeper – I mean, Speaker – of the House John Boehner.

Even after being anointed the leader of the Republican Party, newly elected Boehner sure can fi nd a lot to cry about.

In a nationally broadcast interview on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Boehner broke down again last week, but his colleagues in Washington were not surprised. Boehner crying is not a new

spectacle to them, but rather something he has been doing his entire career.

When beginning the research for this column, I went to You-Tube to see some fi rsthand footage of this latest political spectacle.

In fact, when you type “Boeh-ner” in the search bar, the sug-gested search happens to be “Boehner Crying.” How about that for your political legacy?

Now I am not here to join in the popular discourse surround-ing the authenticity of Boehner’s tears. Whether or not the crying is a political calculation or genu-ine outburst of emotion does not matter to me, but the way it is received does.

When Hillary Clinton showed emotion and welled up during a campaign stop during the 2008 primary, she garnered volumes of negative press. Some declared her emotion a calculated political

ploy; others declared her as weak and unfi t to serve as President. Regardless of the real reason Clinton became emotional, she was not seen in a positive light after the incident.

It seems that female politi-cians who cry or show emotion are condemned for their actions, yet when a male politician shows emotion he is applauded for being sensitive.

The fact that it is okay for John Boehner to sob on the fl oor of the United States House of Rep-resentatives, or repeatedly well up during one on one interviews, is not OK. Politicians showing emo-tion is not a bad thing, but the unfair application of this standard is.

Until we start holding female and male politicians to the same standard, we will just have to live with the antics of the Weeper of the House.

By Caitlin HanderhanStaff writer

National debt doesn’t matter

My last two columns were all about financial thriftiness and bashing communists, so it’s time to do a complete 180-degree turn to the left. I am writing to tell you why we should increase spending rather than decrease it.

Yes, I am well aware the national debt is $14 trillion. You may also argue the stimu-lus failed, too, which is another reason you think we must drasti-cally cut spending.

Contrary to what you may think, the stimulus failed because it was not big enough. You may

be screaming, “Our national debt almost equals our GDP!” Well, I say, shush!

The reason why we have to keep spending is based on the Keynesian laws of economics. These laws state that the private sector sometimes screws up.

It further states that when the private sector screws every-one over, the government has to step in and help. And it takes this stance with regard to the national debt, because foreign economies depend on our exces-sive appetite for consumption and are left with little alternative but to invest in the world’s larg-est economy.

Foreign economies are essen-tially dependent on Americans as mass consumers. This brings

me back to the financial model. If banks have no one to lend to, then how would they make money?

This is the same for govern-ment. Foreign governments are forced into buying other nations’ debt because they need to do something with their money.

The sheer dollar volume involved (trillions) makes it impossible to be absorbed by the private sector, and so the only alternative is to lend to the world’s largest economies, no matter how fiscally irresponsible they may be.

So, I say we stay the current course! Let’s have another round of stimuli, this time with targeted areas being jobs, education and healthcare.

By Mike LadoStaff writer

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

The GoodThe Rec Center fi nally fi xed one of its

broken machines.

The BadWith less than two weeks of classes left, it’s

time to cram. Stock up on your energy drinks!

The UglyTwo of The Merciad’s staff members,

Chrissy Mihalic and Nick Glasier, are going to Ireland during the Spring term. The staff

won’t be the same without them!

Page 7: The Merciad, Feb. 9, 2011

Sports Page 7February 9, 2011

Heiden Ratner plays for a higher cause

At the beginning of 2009-10, Mercyhurst College senior Heiden Ratner transferred to Mercyhurst from James Madison University in Virginia.

In two years at JMU, Ratner, a Las Vegas native, scored an average of 3.8 points per game and played in all but three contests in his two-year stay. During his fi rst year as a Laker, Ratner led the team in scoring, aver-aging 13.3 points per game.

As a senior, Ratner, who has already grabbed a PSAC West player of the week honor, leads the league in scoring with 21.9 points per game, and has started and played all 18 games this season.

Ratner fi rst drew the attention of head coach Gary Manchel with his ability to score. While recruiting Ratner, Manchel thought he was a good fi t for the system and “loved him from the beginning.”

Ratner has a true passion for the game and a will to make an impact on the court.

Manchel and his recruiting per-sistence played a big role in draw-

ing him to Mercyhurst. According to Manchel, Ratner’s best quality on the court is scoring. Manchel noted that he is one of four main play-ers the team looks at to kick-start

its offense. Ratner agrees that the best thing he does is score, as he has already tallied nearly 400 points this season.

Ratner is not just one of the fi rst guys looking to score but also pos-sesses strong character. He is one of the fi rst to run across the court to help a player, regardless of the name on the front of his jersey.

Manchel said Ratner’s selfl ess nature and desire to make people around him happy is one of the most impressive things about this senior standout.

One of the goals the team has and his teammates have set for this season is to make college history by getting to the NCAA tournament for the fi rst time. Although Ratner likes to win he says his favorite part about playing basketball is that it is fun.

“The game is fun, it has always been and it’s a gift from the Lord,” Ratner said, “I enjoy playing for His glory.”

Manchel said Ratner’s best off-

court quality is his spirituality and his desire to always do the right thing. This quality is the same thing that not only motivates and inspires Ratner, but also makes him the player that he is.

“I want to represent Jesus with my play. And giving it all I have for Him is what shapes the player I am today,” Ratner said, “His love and grace given when we don’t deserve it inspires me more than anything.”

This season Ratner has set a personal goal to give everything he has for his last season of collegiate basketball and plans to leave noth-ing back.

“This season, he’s more mature on the court and knows his expec-tations,” Manchel said, “The sky is the limit for this kid.”

Ratner is a religious studies major with a focus in youth ministry. After graduation, he plans to look at the possibility of playing professional basketball internationally. He also has plans to begin a church in Las Vegas.

By Rachel O’ConnorStaff writer

The Mercyhurst College women’s basketball team is having an excel-lent season thus far.

The Lakers are looking at their fi rst conference play-off berth since the 1999-2000 season when they played in the GLIAC. This year, with a 13-10 record overall, they have climbed the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference rankings to third place.

Thanks to a 5-3 record in confer-ence competition, the Lakers took the command in their quest for a play-off spot. After beating Lock Haven, who is fourth in conference, Mercyhurst has sole possession of third place. The Lock Haven game was a point of concern, especially after Edinboro University beat Mercyhurst by nearly 40 points only a few nights earlier.

But the team was able to pull

together.“We need to refocus and be more

disciplined...and remember we are a solid team and program,” head coach Deanna Richards said.

A pair of seniors has led the Lakers this season, providing lead-ership both on and off the court.

Senior captain Amy Achesinski, recently named to the Academic All-District team, leads the Lakers with 18 points per game and has scored in double digits in 21 con-secutive games.

Achesinski also leads the team in rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the fi eld—best in the confer-ence.

At times, the Lakers have relied heavily on Achesinski to provide the offense.

In the Edinboro loss, the Lakers struggled to get anyone besides her going offensively.

“I don’t mind leading the team in that role. It’s a good pressure,” she said.

Senior guard Samantha Loadman

is also a major contributor to the team’s success this season. She aver-ages 10 points and fi ve rebounds per game. She leads the team in 3-pointers and free throw percentage at 94 percent.

Loadman scored her 1000th point against Indiana.

“I know my role is to be a shooter,” Loadman said. “I need to learn from my mistakes and not make them later.”

Both seniors have been con-tributing for four years, but it is sophomore Dana Banda, who has started every game in her fi rst

two seasons, who sets the tempo. Banda leads the team with 88 assists, is second in steals with 34 and third in points.

“Dana sets the standard with 100 percent effort all the time, she is like a veteran in how she carriers her-self,” said Richards.

The Lakers are continuing a pro-gram turnaround that started four years ago when Richards, Achesin-ski, and Loadman all came to Mer-cyhurst.

With an improving record each of their fi rst three years, these Lakers have already surpassed last year’s win total of 12.

“Experience is a huge factor, and the chemistry is great,” Achesinski said.

“Maturity is a big difference. We hurry a lot, our theme is to be quick but don’t hurry...the little things make the difference,” Richards said.

The Lakers take on Clarion on Wednesday and California (Pa.) on Saturday.

By Spencer HuntStaff writer

Women’s basketball close to playoff berth

Mercyhurst seniors Samantha Loadman (right) and Amy Achesinski defend Clarion Mackenzie Clark Jan. 19.

Ethan Magoc photo

Mercyhurst College senior Heiden Ratner leads the men’s basketball team with 20.8 points per game.

Ethan Magoc photo

Page 8: The Merciad, Feb. 9, 2011

Sports Page 8February 9, 2011

Women’s hockey tops Wayne StateMercyhurst College’s women’s

hockey beat Wayne State University, 3-1, Saturday afternoon at the Mer-cyhurst Ice Center.

Senior Jesse Scanzano recorded all three goals for a hat-trick, and goaltender Hillary Pattenden earned her 22nd win of the season. She now has 75 career wins—most by any player in program history.

The Lakers also beat the War-riors, 6-2, on Friday, as Meghan Agosta became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history.

Agosta, left, celebrates a third period goal with teammate Cassea Schols.

Jesse Scanzano, Meghan Agosta, Kelley Steadman, Cassea Schols, and Melissa Lacroix celebrate Scanzano’s second period goal.

Senior Vicki Bendus and Wayne State’s Alyssa Baldin battle for the puck during the fi rst period.

Junior Jess Jones (22) shoots against Wayne State goaltender Delayne Brian during the fi rst period.

Mercyhurst’s Jesse Scanzano, Hillary Pattenden and Meghan Agosta line up at the blue line for pregame introductions on Saturday.

Mercyhurst senior Meghan Agosta takes a shot during the fi rst period against Wayne State.

Photos by Ethan Magoc