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NEWS
vania is Tuesday, Oct. 9. For more information on the voter ID law, go to http://www.votespa. com. For information about voting, go to http://www.rockthevote.org. Mark Vidunas contributed to this article.
Larceny Wednesday, Sept. 19 Larceny Thursday, Sept. 20 Burglary Friday, Sept. 21 Larceny Friday, Sept. 21 Liquor law violation Saturday, Sept. 22 Liquor law violation Saturday, Sept. 22 Criminal mischief Saturday, Sept. 22
3939 Lewis Ave. Closed Rec Center Closed Athletic Center Closed Tullio Field Closed Duval West Res-life incident 3827 Briggs Ave. Closed 613 E. 38th St. Closed
NEWS
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that was made obvious from day one, was that Intelligence analysts are a necessary commodity, and there is a desperate need for them in every part of the professional world. For the Intelligence Studies majors Breckenridge did caution that, We should expect at the beginning of next year right off the bat a cut in national security eld, but an increased opportunity in the Competitive Intelligence eld. As for his favorite part about having the opportunity to speak at such conferences Breckenridge said, I like to travel, and I really love meeting new people and telling them all about our program and what the students do here at Mercyhurst in the department.
By Kierston Bromley
Staff writer
Mercyhurst Universitys work has allowed it to move up on the U.S. News and World Reports 2013 rankings of Americas Best Colleges. Last year Mercyhurst rested at 49th on the list, breaking into the top 50, and has moved up to 47 this year. A university moves up through the ranks two ways, peer review and submission of university data report. Some of the factors that make up this ranking are Mercyhursts student-faculty ratio, alumni giving rate and student graduation rate. These numbers are compared to other university numbers, along with a review of Mercyhurst by other colleges, which ultimately produces the list of best colleges. According to Vice President for Academic Affairs Phillip Belore, Ph.D., Duquesne, La Salle and Villanova are other Pennsylvania universities who made the list. These three universities have strong academic programs that Mercyhurst strives to emulate as the university goes into the future. What is Mercyhurst doing to continue climbing the list? Mercyhurst isnt doing anything in particular to continue climbing the list, other than continuing business as usual. The good work of its students
and faculty members in making a quality environment where both can interact and work well with each other is the real worth of the university, according to Belore. Reaction to the new ranking is mixed. Its a supercial number. The number may get students and parents to come to Mercyhurst, but once here do they stay? Belore said. Belore thinks that the number might get more people to notice Mercyhurst as a possible college to visit but that it does not truly reect how Mercyhurst has gotten better year after year. A better reection of improvement can be seen through the day-today work by students and faculty at the university, in Belores opinion. Sophomore Alexis Plastow is less enthusiastic about the ranking. We should be working on improving internal classes at Mercyhurst before worrying about other things, Plastow said. Kenneth Schiff, Ph.D., associate professor of English, has a slightly different view. As we focus on making Mercyhurst a better university well continue to move up in the rankings. Schiff said. Schiff sees the ranking as a reection of the amount that Mercyhurst has improved, but hopes that the university doesnt lose its sense of community and commitment to each other by focusing too much on moving up the ranks.
The rst ever Spirit Week occurred this year at Mercyhurst with events like Class Color Day, the Class Wars/ Spirit Barbeque and the Running of the Lakers to bring school spirit to campus. The Spirit BBQ alone saw about 200 students, who enjoyed the events corn hole, tug-of-war and music. Four bookstore gift cards were rafed off and the ofcial spirit shirt, also known as The Shirt was handed out free to all participants. The Shirt was also sold as a lead-up to HurstFest and the homecoming game as an inexpensive way to show and generate more school spirit. It was so popular, another order had to be placed. Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) Vice President Brian Lombardo said, Were really excited about our Spirit initiatives thus far this year. We see people getting really excited about MU again and this weekend was a ton of fun with HurstFest in the Union and a huge Laker win. So we denitely hope we can keep the ball rolling, and are positive were up to do the challenge. These events were successful thanks to the work by MSG and were a heavily backed project by the class senators. The newly formed Spirit Committee worked hand-in-hand with MSGs Events and public relations committees to plan and organize the Spirit week events leading up to the homecoming game. As for HurstFest and the homecoming events, it was coordinated months in advance by MSG Events Coordinator Jenna Dascanio and Student Activities Council (SAC) chair Adam Borgman.
week, said Richard Molloy, MSG president. We are witnessing a lot more attendance and student participation this year as a whole. Its very encouraging and we hope to build upon this even more as they year continues. MSG also ran the voting for this years homecoming court. After a record-setting amount of votes in recent years, and one member stepping down from the court, the nine members of the 2012 Homecoming took the football eld at halftime to see who would be crowned King and Queen. The nominees for Homecoming King were Adam Borgman, Jeremy Dickey, Adam Ferrari and Ben McCormick. The nominees for Homecoming Queen were Adrianne LaGruth, Caitlin Handerhan, Kaleigh Hubert, Kelsey Trosch and Rhona Boyle. Adam Ferrari and Kaleigh Hubert were crowned this years Homecoming King and Queen.
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NEWS
By Jaslyne Halter
Staff writer
With the 2012 election only a few weeks away, Mercyhurst Center for Applied Politics (MCAP) has just released its rst Public Opinion Poll of the academic year. With questions involving the upcoming presidential election, Senate elections, Pennsylvania voter law, religion and several other topics, MCAP produced their results without bias or issues. MCAP began operations in July 2010. Inspired by the mission of Mercyhurst and guided by the colleges core values, the center promotes reasoned discourse about problems facing communities, states and nations.
versity news release, Morris noted that this years presidential debates are going to be pivotal. They will provide Barack Obama with the opportunity to remind people why they voted for him four years ago, and offer Mitt Romney the chance to show that he has what it takes to be president. In a close election like this one, good debate performances may be the difference between winning and losing. MCAP plans to conduct more polls throughout the academic year, with topics such as Senate elections and more public opinion issues to be discussed. For more information regarding the survey results, the full released document of results, including the questions used, is available online for public access.
Contributed photo
Participants of the Spring 2012 Relay for Life event walk for those diagnosed with cancer.
FEATURES
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Bible Study
By Daniel Tarr
Contributing writer
Contributed photo
What is your favorite thing about Mercyhurst? I have met some of my best friends while at Mercyhurst, and the friendly atmosphere which occurs as soon as you pass through the gates has made my experience that much better. What is an interesting fact about you? I guess I have two interesting facts. First, I have been dancing since I was four years old and continue to do it as often as I can now that Im in college. My other fun fact is my younger sister, Meaghan, is a freshman here, and I also have two cousins that go here as well. I really like having family so close. Congratulations to the 2012 Homecoming King and Queen.
Religion is a major part of the Mercyhurst University tradition and mission. One unique way that students can contribute to this part of the tradition is by attending the student-led Bible study. Leaders of the religous group include senior Kylie McCormick and Rodney Dale, sophomore Rachel Cockerham and junior Drew Klobuchar. The idea for Bible study was rst suggested a few years ago. A group of students wanted to create a Christian-based group to build a bond between people with all kinds of religious backgrounds. Bible study is also a great way to meet new people and take a much needed study break. Campus Ministry has always felt a need to respond to student interest, and they gave the go-ahead for the current Bible study. Other groups of Bible studies have come together in the past, such as the Praise and Worship Bible Studies, but this is the rst Bible study of its kind at Mercyhurst University. Each week, participating students gather in the Prince of Peace Chapel on the third oor of the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union. The sessions begin with one of the student leaders reading a specic passage. Each passage reading takes about 15-20 minutes to read. After the reading of the passage, a discussion with questions is done for the rest of the session. Students answer questions about the passage and discuss their thoughts. Campus Ministry Director Greg Baker commented on how the Christian faith plays into bible study. Christian tradition is diverse. Students of various Christian backgrounds come to this study. Its not trying to have a single area of Christianity. For some students, it is their rst time to think about the Bible on their own, Baker said. Student leader and McCormick believes that the Bible study is a good thing for students who cant always make it to Mass on Sundays. McCormick said, Some people are afraid to attend Bible study or Mass because they think their lives are very messed up. However, no matter where you are in life, you are always welcome to our bible study. Dale also believes Bible study is a very cool experience because it brings people of various religious backgrounds together. Bible study meets every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. in the Prince of Peace Chapel in the Student Union. Students are encouraged to come at any time and bring friends. For more information, visit the groups Facebook page or contact Kylie McCormick at kmccor20@lakers.mercyhurst.edu or Greg Baker at gbaker@mercyhurst.edu.
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FEATURES
Students look forward to Rhondas friendly greeting and smile when entering Egan.
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Mercyhursts nest artists collaborate to provide an impressive array of works that ll the halls of Zurn and DAngelo.
Online
www.merciad.mercyhurst. edu/arts_entertainment
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CoolCleveland.com photo
Film producer Tyler Davidson visits Mercyhurst for the showing of his lm Take Shelter.
Take Shelter
Plagued by a series of apocalyptic visions, a young husband and father questions whether to shelter his family from a coming storm, or from himself. The chilling genius of Take Shelter isnt that the threat is never specied, but that it doesnt need to be. Ty Burr Boston Globe
of a lm producer is to get the project going. They must raise funds and gather a cast and crew for the lm. As the producer, Davidson was largely responsible for gathering funding for the movie. Davidson and crew lmed Take Shelter around Grafton, Chardon and Elyria, Ohio in the summer of 2010. It went to several lm festivals including Sundance and Cannes. The movie was also rumored to be nominated at the Academy Awards, but unfortunately did not make the cut. Take Shelter is a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It wont disappoint and is a must see.
Friday, Sept. 28, 2:15 p.m. & 7:15 p.m. Taylor Little Theatre
Mercyhurst Dance Department: Beyond Words II Mary DAngelo Performing Arts Center
Oct. 26 Oct. 27 Oct. 28 4:30 p.m. preview concert, $5.00 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 2 p.m.
A presentation of classical and contemporary movement dedicated to the uncensored freedom of expression.
choices. Jenks left NYU at 19 years old to make a lm about living in a retirement home. The lm Room 335 won a lm festival award and led to many other lm prospects including a documentary called The Zen of Bobby V. In The Zen of Bobby V. Jenks follows baseball coach Bobby Valentine for eight months as he leads the Japanese baseball team to series victory. It was a very inspiring presentation about doing what you love and making certain risks and choices to get what you want. The new season of World of Jenks is coming soon and will have an hour time slot to dive into the lives of three individuals that will encompass each episode.
OPINION
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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.
By Jaslyne Halter
Staff writer
Imagine a campus where school spirit is lacking, people complaining about it everywhere with no end in sight. Then Richard Molloy and Brian Lombardo run for Mercyhurst Student Government [MSG], making school spirit a point in their campaign platform, and then once elected, work to light the spark for the 2012-2013 school year with a new spirit initiative. As newly-elected president and vice-president, Molloy and Lombardo, worked to make changes in the Senate to help bring spirit to campus. As stated in a prior article this year, Lombardo believes that if we can go
Perhaps there was a relatively small turnout for the Clash of the Classes barbeque, but what about the people that did show up? You know those people who actu-
how nothing on campus is good enough. Instead of sitting in your room on Facebook complaining you should appreciate the efforts that MSG and Mercyhurst as a whole, have provided for you to be spirited and excited about our sports teams and whatever other even on campus deserves spirit. If you do not take advantage of the opportunities that the campus handed to you on a blue and green platter, you have a lot of nerve complaining about the lack of spirit on campus. As I said before, MSG lit the spark; it is up to everyone else to keep the ame lit.
...setting the record straight was much needed and much appreciated..
- Caitlin Handerhan
This correction was directed at John Patterson of the OneCard ofce, who wass not allowing students registered with their school address who hold an out of state drivers license to be issued
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.
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The views expressed in the opinion section of The Merciad do not necessarily reflect the views of Mercyhurst University, the staff of The Merciad or the Catholic Church. Responses on any subject are always welcomed and can be emailed to opinionmerciad@mercyhurst.edu.
OPINION
The Mercyhurst Center for Applied Politics (MCAP) released another successfully completed poll. With previous polls drawing much attention from the news media, MCAPs latest poll focusing on the 2012 Presidential race is sure to be another popular one.
in Las Vegas surfaced, and the reaction was not nearly as close to that with Kates pictures, even though no one invaded his privacy. The pictures were taken by one of the guests, who may or may not have been naked as well. The question is, when will this double standard of human sexuality stop? Will it ever be acceptable for women to express their sexuality without fear of being attacked or shamed? Will tabloids stop criticizing women for doing things men do, but are praised for doing? In 2012, there may be a thousand ways to see men as victims, heroes or completely acceptable womanizers, but there are only two ways to see women: as pure, virginal saints or homewrecking, naughty sluts. This is shameful. For guys, for girls, for any human being, this ignorance is unacceptable. This stigma of female sexuality is a shame, and it should be stopped.
Many students are grumbling about the new MSG publication, The Weekender, with many saying that it comes too late in the week for students to make plans to attend the events advertised. Perhaps a publication released no later than Thursday would be better received.
Many students take advantage of the late night bus routes on State Street on the weekends. While this is a great service to students, what isnt so great is the mob mentality surrounding the downtown bus stop, with many students pushed out of the way and ultimately left behind.
- Chelsea Schermerhorn
Of course, it just so happened that I showed up an hour late, apparently because the information in The Weekender was inaccurate again, listing 9:00 as the start time. And I wasnt the only one. Another student walked in right before me, expecting the event to be just beginning, and asked me about it. Saturday, I decided just to avoid
SPORTS
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Romanian native helps Mens water polo suffers rst mens tennis get win
By Joe Chiodo
Sports Editor
Moving over 5,000 miles away from home can be a challenging adjustment for any college athlete, and playing your sport in a foreign country wouldnt make it any easier. From Bucharest, Romania, freshman Robert Rizea picked up a tennis racket at a very young age. When I was 8 years old, my mother saw something about tennis in the newspaper, and thought I should try it for something fun to do. It became a serious passion by the time I was 12 or 13, Rizea said. Rizea is having no issues using the skills he learned in Bucharest and assimilating to the fast pace of Mercy-
hurst mens tennis. Since we didnt have high school tennis in Romania, I played for a club. The difference from there to here isnt too much. I quickly got used to the fast courts, I enjoy them, Rizea said.
Robert Rizea
Coming off of a great debut performance against Bloomsburg on Saturday, Sept. 15, Rizea is focusing on continuing one thing winning matches. My goal for the season is to win every match, said Rizea. It feels
different to win in another country, another continent; to win not only for you, but for the university. Its a feeling that motivates me. Additionally, Rizea nds motivation in himself. I inspire myself, I have the motivation to always do the best that I can. I want to improve myself all the time, and am never fully satised. I want to play better each time I get on the court, Rizea said. The Lakers traveled to Westminister on Sept. 19 to take on the Westminister Titans, crushing them 8-1. The win puts the Lakers at a 1-2 record on the season. The team will host Davis & Elkins at home on Sept. 27.
losses of season
By Madeline Erickson
Contributing Writer
hood, Schoeman said. The slow start to the North/South challenge didnt get the Lakers spirit down, according to Schoeman.
Mens water polo competed in the North/South challenge Sept. 15 and 16 in Cambridge, Mass. During the challenge, the Lakers dropped the rst two games to St. Francis and Harvard, but bounced back to defeat Iona. These losses were the rst two of the season, brining the lakers to 6-2. The Lakers standout performance was from junior Garret Schoeman, who had a combined seven goals and 10 assists in three games. As a whole, we want to get to Easterns and bond as a brother-
Garret Schoeman
We had a slow start, but there are a lot of new players. As time goes on we will get better, we can always improve, Schoeman said. The Lakers will remain persistent as the season continues.
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SPORTS
Coach Ryan Patton talks strategy with the womens volleyball team at the Mercyhurst Athletic Center.
Caroline Bristol returns a shot during the ITA Atlantic Regional Championships.
During the match at Allegheny College, the womens singles bracket started with 30 participants, but Bristol was one of four players left, ghting for a spot in the rankings. During practices we warm up, and we match off against each other. We work on volleying, short balls and trying to focus on our techniques. I