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Vol 72 N a l 6 Mercyhurst College • 501 E. 38th St • Erie, Pa. 16546 April 22,1999

Student teachers face Mercyhurst's Little Sibs Weekend

reality of school
shootings
By Carrie Tappe j hurst's education majors are
Merciad editor student teaching at area schools.
This includes elementary educa-
By far, the bloodiest in a string tion, special education and
of school shootings occurred in secondary education majors.
Littleton, Col., Tuesday, when Gallagher said, "I observed
two students in black trench four student teachers today. In
coats entered the rear of % each class, there was a discussion
Columbine High School and about the tragedy. Students |
began a shooting rampage, seemed to respond with great
according to news reports. The emotion and concern. At East
students were armed with guns High, one student teacher -I
and explosive devices, killing prompted students with questions
15 and injuring 22 more, police such as * Do you think the school
said. %$- •- T could have done more to be
Of the 15 dead are 14 safer?' * ** jS 1
students, including the two male "At Harborcrcck, there was an
suspects, and one faculty announcement about T uesday's
member. The suspects are incident in the morning followed
believed to have targeted by a moment of silence,"
pues and athletes in a iu Gallagher sai
of "revenge." The suspects were Doug Schreiber, who is student .... / _ - - * M r"^:VT''TJ
- _ ^ ^ ^ ^ _ - ^ ^ ^ ^ —-.-aEJ^,iniri-iam -m,^^ ^ ^ *«** - Jesnca Russell/Merciadphotographer 1H
found in the library of the high teaching at Strong Vincent High
(L to R) Jesse Wakeman, Jennifer Kutrufis and her younger sisters. Jessie and Amanda Kate Kutnifis, and
school with self-inflicted I School, said, "We had a faculty
gunshot wounds and explosive meeting at 8 a.m. Wednesday sisters Lesley and Kristin Weigner choose a song for Karoke Night for Little Sibs Weekend in the Laker
devices around their bodies. morning. The principal reviewed Inn. Twister and a pizza party were also part of the festivities. Little Sibs Weekend is sponsored every
A spokesman from the the emergency procedures. I spring by SAC. ^ 9

sheriffs department said the informally talked about it with my

suspects were allegedly mem-
bers of the *Trench Coat
Mafia," who were known for
students. I told them that they
need to be aware that things like
this can happen anywhere."
Student injured* in altercation
Mercyhurst sophomore Ben- Another student called the Erie accompanied by Mercyhurst .
their long black trench coats and Darcie Carpenter, & student jamin Hansen suffered a pun police and an ambulance. police to his apartment Sunday at
who boasted of owning guns teacher at Fort LeBoeuf High tured left lung in an incident Hansen, 20, a music major which time his belongings were
and disliked blacks, Hispanics School, said, "Students didn't
seem to be affected at all. Other which occurred from Watertown, NY, was taken removed. Morris returned to his
and athletes. j
FBI and local SWAT teams teachers were asking how jit could Avenue apartment Saturday to Saint Vincent Health Center. ^ home in Virginia with his father.
searched the building through happen. We saw pictures of the morning, college police repotted. According to hospital officials, | He is suspended frem
the evening and into the early students. They look like ordinary The incident is believed to he was released early Wednes- * Mercyhurst indefinitely, pending
morning looking for explosive kids." *' have started during an argument day. the outcome of police investiga-JA
devices and possible survivors. According to some education between Hansen and a room- f Morris, 19, of Woodbridge, tions, Mercyhurst officials said, j
'Approximately 30 explosive majors, Mercyhurst does not mate, sophomore Andrew Va., was arrested by Erie police Morris is charged by Erie
dev ices were found and r K | address crisis management in the Morris, over a broken VCR, in connection with the assault fj police with aggravated assault,
detonated in and around E l W'' education curriculum.
Columbine High School. I • "We didn't talk about it in my according to Ken Sidun, Chief of After spending Saturday night in recklessly endangering another
Mercyhurst Police. Morris, an Erie County Prison, Morris was person, possessing an instrument
H Since 1997, school shootings college classes," Carpenter said.
around the country have raised u "Fort LeBoeuf sponsored a great English major, had a small released on $1,500 cash bond, of crime and prohibited offensive
concerns for tougher laws and • program on school violence and pocket knife which he allegedly pending further court proceed- weapon.
increased security and monitor- had a state trooper speak. He used to assault Hansen during ings, i t Hansen plans to return to
ing of troubled students. I ± * didn't go into an incident such as the altercation, Sidun said. Sidun said Morris was classes Monday, college officials
Students shooting students have what happened in Colorado, but said.
left tragic scenes in Mississippi, more so in how to protect yourself — •

Kentucky, Arkansas, Oregon ^ if a student attacked you."

and as close as Edinboro. | ^ ^ H b, Gallagher said that although
B 'There are some things we I Mercyhurst does not specifically
can't be prepared for," Edwardfl instruct students on how to handle
National Weather {Service Weekend Forecast
Gallagher, professor of educa- 1 crisis situations, in his classes, he Friday Saturday Sunday Monday
tion at Mercyhurst, said. "What does address safety concerns.
happened in Colorado is a real I "At this point, there is no rain mostly cloudy partly cloudy thunder/sun
tragedy. We have to stop I specific training. We address bow High 50 High 55 f High 60 High 60
assuming that they are just kids, to handle different incidents in Low 48
they may be reaching out for I 'what would you do?' situations," Low 47 Low 43 Low 43
help." J ^M Gallagher said. "Perhaps it is
Vm Currently, 60 of Mercy- ^ H something the department needs
to look more into." J .
PAGE 2 THE MERC1AD APRIL 22.1999

CAMPU S NEWS
, TWHATS? '?' Police and Safety Daily Crime Log
H A P P E N I N G . L. March 25 Harassment
Private Residence
kitchen with a blunt object
April 8 Vandalism
Two female students were fright-
ened and shocked when an unknown
This Week In SAC: A female student contacted another Brlggs Avenue Apartments intruder opened their bedroom doors
Friday, April 23: Racing X-treme, 8 p.m., REC Center.*,,. female student via telephone and A student reported that a westside and looked in while they were
Saturday, April 24: Sand Volleyball, 5 p.m., Presque Isle. proceeded to leave a threatening and window of his apartment was broken asleep. The intruder left without
Sunday, April 25: Walk America, 1 p.m., Presque Isle. vulgar message on an answering by person(s) unknown, possibly with further incident The apartment's
Monday, April 26: MSG meeting, 8:30 p.m., Student machine. a ball. [ I I front door was unlocked. <
Government Chambers. March 26 Alcohol Violation April 9 Liquor Violation April 17 Check on Welfare of a
Tuesday, April 27: SAC Meeting, 8:30 p.m., Student East Duval Apartments Upper Parking Ramp Student f ,( \- •
Government Chambers]: Disorderly intoxicated people Two underage, out-of-state visitors Lewis Avenue Apartments
refused to cooperate with police and were apprehended by police and Officers were dispatched to Lewis
White Water Rafting Trip fc I safety officers. When Erie police safety officers for the possession of A venue to check on the welfare of a
Saturday and Sunday, May 1-2, there will be a rafting trip to the were contacted for assistance, an unopened 30 pack of beer, which student, following a telephone
Youghiogheny River. The trip is for beginners and experienced several of the people fled to the was confiscated and disposed of by request from the student* s friend.
rafters. Anyone interested can sign up at the union front desk. The parking ramp where they were the police. Both juveniles were The student was found to be all
trip is sponsored by SPAN. identified. They will be handled by arrested. right \ &
judicial review. April 10 Burglary 1 April 17 Aggravated Assault
Poetry Reading April 1 Criminal Mischief Warde Townhouses Brlggs Avenue Apartments
A poetry reading will be held at Barnes and Noble Friday, April 23, EganHall Unknown person(s) entered the Erie police officers were dispatched
at 8 p.m. Beth Gylys, Pun O'Brien and Helen Conkling will be Two male juveniles were arrested unlocked front apartment door and to Briggs Avenue for a stabbing that
among those featured. for underage drinking and institu- removed an ivy plant in a white pot occurred during an altercation
tional vandalism by Mercyhurst and a large picture of three little girls between two roommates. The victim
National Dance Week police and safety officers after they from the living room while the was transported by ambulance to the
hospital. The assailant was taken
In celebration of National Dance Week, the dance department will smashed windows out of the Egan apartment was unattended.
present an open invitation to observe daily dance classes and Hall Cafeteria. T W April 11 Vandalism ,^ into custody by Erie police.
rehearsals. The doors and windows of danceSpace April 2 Vandalism^ Lower Level Parking Ramp April 18 Assault ' »
I will be open for observers. Brlggs Avenue i Unknown person(s) caused a large Baldwin Townhouses
Monday, April 26, the dance department will show "Dance with While officers were responding to a dent in the passenger side front f An altercation broke out when some
complaint, the Mercyhurst police quarter panel and damaged the unwanted guests were asked to
Me," starring Vanessa Williams at 8 p.m. in danceSpace. 1
Ford Explorer had an unopened beer windshield wipers of a female leave. Punches were thrown,
Swing dance classes will be taught by swing professionals Sara pad injuring one of the male occupants at
Myron Smith in danceSpace studio B. The cost is $5. can thrown at the driver side rear student* s car.
door causing numerous scratches. April 13 Underage Drinking the townhouse. A suspect was
The can was thrown from a passing East 38th Street | identified and action will be taken
vehicle, -i Responding to a complaint from the following an investigation.
April 5 Vandalism resident assistant, police and safety April 20 Disturbance/Excessive
Mercy Apartments I officers broke up an underage Noise i
4801 reach Street A student resident reported that over drinking party. A 12 pack of beer Lewis Avenue Apartments I.
At 4:21 a. m., an officer was dis-
6682 Easter break an unknown intruder
entered the apartment and did
was confiscated along with a
maintenance department winter
driving "caution" sign Disposition
patched to Lewis Avenue. There had
been complaints of noise and some g
considerable damage, breaking a
S0**tFret Mirny • Open 7toysa Week kitchen closet door into multiple will be handled by judicial review. type of disturbance. The officer had;
1huna> H a* -11 pn • Mtoy a Stardiy 1 f «i • 1 April 13 Prowler I I the individuals involved clean up the
«-•? pieces and knocking several large area and quiet down.
holes in the walls and doors of the Brlggs Avenue Apartments

We deliver great taste

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MERCYHURST
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STUDENTS!
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 PAGE 3 THEMERCIAD u APRIL 22.1999
ARTS&
ENTERTAINMENT
Young Artists Competition SAC profile
focusesi on voice Missy! Lang SAC chair
By Heather Cvitkovic recognition for the events," ihegj
Merciad editor
$20,000 in identify musicians whose talent
and potential will lead to major
These rounds are open to the
public and free of charge. Getting involved in activities
said. k
Kelly Brown is the publicity
chair for SAC. I
prizes being performance careers.''
Thirty young artists, coming
Competition finals are for 7
p.m. Saturday in the PAC. Five
when you are a freshman can
really pay off. It did for Missy
Lang also addressed the issue
of poor attendance at Club Hurst
from five different continents,
offered at the finalists will compete for the top Lang, who has been Student
will compete in Erie on Saturday prizes at this time, Admission for Activities chairperson for two
the finals is $5. -,? years now. '
it
**I think that it happens because
is such a new event We
for the competition's first prize offered laser tag a couple of
23rd annual crown — $10,000 and two
performance contracts.
Several very distinguished Lang got involved in SAC her -weekends ago and it went over
people in the music industry will freshman year when she ran for very well. We probably got more
f be on hand to judge the competi-
D Angelo The second place winner will
take home $5,000 and the third tion. They include
renowned opera star Marilyn
world- freshman
student
representative
government
for
Through hei
people
had all
there
year.
that night then we
place winner will receive $3,000. Home; operatic tenor Nico j- involvement with MSO, Lang "Club Hurst is geared towards $
Young Artists The other twofinalistswill
^receive $1,000 each.
Castel; Gail Robinson, executive got involved with SAC and the
director of the Metropolitan rest, they say, is history.
people who aren* t interested in
partying and drinking on the
Competition The contestants were chosen Opera National Council Audi- Lang's role as SAC chair
gftom afieldof 74 applicants who tions; operatic and concert tenor means that she oversees the
weekend but still want something
to do. I just think that a lot of
submitted tape recordings of Robert White; and the "dean of activities committee, which people don't know about it," she
their singing. A panel of judges American accompanists," John means helping them plan and run said r
By Heather Cvitkovic* narrowed the list to 35 people, all Wustman.. : \T their activities. J- Just because the year is almost
Merciad editor of who were invited to come and The D'Angelo competition "A lot of planning goes into over does not mean that there
compete for the grand prize. always offers Erie an exciting some of these events," said Lang, will not be plenty of activities yet
Being a vocalist will earn Although no Mercyhurst opportunity to witness, first in a telephone interview. "First to come. The first weekend in
someone $ 10,000 this month as students made thefinallist, an hand, an international competi- we have to book the event, lite a May, Air Extreme returns to the
tion of the highest caliber,'' said band or something along those Hurst And if last year was any £
the Mary D* Angelo Performing alumna of the music department,! indication of things to come,
Arts Center welcomes the * Mary BethSederburg,did." Glen Kwok, executive director ofw lines. Then you have to send out students should plan on getting
D'Angelo Young Artists Sederburg was last seen in the the competition and director of the checks and get the-whole
M the D' Angelo School of Music, there eady to sign up. ^
Competition. Mercyhurst performance of Don in a press release. "Due to the money situation in order. Also, the second weekend in J
Founded in 1977, the competi- Giovanni'' as Donna Elvira. prestige of the competition, we Then we have to recruit* ' May features the Spring Activi- J
tion is in its 23rd year. It rotates Thefirstround of competition have always attracted top volunteers to help run the events ties. Lang promises that they \
annually between strings, voice began at 10:30 am., Thursday in musicians. Former winners are and basically just make sure that have a lot of money to give
and piano. The philosophy of the the PAC. A second round will be performing on concert stages everything is organized and well- away. Sign-ups are in the union.
competition is 'ho search for and held Friday, beginning at 3 p.m. around the globe:" run,'' she said. ^P Lang, a senior biology majoiy
Lang feels that the student
1 will graduate this year and leave
The future of men si fashions turnout this year is a lot better
than last year.
The events started off slow
her SAC chair open,
1 really feel like being
involved in both SAC and MSO
*

been more important Fabrics are but then started to attract more has been beneficial to my future
such as bonded, double-faced people as the year went on. But?
more technical; Hardware on career plans. I have been able to
SpotiightSon apparel -*- buttons, snaps, zippers
— are industrial and functional.
fabrics and laser-cut leathers. /
Tomorrow's well-dressed we
of a
have really
turnout this
gotten
year
much
than
more
last
meet many
students,"
different
she said.
people and
consumer travels around the world
fashion The silhouettes for this new era| and is exposed to the best innova- year. Especially for Coffeehouse,
are streamlined and deconstructed tions that designers have to offer. which gets a pretty big crowd \ volunteer for the Mercy Corps
After graduation, Lang plans to
As men become more educated - And what is it that today's each week," she said. for a year and to then attend
in the fashion arena, they appreci- design talents see for the future? Lang and SAC as a whole is graduate school. »
Heather Cvitkovic ate subtle details like stitching and
draping. They begin to look at The foundation will be-a balance always open to suggestions from • Lang* s replacement as SAC
of form and function. Traditional students. chair lias already been chosen.
these elements in the clothes that "We try to give students what Jenny Novak, junior elementary
they buy. In fact, they begin to looks are reinvented with a modern
look more closely at the clothes perspective. Technology is mixed . they want This year we felt it I education major, will become
Where is men's wear headed? they buy, period. They are with earthy elements. * was necessary to acquire a SAC chair.
Who will be the pioneers of the demanding not only high fashion It is this balance of old and new publicity chair. We proposed it to But Lang's role does not end
21st century? % but top quality. that will carry the image of men's the board and it passed. Having with this appointment She will
For starters, utilitarian sophisti- Designers are taking them to the fashion forward. In the next one is a great help in getting help out with plans for next year
cation in men's fashion has never next level with modern advances, millennium, anything is possible. until she graduates.

Upcoming Coffeehouse events $500.00 TUITION

Wednesday Gloss will perform its last show at Coffee- CREDIT to be sold to the
be at Coffeehouse doing caricatures. house on Wednesday, May 12. i highest bidder at 4-H *
£ On Wednesday, May 5, Amy Pieczynski, a The bands start at 9 p.m. and caricatures begin Charity Auction, May 1,
at 8 p.m. bids accepted 11 a.m. to 3
chair of Coffeehouse gets her wish as
Remember flavored coffee and hot cocoa will p.m., Waterford Fair.
Me rye hurst welcomes Ska band, The Gradu- 825-0900
ates. ! JV-" ? sti 11 be served despite the warm weather. 1 ;
PAGE 4 THEMERCIAD APRIL 22.1999

OPINION
Editorial Do you think that the Cohen "I certainly think that the health

Tuesday the senior social work

majors hosted a Pulitzer Prize
were taken at the box office) is
nothing short of prestigious for
CXMPUS Student Health Center should
provide birth control to stu-
center should provide birth
control, and I am Catholic. I
mean sex goes on here. Everyone
winning speaker, Dave Pelzer.
The turn-out for the event was
Mercyhurst. This type of event is
what every college hopes for,.
QUESTION dents?
knows that Why cant we just be
adults about it?"
phenomonal and for that the So, why doesn't the college try "Yes I feel that the student health to pregnancies. That should not Sean Tanner
students should be commended. to bring in more speakers of this center should provide birth
Some who attended the lecture nature. If four seniors can do it, have to happen. Maybe if the Freshman, Criminal Justice
and workshop might think that surely a college like Mercyhurst control to students. Students on school provided some preventa-
this campus are sexually active, "I think that the health center
only Mercyhurst funds were can as well. * ti ve means, that would be less: should provide birth control, butg
responsible for bringing Pelzer to Sure, we've hosted Bishop regardless of whether or not the frequent" they should also offer exams
Erie, but the majority of the W Gumbleton, Arun Gandhi and administration wants to think so. Christina Schlee
others, but schools like Perm before they give pills out"
funds were raised by the students At least this way students will be Senior, Social Work/Spanish
themselves. They did, however 5 State-Behrend have hosted such Karen Petho
safe." Senior, Environmental Politics
receive an academic enrichment speakers as Jesse Jackson, Bob Jenn Ryan "No, the student health center
grant from the college. / > Woodard, Greg Luganis and should not provide birth control. "Birth control should definitely
George Stephanopolous. *' - Senior, English
In fact, the senior social work We are a Catholic college. There be offered at Mercyhurst
majors worked very hard and Perhaps, Mercyhurst should
long to earn enough money for focus on obtaining a grant which "The student health center should are other relatively inexpensive Though it is a Catholic school,
the event would provide funds for this very provide birth control to students. sources that students can obtain health services should not be*
Indeed, bringing such a high purpose. Behrend In fact, some students have * easily." denominational."
profile speaker and drawing such has one, and it has paid off al ready had to leave school due Liz Kolojek Karl Wells
a large crowd (nearly 600 tickets nicely. Junior, RIAP Senior, Political Science

It's not always easy to do the right thing

people. For him, a middle-aged, Yes, my father could quit his It is easy to get up on a citizens, we must keep in mind
middle-class man, quitting on job and live happily by knowing soapbox when in college. I that others don't.
he made therightdecision. should know. I do it around my Just remember people out there
The Chimera principle is not all that easy.
To put it simply, the job Unfortunately, principles like friends all the time. It is easy to 3 in the real world dont always
opportunities for a 50-year-old
*

that cannot feed a family.

c
forget the people without our have the same luxury. If a person
man without a college degree These are the choices the opportunities -»»those who are works for a defense contractor or
Bill Melville range from rare to nonexistent middle and lower classes must left to make decisions like a factory spewing chemicals into
My dad regularly refers to his job make. They take the dirty jobs working for such companies. the water and air, that does not
as his hideout until retirement because they know how difficult My point here is that as college mean that person enjoys the
As seniors around the country students, we have the chance to destruction that comes from his
age because he has to si m . ^ ^ life would be without those dirty
depart their respective colleges, jobs. I don't know a lot of people make a living in a job that or her work. ».
this company. doesn't involve dirty business.
there is an increasing pressure to Companies would rather take a who work in nuclear power
choose jobs which protect the plants that enjoy the radiation Personally, I think ifs a good
chance on an individual fresh thing that some of my fellow
environment and do not involve from college because they know ^ their bodies absorb or the
the harm of other human beings. harmful materials the plant students are tying to promote a
that college graduates are used to pledge that urges people to avoid
With a college education, working within a hierarchical produces. Middle and lower class
making that decision is not hard. peoples are stuck with these jobs these jobs. We have a choice,
system — something they are not and if we are to be responsible
But for many people around the guaranteed with an older because they have no other
United States, that choice is not employee. options.
easy, and people often lose sight
of that It's hard to think about
the environment when putting
food on the table and living
paycheck to paycheck are on
Have Mercy I B y I ^hawntae. -Z. &iowa%d

your mind constantly. w«*o f»'st 'i*e foS^nd

Take my father, for instance. A a t * wtt| sho»/t o\A to
He works for a company known Cvr f«•low/ S*Mtov*. H»qfr
as one of the United States'
biggest defense contractors. They
produce land mines, missile
technology and space shuttle
components^ His paycheck
comes from the money made in
those contracts.
Granted, my father works for^
their repair operations division,
and the government does not ^

usually send land mines and such

back to be repaired The point is
clear, though. He is a cog in a
marhinp that causes harm to
 APRIL 22,1999 THEMERCIAD PAGES

Why God — it's not fair Why are our childern killing each other?
0*

thwarting the exercise of our Students should also discuss heinous crimes and responsible
Questioning Faith most precious gift — the human
free will. * Haver the concept of personal worth
for themselves and others at a
for their actions, they would not
have been able to kill and injure
God respects our free will more very young age. It seems that the amount of people they did in
Sr. Geri Rosinski than we can possibly compre- Kari Wells many of the attacks at school are so quickly an amount of time if
hend. True, our Creator deeply perpetrated by young people they did not have guns. There
wants our love, but He wants us who are outcasts and/ or are should be more restrictions on
to give that love completely The events and tragedy that
transpired at Columbine High experiencing a great deal of the acquiring of weapons, types
Why does a good God let good freely without any hint of anguish. of guns and procedures to secure
people suffer? coercion or manipulation, and School in Littleton, Cd. is one
ttthat must be addressed on These children feel they have' weapons that are privately used
certainly without fear of punish- multiple levels. nothing to lose; these are the The two killers relied heavily
Perhaps the issue underlying this ment most dangerous kinds of people on their guns and many rounds of
question is really two questions: One can try to hypothesize* because they do not even care
Then, why do good people why school shootings continue ammunition to kill their class- \
1) Why does God allow good suffer? Well, some good folks about their own wellbeing let mates and then themselves.
people to suffer? and 2) How can suffer because of their personal to occur and try to develop more alone others who have hurt- them
stringent safety measures in Many of these school shootings
such a God be really good and poor lifestyle choices of un- physically or emotionally. could have been prevented if the
worth loving? schools, but these activities will Students should be shown the
healthy eating, smoking ofr not solve the problem. children would have had more
; As for thefirstquestion, we drinking habits that eventually effect their words may have on trouble attaining a weapon. A
can all list dozens of good people cause their bodies to become ill. School violence will always others. knife may hurt or kill one person,
that we know that suffer with Some good folks suffer because exist on some level but specific Adolescence is a difficult and but a gun can cause more
chronic ill health, terminal preventative measures must be confusing time and multiple
of the poor choices of others devastation much more quickly
illness, or were injured in an developed to make school factors can lead to a young adult
(reckless drivers, power hungry in a group setting.
accident with a car or on the job. tyrants in war, etc.). violence less severe. becoming unstable and de- Metal detectors and guidance
Perhaps these were hard work- First, parents and teachers pressed. There should be more councilors are not the ultimate
Then there are the innocent should take a more active role in help available for students who
ing, kind and honest people who who have an environmental or solution to school violence. The
never caused harm to anyone. discussing the problem of feel they have no other options. only true preventative measure is
genetic predisposition to a violence and value development
Maybe some of them are disease that causes suffering or Teachers, parents and even to prevent children, the best we
members of our own family. ' in children. students should become aware can, from attaining weapons.
death through no one's exercise At a young age, children
So, then, why does God let of will. Why does God allow this of warning signs that would There are many ways this can be .
them suffer so much especially should engage in an open indicate that a classmate might accomplished.
to happen? I believe God weeps discussion about the futility of
while other unkind and dishonest just as much as we do when be a potential danger to them- Owning a particulartypeof
people remain healthy? It just viol ence and to think about 1
selves or others" '* gun is not an innate right Nor is
irnocent people suffer and is at more constructive ways to deal
ddesn' t seem fair, does it? this very minute giving someone The most important step that carrying a concealed weapon or
with anger and aggression. can be taken to prevent this keeping them unlocked in your
Well, it isn't fair, from our somewhere on this planet the I Adults should not wait until
human perspective. We want a wisdom and inspiration to find a extent of school violence is to home. Gun ownership should be
students are teenagers. By this legislate stricter gun control viewed in a way similar to
fair God — a God who stops evil cure for those illnesses. It all t point, they have already
people from doing their wicked depends upon their free will measures. driving — it is a privilege and
established patterns of behavior Though I agree that the not a right!
deeds and punishes them and whether or not they will accept that will be hard to correct
rewards the good folks, both now that challenge. jt gunmen are guilty for their
and in the hereafter. So, can such a God be truly
However, this is not the case.
For if God did intervene in the
good and loving? Look at the
example of Jesus, the Son of* Who is cheating who?
evil actions of people and stop God, the truly innocent one who had been stolen, and a Chinese- campaign.
The chief of intelligence in the
them from doing what they set
out to do, then God would be
suffered unjustly for total love of
us.
Skedaddle American scientist was held
accountable for the theft ' I Department of Energy was
The White House became fully ordered by senior officials not to
aware of this crisis during the divulge complete information to
Barb Tompko Congress to prevent critics from
summer of 1997, and knowledge
attacking Clin

MEROAD The exterior of the secure, % of our increased exports of

satellites and military items to policies. President .^^
privileged lives we enjoy in the ^ China surfaced. .! taking steps to admit China into .
Urn ted States is often a very | Over time, analysts and the World Trade Organization.
clouded image. The ugliness of scientists noted that other nuclear Republicans have allowed the
Utopian suspicion discreetly i secrets and elements were either issue to soak for a considerable
Jessi Gentile Editor-in-Chief tangles our daily lives. Secrets missing or being misused. Their period of time.
Carrie Tappe News Editor are buried, or intentionally* probing revealed astounding I will admit, that as an average
Sports Editor forgotten, for years in order to Chinese military capabilities American citizen, I am pretty
Stephen Nolan avoid shame or condemnation. previously thought to be impos- scared. The United States, once
Bill Melville Features Editor The most recent disclosure mixes hailed as the strongest nation in
sible or in the early stages of
Heather C vitko vie A&E Editor three ingredients; The Urn ted development. the world, is not that intimidating
Kari Wells Senior Writer States, China and nuclear Necessary tools 1 anymore. The typical citizen is
Jessica Russell Photography weapons. nuclear forces such as mobile unable to employ any input into
Copy Editor In the mid- 1980s a security missiles, ballistic missiles, the situation. International policy
Mandy Fies violation at the Los Alamos is left in the hands of our
Shawntae Howard Cartoons multiple warheads and miniature
Laboratory, a scientific intelli- submarine warheads were squabbling, indolent representa-
gence base in New Mexico, discovered. tives, f
1T,e Mereiad is the student-produced newepaperof Mercjjurst produced the plans to the Therefore, we are immediately
' The Chinese breach into. thrust back into the Cold War
College. It is published throughout the year with the exception c technologically superior W-88 American security has caused a
mid-term andfinalsweeks. nuclear warhead. ? partisan controversy. standard where we know they
In 1995, intelligence analysts j | Democrats tend to side with their have weapons, they know that
The Mereiad welcomes letters to the editor. All lelleis must discovered the uncanny similari- appointed leader. President we know about them and'
name can be withheld on request ties of American weapons Clinton, largely because the because of the extreme sensitiv-
technology with that of the i Chi nese are alleged to have ity of the matter no one is
are Chinese. Soon after, it became making any sudden moves... it
funded the Democratic reelection
publication and should be no longer than 500 clear that the W-88 technology least not vet
 PAGE 6 THEMEROAD APRIL 22.1999

FEATURES
Spreading the Hopi message of peace
By BUI Melville
Robledo now spends his time as While people still carry the hate-
Merciad editor about their own history. '-
a Hopi warrior. based view, Robledo said the "I say that sacred things should
As the millennium draws to a Robledo, as a member of the Hopi have always tried to < be touched and examined," he
close, messages of destruction Hopi warrior class, serves as the represent a peace-based view. said. } *ft
have increased, be it the Y2K bodyguard for Julian Frank, the "Personally, I think what Robledo, who had never
computer problem or doomsday future Hopi shaman. Frank was happened in the past is past* I spoken to a college group before
cults ready to spark violence. originally supposed to speak, bu didn't have to contend with that Sunday, said he was basically
When the nightly news comes* circumstances prevented him and I'm not going to sit around taking Frank's place, but added
on, thoughts of peace are often from traveling to Erie. Robledo and be angry about the past," he that he felt the message of the
placed on the bade burner. said that being a warrior means said. < Hopi was still spread.
defending and counseling, but :; Robledo's attitude toward "The best thing I can do is help
For the Hopi Indians of the never using aggression. archeology and people digging
American Southwest, the anybody I can help. Sometimes,
Among Native Americans, through sacred Indian land just having an open ear is a help.
message has always been one of mirrors that belief, because he
peace. This was me message resentment often exists for the I've had special people who sat
crimes perpetuated by European* believes that archaeology allows down with me, so I try to do the
Louis "Chewy" Robledo, a File photo Americans against their oeonle Native Americans to learn more
representative of the Hopi village same." he said.
Songoopavi, Ariz., presented in Louis "Chewy" Robledo
"One Heart," his speech on Hopi cleansing will prepare us to look
beliefs and togetherness in the at each other. Through the
human race, which he delivered turmoil, everybody will be
Sunday at 4 p.m. in Mercy equalized. In time, there will be a
Heritage Hall. * communality among all people
One of the key points Robledo and that's where we need to go
stressed in his speech was Hopi to achieve one mind, one purpose
prophecy concerning the end of and one heart," Robledo said.
the world.,This does not mean a •* Growing up in east Los
physical end to the world, but a Angeles with a Mexican-
drastic change. For the Hopi, this American foster family, Robledo
ending represents a positive spent time in the U S. military
change, because their prophecies and with the Mormon Church
believe it wil 1 signal a new unity before he began exploring his
among the peoples of the world. roots among the Hopi. f
The Hopis see different interpre- "I'd always have a yearning to
tations of the same events as the * know and never felt like I
barrier between different •'^ belonged to any particular
peoples, gfe r *> place." he said. Years later.
5**It will be positive. Thev

Graduation pledge attempts to

break down stereotype
By Bill Melville Monitor," and noticed how
Merci ad editor 5 Manchester University in Indiana
had begun circulating the pledge.
A stereotype exists for the young "We looked at each other and
people collectively labeled as { decided we had to do it. We liked
Generation X. Mainstream gjgi the idea of showing there's more
America often portrays them as | to our generation than being lazy
lazy and self-indulgent people {? and just wanting to get a jol
who only care about finding a ftg Weaver said. j
comfortable job in their respec- i '+' The pledge is meant to promote
tive fields. * J»R H JFg awareness among college seniors
For die graduating class of in their future careers. This .
1999, two Mercy hurst seniors ait includes, but is not limited to,
trying to break mat stereotype '•} working for environmentally
and prove that so-called Genera- friendly companies and support- >
tion Xers care about the world ^ L ing equal opportunity employers.
around them. Seniors Carla '*•:' According to Weaver, how a
person uses the pledge in their
Rosinski and Rae Ann Weaver
decided to use the Graduation future careers is left to personal
interpretation, fl + ,
Introducing the edge you^need for college
Pledge Alliance as a way to ^
prove the skeptics wrong about Each person who signs the To pay for all the essentials traditional financial aid won't cover, get the AcademicEdge"" Loan.
Generation A. pledge wi 11 receive a green haw interest rates. Easy to apply. Make no payments in school Flexiblerepaymentafter you graduate.
"We thought it would give ribbon to wear on their gradua-^ fct

people the chance to say that this tion gown during die ceremony. *y
is what we are already about and Weaver said that the administra-
help us realize that corporate tion and faculty have supported
America will not change by their efforts to make this a part of
itself. It takes people to do that," graduation. 9 5 » W &
Weaver said. "Everyone's excited because
Some time ago, Rosinski and it's a student-initiated thing," she THt TOTAL EDUCATION LOAM

Weaver were looking through the said. *r •'. WHHW^IH^ 9 Call toll-free 1-877-310-3456formom Information. http://AcademicEdge.ChelaFinancial.com
psychology journal, HThe r 01999 Chela Financial
 APRIL 22,1999 THEMERCIAD

S PO RTS
Profit appointed head coach of North East basketball
College (Buffalo), Genesee
North East Community College (Batavia),
men's and women's basketball,
softball and volleyball.) Because Profit finished his basketball
career at Mercyhurst as the *
Jamestown Community College, the coaching jobs will now '
sports enters; ; Jamestown-Olean, Monroe
Community College (Rochester),
require full-time commitments, Lakers' eighth-leading scorer all
time (1,032 points) and the
however, current part-time program's second leading shot-
new conference and Niagara County Community
College. |J
Mercyhurst-North East men's
basketball coach Joe Spinelli, Wocker (116). He played 84
Mercyhurst College Director of? According to Russo, the move has resigned and Will be suc- games in over three years and
Athletics Pete Russo, and was a logical step, "Mercyhurst- ceeded by former Mercyhurst averaged 12.3 PPG and 5.8 RPG
Executive Dean of Mercyhurst Laker basketball standout, before being diagnosed with leg
North East student-athletes will (1997) and heart (1998) prob-
North-East Dr. Gary Brown, now have the opportunity to Maurice Profit
announced on April 13 that lems. Those injures denied Profii
compete for recognition at the Spinelli produced a two-year a fourth year of play. ?•
Mercyhurst-North East will join conference level as part of the mark of 25-14 with the Saints, u
the National Junior College We' re sony to see Joe leave,"
NJCA A. Being part of a confer-1, including a 12-8 mark in 1998- Russo said*"but we're very
Athletic Association (NJC A A) ence will bring more excitement 99. Prior to Mercyhurst-North
this summer and will play next excited to acquire the services of
to the games and will help in our East, Spinelli had coached the Mo Profit, who we regard as one
season as a member of the region scheduling and recruiting. Travel women's team at Gannon..
which encompasses all of New of the finest players ever to wear
won't be terribly difficult since University (1984), assisted the a Laker uniform. I have every
York State. \ the farthest conference opponent men's team at Mercyhurst
The Saints, will become part of reason to believe he'll do a great
is a mere two-and-a-half to three College (1985-88) and coached job."
the Western New York Athletic hoursfromNorth East"i ^ct varsity boy's basketball at
Conference whose members Profit will assume his new
The Saints will eventually Fairview High School. In all, duties July 1.
currently include Alfred State compete against other conference Spinelli's coaching career spans Maurice Profit
College, Erie Community members in five sports: baseball. 20 years.

Men's lacrosse returns to form against

By Ken Fronczek in a mud bathed thrashing of the _~- soaked Brmr rf^_ Hurst with a 9.5 goals against'
Bearcats
front of their crowd. G
Merci ad writer > St Vincent Bearcats. \ field. 3 W; average. shot landed him on his back in
The team showed tenacity ai The weather could have been Senior attackman Jon Savage the mud, but resulted in Ids first
The Mercyhurst men's lacrosse grit against the feisty Bearcats better, but the Lakers were had the hot hand on offense with college career goal. He would
team snapped a three-game the two teams struggled to sta; hungry.for an opportunity to get five goals, two assists and three j follow this up with two more
losing streak this past Saturday on their feet, literally, on the J back into the winning side of groundballs. He was joined by goals and one assist to give him
things and they pushed past the 1 sophomore Trevor Johnson (one four points on the day. Riddle
foreboding elements. ^ goal, five assists), Ted Jenner stepped up winning five of eight

ATH LETE Lacrosse After yielding a very early 2-1

lead to St Vincent, the Lakers
snapped. The defense, behind
(one goal, two assists), Steve
Pecon (two goals, two assists)
and Owen Jones (two goals).
face-off s and kept the ball out of
Bearcat control and in
Mercyhurst's offensive zone.
OFTHE-WEEK Jon Sava senior captain Brian Hapeman,
ami sophomores Earl Grahm and
Paul Fullerton took care of the
midfield with two goals, one
assist and four groundballs.
Midfielders Larry Casillo (11
of 15) and Tim Fogarty (three of
Jeff Tyo swarmed the opposition four) also kept the ball moving S
and collaborated on a handful of The big story of the day wast, off of the draw and in Laker
groundballs and takeaways and the play of hometown boys Chad hands and played tough defense
sparked a 17-5 run for the f. 1 Giger and Gordon Riddle. as well. ia$
victory. Goal tender Chris Cooper Natives to the Pennsylvania area The Lakers lost to Canisius'
wallowed through a sloppy, $. >? where St Vincent is located, £ i College on Wednesday by a
muddy crease for four quarters Giger, a freshman attackman, and score of 10-8.
but made 17 saves in the effort Riddle, a freshman midfielder
He is now 5-2 as a starter at the had very impressive games in

Intramural basketball heats up

By Mike Gratzmiller player on both ends of the court, Lanahan. $
Merciad writer ;, stated Intramural Commissioner The Faculty was led by the •*.]
Brian Lanahan. if 1 outstanding play of Rahsaah
The last two teams in the Team Rees led for most of the Roland. He had a playoff hi eh of
Mercyhurst Intramural Basket- game. At halftime, their lead was 24 points and seven rebounds.
ball League were decided on at 12 points. Rob Gillooly and ^ Other Faculty member Scott
April 18 and 19. The Players Lynn burns did all they could to Norwood nailed four three point-
narrowly defeated Team Rees help Team Rees. They combined shots and totaled 14 points. His
45-43 and Jutt out-shot The on seven three pointers and 27 .„• three point shooting helped The
Faculty 72-68. ' fu total points, i ¥] ** Faculty close the gap down the
Thefirstgame was dominated "It was like we just hit a brick* stretch.
by The Players member Scott wall," said Paul Watkins. *Y "I thought they might pull it
Platz. He boasted 21 points and The second game also had a ^ i out, but the Fleck bras were ?*^
10 rebounds in the game. That dominating tone. The * ** really too much," said I anahan.
alone makes him a prominent Fleckenstein brothers, Brian and The championship game will
candidate for the Intramural All - Mike, combined for a total of 40 take place in the Mercyhurst
Star Team, not to mention MVP points and 13reboundsin the Jutt Athletic Center April 25 at 8
status, if The Players win the win. * *, * p.m.
championhship game. * 'The brothers were too much
"Platz is such a powerful for The Faculty to handle," said
Women's lacrosse wins two straight
Wesleyan University looking to
9
games
each had three
scored The Mercyhurst women s * w
lacrosse teamreboundedfrom a get back into a winning swing. goals. .
Lakers two game losing streak this past Against Wooster the women* The Lakers carried this £
weekend with a pair of victories walked away with a 12-4 victory. momentum into their next game
Vincent College April 17. for the Lakers came from against Ohio Wesleyan where a
Savage has 22 goals so far this season, wi on theroad.The Lakers took on thev came awav with a 11-7 win.
_ «.T_m.**i ~f 11 nnints for the season Wooster College and Ohio Laura Bilak, Vanessa Turner and
 PAGE 8 THEMERCIAD APRIL 22,1999

LAKER
SPORTS
C a m p b e l l m a k i n g strides around the world
By Stephen Nolan team. He finished third. third overall. He finished 12th in
Merciad editor In Reunion, the team finished the race. ^
eighth out of 40 teams from all "That was a great result for us,
Representing one's country in over the world. Campbell we really improved since the
sport is possibly the highest finished 42nd in the race. The world championship. However, I
honor that can be bestowed upon result was the second best ever did sustain an injury that kept me
an athlete. For many it is an for the Irish team in the event out until January," he said. /

unattainable dream, but for a "It was my first international "Right now I am trying to get
select few it is very much a race and it was great to get ,' back into shape for the track
reality. selected. It was a great confi - ( season and next year's cross
Freshman cross country runner dence booster. It taught me a lot J country season. Next year we^
John Campbell traveled to Erie about running at the top level and hope to improve our rankings for
from County Longford, Ireland. how hard it is. I learned a lot cross country. We have some
His goal was to begin his college from coaches and people from good recruits coming in and this
career at Mercyhurst. But this other nations. I learned a new'; should raise the standard of the
goal had to be put on hold perspective on how to approach team. We are building for the
because early i n September racing and life," Campbell said. future and we hope to be
1998, Campbell traveled to On his return to Ireland, | i competing for a national champi-
Reunion Island, off the coast of Campbell decided that it would onship in a few years, "i
Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, be best if he sat out fall term and When Campbell returned home
with the Irish under-20 cross return to Mercyhurst in the for Christmas vacation he was
country team to compete in the winter. A week after his return selected as the Waterford Crystal
World Mountain Running from Reunion, he was selected to 1998 Young Athlete of the Year.
Championship. represent his country in the He was also awarded, along with
Campbell qualified for the Celtic Games in Edinburgh, freshman and teammate Ciaran |
team in a race over the summer. Scotland. Brewster, Longford's Athletic
The top four in the race were In this event, the team and Club's 1998 Athlete of the Year. Freshman John Campbell, second from left, pictured with some
automatically chosen for the Campbell improved, finishing of his Irish cross country teammates in Reunion Island during
the World Mountain Championship last September.

Baseball slips in GLIAC Volleyball ends season with optimism

By Scott Koskoski «) highlights for Wayne State in
Merciad writer? ? game one; Ellison scored on a in two prior meetings with the score of 15-7. I
wild pitch in the second, and Men's volleyball Lewis, the men's team looked to The second two games for the
The good news about the first added an RBI single in the pull off an upset and raise some men turned out to be not as
game of Sunday's Wayne State
university /Mercy hurst double-
seventh to seal the victory. fini shes their eyebrows throughout the rest of successful. They dropped the
Wayne State hurler Tim Miller the conference. next two games both by the i
header was that Laker pitching
only surrendered two hits. The
went the distance on the way to
his fourth win of the season
season at "We have hung with these scores of 15-2.
teams all year, if we get our "Our passing fell apart and we
baa news was that was enough
for the Tartar victory.
against two losses.
Mercyhurst fans would not see 14-12 entire game together we have a just couldn' t get it together after
The offensive woes of * £ a reversal of fortunes in the good chance of advancing," said the first game," said junior Jim b\
Mercyhurst baseball continued. nightcap. This time, however, it By Lynn Burns head coach Craig Davie. Zorn, who racked up nine kills in
Once a virtual run-scoring, was the Laker bullpen, not the Merciad writer the game.
slugging factory, the Laker bats bats, that paved the way for the This was a tough match With the season over, the team
suddenly turned ice cold. \ sixth straight loss. '?,. After advancing to the first round is already optimistically looking
Wayne State was the latest Catcher/first baseman Mark of the Midwest Intercollegiate but we're not losing to next year* s squad. "This was a
opponent to take advantage of ZrirrT s solo home run put
Mercyhurst's batting blues, Mercyhurst ahead 2-1 entering
Volleyball Association post- anyone next year, so tough match but we' re not losing
anyone next year, so we' 11 be
season tournament on Saturday
posting a 2-0,3-2 doubleheader the top of the last inning. Up a with their seventh-place finish in we'll be back | back,** commented Zorn, who
sweep of the Lakers Sunday at run, Norwood turned to Laker will also return to next year's
regular season play, the 4
Hirtzel Field. Just weeks before, sophomore Ryan Bogert to ice
the victory. I Mercyhurst men's volleyball Jim Zorn * veteran squad. *
the Hurst rode high atop the H
Great Lakes Intercollegiate Instead, Bogert surrendered a team traveled to Romeoville, 111., \i In the first game of the match, The men's season ended with a
Athletic Conference standings. solo homer to Tartar slugger ~ to take on nationally-ranked ;- the Lakers played well but the respectable record of 14-12 and
With their fifth and sixth Rich Wright to knot things at 2- Lewis University. Lewis attack proved too effec- high expectations for next year's
strai ght losses Sunday, t 2. After Mercyhurst could not After being narrowly defeated tive, as they went on to win by season.
Mercyhurst saw their league produce a run in their half of the
mark slip to 9-7 (16-13 overall). inning, Bogert gave up a game-
Post-season play, once consid-
ered a sure thing for Coach Scott
Norwood's squad, is now in
winning RBI single in extra
innings and the Laker's fate was
sealed.
Softball struggles to find winning form
jeopardy.-Maybe it's a good Still in the playoff hunt, the
thing that last Saturday's Hurst will try and break their By Lynn Burns University handed the women to produce the deciding run, as
scheduled Wayne State- slump this weekend against Merciad writer two more disappointing defeats, the game ended in a 1-1 tie.
Merc vhurst doubleheader was GLIAC foe Hillsdale College. by the scores of 5-2 and 6-0. After these two better perfor-
washed out. F The Chargers visit North East's Trying to get back on track, the mances by the women, the Lady
1 Laker pitcher Adam Tills (3-3) Hirtzel Field for Saturday and The Mercyhurst women's
Sunday doubleheaders. softball team has been struggling Lady Lakers traveled to Lakers took on Ashland Univer-
pitched six and two-thirds strong
innings, yielding two hits, two Mercyhursts only mid-week as ol late with six losses in their Edinboro University on April 19, sity Sunday, and suffered two
runs, walking five and striking action was a doubleheader last seven games. j where they produced nine runs defeats by the score of 15-0 and
out si x totters. It was the Wednesday against archri val Grand Valley State University offensively, but fell short as 8-1 respectively.
Gannon University at Erie's 1
Mercyhurst offense that proved started the drought for the Lady Edinboro went on to an 11-9 The Lady Lakers record now
weak. The only highlight was the Jerry Uht Park. The Lakers won Lakers by handing them a 5-0 victory. stands at 11-21-1 'with sopho-
continuing stellar play of Andy both games 2-1 and 6-10. They more Jackie Hudec leading the
now have a 19-13 record (12-6 defeat. Next, Ferris State In their second game agai nst
Wade, who went 2-3. •
f University and Wayne State Edinboro, neither team was able Laker bats with a .304 average.
The Tartars' Chris Ellison GLIAC).
provided the only needed