tsA VOL. 21, ISSUE 1 NOVEMBER 2004 -from fKe. Editor

It happens every year. That moment of clarity when I realize how much work behind the scenes has been necessary to fuel Mercyhurst on a day-to-day basis, laying the foundation for this institution to evolve into exactly what it has become. Sometimes it strikes me when the finishing touches are being discussed at a planning meeting for com­ mencement, usually only days before the celebration begins and hundreds of family members flood through the Gates. Sometimes it happens as I look out over the crowds gathered for the annual Fourth of July event hosted by Mercyhurst College, knowing that our maintenance and security staffs have been on the clock for hours, and have little to no hope of going home any time soon. Sometimes I am simply walking across our beautiful campus when I start thinking about the people who keep the windows clean, the weeds pulled, our students in the right class with the right professor, and the freshmen snuggled safely in their residence halls (and the RIGHT residence hall to boot). I consider the students who dedicate hours organizing and supporting events such as Christmas on Campus, the college's March of Dimes WalkAmerica team and fund-raisers like Rotoracfs 5K run. The thought always brings a smile to my face, a mix of pride and awe at what we achieve every single day. To be honest, this year it took on new significance when, as a novice homeowner, I realized anew how much effort is invested in keeping our campus functioning. Worn out from the 30-minute shoveling job required on my own puny driveway one snowy January morning, I sat in my warm, dry car at the stop sign in front of Old Main and marveled at the cleaned walk­ ways, the neat drives. Maybe the process isn't perfect, but I always wonder how early those nearly invisible folks must get up before toiling away for hours to prepare our campus for those lucky enough to walk on shoveled paths? Rarely do we remember, in our professional lives or in our personal worlds, to say thank you to those who labor behind the scenes. Often, engrossed in our own lives, we also forget that our colleagues and friends are more than their titles, and often have fascinating hobbies they nurture out of sight. What we'd learn if we all slowed down, watched more, listened better. So, in this Mercyhurst Magazine, Debbie Morton and I took a small step back, slowed down, watched and listened, and now we want to share with you some of the delightful stories about the stories hidden behind the neatly manicured hedges. of (Sonfents Sister Damien..,

Manic for muskie: Pittman breaks stereotypes as thrill-seeking angler It's a family thing: Behind the scenes with maintenance and housekeeping Forensic Files draws 'Hurst into 'whodunit' genre Fo** wKom fke bell foils Working surreptitiously is alumna's approach to improving the community - ^J^fkind of gets you in the gut. You walk one victim at a time 8 into the O'Neil Tower and glance to your right, expecting her there, but she's gone. 'Hurst dishes out support for soup kitchen 10 Sister M. Damien Mlechick, RSM, '56, who would have celebrated her 20th year of Kathy Zurn ... more than pearls and pumps 12 service to the college at this year's Christmas party, died Aug. 20 at the age of 83. Pizza, beer and bones ... students confront death to safeguard life 14 Sister was like an old flannel shirt that you pull out of your closet on a brisk autumn In his own words ... faculty Vern Wherry writes from new classroom in Baghdad 16 day - familiar, warm, dependable; she aged, but she never seemed to wear out. That's why Raise $20 million plus - Check. 17 rounding the corner and not seeing her at her Preserving the Legacy campaign success reverberates through campus switchboard in the tower is still so unnerving. You never figured on life without her. Building community keeps residence life staff on their toes 20 Affectionately known as "Damie" or "Auntie D.," she was, without a doubt, the As good as it gets ... Intelligence studies basks in global radiance 22 Lakers' biggest fan and one of the college's most fiercely loyal supporters. Seeking solace on the slopes 24 Each day, from her greeter's post outside the chapel, she showed her ability to make all Class Notes 26 human encounters, however ephemeral, feel both special and personal. Snap to, Shutterbugs! 28 The characteristic Voice of Mercyhurst, she was like an unexpected spray of holy Taking a swing at golf... on the Pilates mat? 30 water on passersby, always finding favor, dis­ pensing advice, and spreading goodwill. Cool air blows through Old Main ... a history-making change 31 Although instantly recognizable, it was not so much the big voice as it was the little deeds Column: The Magnificent Seven in a Bob Heibel Production 32 that defined Sister Damien. . At athletic events, there was no more effusive fan, and you knew she was there

1 lv U upon hearing the clang of her cowbell. At Halloween, she ladled candy into the wicker ^£' basket on her desk and urged everyone to indulge. At Christmas, she would don a

& Times Old Newsies apron over her habit and peddle memorial newspapers to benefit the annual Needy Fund. She lived with a nobility of service that is Issue Editor The Office of Public Relations, a division of the the hallmark of the Sisters of Mercy, with Gennifer Biggs Institutional Advancement Office, produces whom she shared her life for 65 years. And, with that dignity came an immense vitality Director of Public Relations and Publications Mercyhurst Magazine. that, in the end, did not fail her. Hers was a [email protected] great old age, not a stifled one. She remained 814.824.3315 Vice President of Institutional Advancement young at heart, and the young themselves, the Gary L. Bukowski, CFRE 73 Mercyhurst students who so loved her and she them, sensed that. Contributing Writers For all the love she so unselfishly impart­ Gennifer Biggs Director of Alumni Services ed, she did not hesitate to dole out construc­ Deborah Wallace Morton, Assistant Director Patricia Liebel '53 tive criticism when she saw fit. She'd champi­ of Public Relations [email protected] on the cause of a neglected flowerbed or a Telephone: 1.800.845.8568 bathroom in need of housekeeping. Otherwise, she put everything in God's Photographers Local calls: 824.2538 hands. Such was the abiding faith that let her Gennifer Biggs Fax: 814.824.2153 live this life to the fullest in preparation for Paul Lorei the next. Debbie Morton Send your change of address to: Perhaps no one put it better than Danielle Prokop '05 Mercyhurst Magazine Mercyhurst President Dr. William P. Garvey Mercyhurst College who said, "In many ways, Sister was the spirit of the college, and we deeply mourn her pass­ Class Notes Editor 501 E. 38th St. ing. She represented the best ideals of the Tammy Roche Gandolfo 76 Erie, PA 16546 past, but she lived very much in the present. It [email protected] Fax: 814.824.2473 is like the light has gone out in that front hall­ 814.824.2004 way and it will be a long time before it is turned back on again." mbk ^^

N o M B E R 2 0 0 4 M awe tor mus I I I Pittmata breaks stereotypes as fKHll-seeki^vg arvg er

It's been said that no other ^ freshwater fish offers the combina­ tion of size, strength, ferocity and "big game" appeal as the muskie. The fact that the toothy leviathans have a super bad attitude makes them all the more enticing to die-hard muskie angler Barbara Pittman. What's amusing, and Pittman is inclined to laugh along, is the sight of her elfin frame, at 5-feet 2-inches, 130 pounds; going head-to-head with a thrashing, gnash­ Once inclined ing 49-inch super-sized fish, the king of her to yield to stereo­ collective catch so far. types, nowadays she'd Muskie are the largest member of the rather blast the ^ pike family, with maximum lengths and smithereens out of them, and weights exceeding 5 feet and 70 pounds. can be as obstinate in her tem­ "They hit hard and there is this huge When you're perament as the fish she hunts. J commotion and chaos on the boat when you "My mother always told me I could do using a medium- are bringing them in," she said. "It is tremen­ anything I wanted to do and, when I looked heavy action 7- dously exciting." around, it was the men who were having all foot rod and casting What's even more incongruous, though, the fun," she said. "They were hunting and 4- to 5-ounce lures for is that Pittman exhibits an almost docile fishing and doing things that women typical­ an average of six hours a demeanor ly did not do in the '50s and '60s, before there day, your arms and shoulders feel it. Plus around the was much impact from the women's move­ reeling in a fish that fights you every bit of Mercyhurst ment." the way is strenuous at best. campus, That was then and this is now. She stays educated about her sport, where she A self-proclaimed feminist and late familiarizing herself with everything from teaches writ­ bloomer, Pittman was 33 when she entered weather conditions that impact muskie fish­ ing and college as a freshman. In her late 20s, she ing to buying the right equipment. western learned how to hunt and, later, took up fish­ Recently, she acquired a new $200 reel classics, and ing with her husband of 13 years, Ted and regularly adds to her heavy-duty arsenal hardly looks Phillips. Pittman is now in her early 50s and of lures, which can range from small 6-inch strong never felt so liberated. bucktail spinners to 14-inch jerkbaits. A tech­ enough to But, the elusive muskie, known as the nology buff, she said she particularly enjoys cast repeti­ fish of 10,000 casts, can humble you very experimenting with different lures to see how tively let quickly once he takes your bait, so she lifts they react as she casts them out and reels alone reel a muskie alongside her 16-foot weights to maintain her strength, particularly them in. aluminum boat. for casting, which is the most popular tech­ After seven years of fishing, three of But, in Pittman's case, what you see is nique for catching the largest of the freshwa­ them for muskie, Pittman figures she's expe­ definitely NOT what you get. ter predators. rienced enough to tell a few fish tales of her

M E R C Y H U M Z I N own and is a regular contributor to the online tograph their fish before turning them loose. magazine WomenAnglers (www.womenan- THEY HIT HARD AND THERE Since muskie are not abundant and are a glers.us). She is a member of Women in the species confined mostly to the Great Lakes Outdoors and hopes one day to teach a IS THIS HUGE COMMOTION region and lower Ontario, Pittman said she course on "gender and hunting" when a new joins most other anglers in practicing "catch AND CHAOS ON THE BOAT gender studies curriculum, now under and release" for the betterment of the sport. formation at Mercyhurst, is offered. WHEN YOU ARE BRINGING "For a muskie to grow even to a size that Meanwhile, a typical fishing outing for is considered small, let's say 30 inches, it Pittman and her husband begins at sunrise, THEM IN. IT IS might take up to 10 years," Pittman said. "So, usually on picturesque Chautauqua Lake, fishermen catch and release them." TREMENDOUSLY EXCITING. where they trailer their Lund V-hull weekly Besides, fishing for muskie isn't about They've got their tackle boxes, a picnic lunch, - Barb Pittman, what you keep. If s all about the chase. And lots of SPF-45 sunscreen, and a tried-and-true assisstant professor of English as Pittman and Phillips agree, it does a mar­ routine that riage good, too. thev drafted got jammed by a couple hooks intended for "I don't think Ted would want to fish after a fish- his prey and a trip to the emergency room with anybody else but me," Pittman said. ing trip quickly followed. Right then and there, "We have similar likes and personalities and turned Pittman and Phillips decided that having the we really work well together. I know what to bloody a correct tools was a priority, not a luxury, so do the minute he catches a fish, and he couple they invested in a better net, larger bolt cut­ knows what to do when I do. We are a good years back. ters and something called a BogaGrip™, team." As which locks around the fish's lower jaw Muskie fishing might not be all that Phillips was while your hands are farther up the handle, romantic, but Phillips and Pittman agree: it attempting and weighs the fish as you lift it. sure brings excitement to a relationship. to net a 51- They practiced and practiced until they inch found a system that would allow them to By Debbie Morton muskie, he safely and successfully catch, weigh and pho­ Contributed photos

Die-hard muskie angler Barbara Pittman, who teaches literature at Mercyhurst College, shows off a prize catch. summed

NOVEMBER 2 0 0 4 DYs a family ini^g ... Behind me- scenes wiin maintenance ana ouse

It's a family thing. "There are a lot of While Stepherson is armed Not many people know who changes friendly people here, and they with a skilled staff of nine full-time their light bulbs, or the name of the person never act like, 'oh, there is the maintenance technicians with specialties who dusts their office. cleaning lady7," said Horvath. "I ranging from carpentry to heating and cool­ But ask at Mercyhurst College, and always tell new people to just ask for help, ing to electricity, consider this: How much chances are, you'll get an answer. ask how to get places. Everyone will help time and effort is invested in your own home Dan. Barry. Carla. Larry Teresa. Ken. them." - lawn mowing, gutter cleaning, spring plant­ Mark. Dean. Perhaps it is the camaraderie of the col­ ing, fall raking, paint touchups, concrete Ask about the beautiful landscaping, and lege's employees working together to get big repair, flooded basement, leaking roof? And many on campus can tell you, by name, who jobs done that leads to the entire Mercyhurst how many acres and square feet is that? does what to bring the grounds to life each community understanding what happens Exactly. spring. behind the scenes to accomplish the day-to­ So it is clear how, even with the assis­ That, said maintenance technician Barry day Perhaps it is just the nature of tance of 19 full-time housekeepers, the task is Agostine, is a big reason that many on the Mercyworld. Either way, Ken Stepherson said daunting, and often, just plain overwhelming maintenance and housekeeping staff have it is a first for him. when a special event such as graduation or made Mercyhurst their home. the annual Old-Fashioned Fourth of July is 'Tt is like family here," said Agostine, looming on the horizon. who will reach the 13-year mark in spring. IT IS LIKE FAMILY HERE. But Stepherson, who only assumed the "Everyone is so polite, you usually get a big responsibility of physical plant director in EVERYONE IS SO POLITE. YOU thanks, and almost everyone is on a first- January 2003, and his crew of maintenance name basis. That makes a difference." USUALLY GET A BIG THANKS, and housekeeping staff, do an amazing job. Judy Horvath remembers when she AND ALMOST EVERYONE IS ON A "When I started, the knowledge base would chat with Mercyhurst President Dr. was here - these guys know the college and FIRST-NAME BASIS. THAT MAKES A William P. Garvey in the hall of Old Main its ins and outs," said Stepherson. "They do back when she worked the night shift in her DIFFERENCE. whatever I ask of them, and I have a great early years with the college. - Barry Agostine, maintenance technician deal of respect for them." "He is as easy to talk to as you or me," Agostine said he feels that because main­ said Horvath, adding that perhaps that is the tenance and housekeeping staffs are consid­ reason no one has ever made her feel second "I get a lot of letters and comments from ered as much a part of the Mercyhurst com- class in her 17 years with the college - they people here, and I always pass them on to munitv as facultv and students, they share have a good example to follow. my crew/' said Stepherson, physical plant the same pride in the institution. That goes a director for Mercyhurst. "It is really strange; long way when asked to work the long hours this is probably the only place I've worked of graduation weekend and other special where I get feedback from the end users. It is events. refreshing. People here really do appreciate "It is a small college, and everyone what we do and let us know." knows everyone else, and we all know what What they do is mind-boggling. we need to do," said Agostine. "We all just Keeping Mercyhurst College running as get it done. And we're treated well by the smoothly as possible, as efficiently as possi­ people we help, that makes a difference." ble, and on budget as much as possible isn't Horvath added that the students and an easy task considering what it entails. The their appreciation and affection make the dif­ Left to right, Almas Bekan, Alija Fulurija and entire Mercyhurst physical plant includes 65 ference as well. Ismet Fulurija, all groundskeepers at Mercyhurstacre s plus, 624,000 square feet of academic "Working with the kids is what keeps f College, are the hard workers behind Mercyhurstspacs e and 581,000 square feet of housing area. me here," she said, and it is especially true beautiful and often-admired landscaping.

M R C HURST M I N for Horvath, who handles Baldwin Hall, the renovation and maintenance efforts on the women's freshman residence hall. "You get to physical plant - Tom Billingsley, executive watch them come, and then grow up. I vice president for administration, and Tyrone always get to know them personally -1 Moore, associate vice president of administra­ mean, you can't know every single one, but tive services. there are always those I do talk to all the "My hat goes off to that staff, they are time." who make this massive plant work, they are Despite seeing a bit of everything during who manage the large and the small details Tim Boucher works as part of the grounds crew to keep the college's physical spaces looking good. her time with housekeeping, Horvath still of this institution and they do it in a seeming­ laughs her way through a story involving the ly seamless manner," said Moore, who meets on a day-by-day basis, that alone is enough to basement of Zurn Hall, a hole in the wall, a on a nearly daily basis with Stepherson. keep all of that staff busy," said Moore. "And terrible odor and a hidden chicken carcass. "They do so much without disrupting we're particular about not just getting it done, But most days aren't that bad, and she admits the lives of faculty, staff and students." but getting it done well." that students and other members of the com­ For example, many people never consid­ That, he said, is where the difference is. munity are always quick to say thank you. er how difficult it is to paint a college cam­ '1 am so impressed and pleased to work "I think they understand how busy we pus. Sure, the students are on break in the with such a professional team," said Moore. are and what we do." summer, and faculty are here more sporadi­ "We just simply have a great team in place." Busy is perhaps an understatement, but cally, but what about the other projects? Billingsley echoed that praise. either way, organization seems to be the key. Carpets are replaced, faucets serviced, and "I believe that everyone here has a per­ Visitors to Stepherson's office can't help but this summer, entire electrical, heating and air sonal pride in the success of Mercyhurst," notice the neat piles of information, the long- conditioning systems installed. said Billingsley. "I think that the managers of range planning board on the wall, the note­ But... that doesn't mean everything that staff have stressed professional courtesy, book nearly always at his fingertips. doesn't need a fresh coat of paint. and I think that has paid off because our "So many people only see us when we Give Dave Inter and Don Dombrowski a maintenance and housekeeping staff reap the get a work order," said Stepherson, adding crew of students working summer hours and benefits." that the department handles about 40 stan­ it gets done. Billingsley added that his respect comes dard work orders a day during the school According to Moore, the crew painted, in from the level of work the staff does across year. "But on a monthly basis, the five techni­ about eight weeks, all of the residence halls - the board. cians in academics do more than 450 preven­ Baldwin to Duval, Mercy Suites to the new "I think people would be surprised at tative work orders, which are very time con­ Wayne Street apartments. Imagine the sore how good a job those staffs do consistently," suming, in those classroom buildings alone." shoulders. adding that it is difficult to communicate the The combination of daily fixes, long- And then, they worked to catch up on scope of dedication the maintenance and term upgrades and special projects - 36 this other projects, pushing to finish just a bit housekeeping staff have. summer alone - means everyone has a full more before the students returned in early "We genuinely appreciate them and the plate, admits Stepherson. September. work they do to help us pursue excellence as "But it is fun," he adds, a wide grin The key, said Moore, is communication, an institution." spreading across his face, "to cross stuff off organization and professionalism, all of the list" which the maintenance and housekeeping Xkarvk you. Perhaps no one enjoys that step more staff have in spades. By Gennifer Biggs than the two men who coordinate expansion, 'If you consider what needs to be done Photos by Danielle Prokop '05

Tkank you — J\Aa\\v\\e,v\anoe. and housekeeping sfajj 2004

Barry Agostine Pamela Easton Teresa Giammario Craig Koller Dean Reed William White Daniel Barricklow April Espy Darryl Grace Todd Landis Joyce Sadcwski Loretta Wrotney Almas Bekan Chris Etzel Mary Ann Hayes Linda Leonard Edward Schmidt Timothy Boucher William Fife Mark Heglin Patrick Moloney Brian Sidun Part-time Joseph Brown Pamela Flesher Judy Horvath Kenneth Mat tern Tom Skarupski Joann Bishop Jacauelyn Carson Kim Fontecchio Tyrone Howze Samir Medilovic Richard Smith Don Dombrowski David Cherico Carla Forsgren Dave Inter Donna O'Connell Drago Soldo Debra Dominick Bobbi Crable Alija Fulurija Tammi Terrell Jones Gloria Orsini Ken Stepherson Sherri Kavelish John Danielson Ismet Fulurija Larry Kerr Enver Rahmanovic David Weed Don Barricklow

NOV M B R 2 0 0 4 orervsi\cc Pii I I I draws vf"lui^sf info wkoduriif' genre

yp^(As deftly as an osprey swooping down This is no ordinary day in the bone lab at This particular episode of "Forensic on its prey photography director Jared Mercyhurst's Zurn Hall, where a four-man Files" examines a case in which John David Manders guides the long jib arm toward its video production team headed by independ­ Smith III was found guilty of murdering his target, zooming the camera in on Mercyhurst ent producer Scott Newell of Cleveland, forensic anthropologist Steven Symes, Ph.D., Ohio, is on campus to shoot an episode of as he examines knife marks in bone through "Forensic Files," a critically acclaimed Court STEVE'S ROLE IN THIS EPISODE the illuminating lens of an operating scope. TV series seen in 142 countries around the IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE HIS world. With cameras, monitors, softboxes, SCIENCE IS SO UNUSUAL AND umbrellas, lighting, and audio equipment in THERE AREN'T MANY PEOPLE position and cable snaked strategically across WHO CAN DO WHAT HE DOES. the floor, the lab has morphed from its sterile surroundings to a state-of-the-art remote pro­ THE FACT THAT HE TESTIFIED AT duction site. THE TRIAL AND MADE A In the middle of it all is Symes, who SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION appears so nonchalant in his royal blue shirt, grey slacks and Vans sandals, as to seem TO ITS OUTCOME IS OBVIOUSLY scripted. He's not. IMPORTANT TO THE PROGRAM. As a rule, he neither embraces nor shuns the spotlight, but as a leading expert on sharp - Scott Newell, television producer force trauma, specifically saw and knife marks in bone, he is no stranger to this kind of fuss. He's testified at dozens of criminal ex-wife by a Wooster, Ohio, jury on July 18, trials, consulted and lectured worldwide, and 2001. Janice Hartman disappeared in 1974 figured prominently in other television docu­ and her remains were discovered in 1980 in a mentaries and true-crime dramas. plywood box in Indiana. Her lower legs were

Steve Symes, a member of the forensic anthropology department at Mercyhurst College, worked under the hot lights when he completed an interview with a production crew from televisions ''Forensic Files"

M R H U R M Z 1 N missing, and have never been found. ear way so that viewers can essentially take At the trial, Symes testified how part in the investigation. You don't know Hartman's legs were severed just below the who did it when you start. You have to wait knee by a serrated knife. He explained to it out, and that makes it interesting." jurors how the blades of different classes of NewelTs team, which, in addition to cutting tool leave different marks on bone. It photography director Manders, includes was that unique expertise that enabled him to sound man Thorn Shafer and production identify the type of implement used to dis­ assistant Alex Cruz, was at Mercyhurst June member Hartman. 22. The episode featuring Symes aired on Sept. 29. "Steve's role in this episode is important because his science is so unusual, and there framing with creative lighting and audio aren't many people who can do what he techniques to yield a dramatic production does," says Newell, who covered the Smith characteristic of the popular "Forensic Files" trial in 2001 for ABC's "20/20" and witnessed format. Symes' testimony. "The fact that he testified At the conclusion of the shoot, from at the trial and made a significant contribu­ setup to wrap a total of eight hours, Symes is tion to its outcome is obviously important to asked if he enjoyed the experience. the program." "Let's put it this way," he says. "I have Meanwhile, Newell interviews Symes on three cases that need tending to now and I camera for just shy of an hour, skillfully expect more will be piling up." Newell now wants Symes to describe his extracting the key points necessary to illus­ New mysteries for "Forensic Files" per­ findings in the Hartman case again, this time trate his role in the case. Symes, who had haps? for "Forensic Files/' a fact-based, high-tech taken a mere 15 minutes to review his file "Well," he says, casting a wry smile, "I program that profiles the world of forensic and refresh his memory before the shoot, is guess we'll just have to wait and see." science in the context of intriguing crimes direct and succinct in his explanations, and other whodunit scenarios. Newell remarks. By Debbie Morton "What we have here is basically a mur­ Following the interview, the technical Photos by Chris Rainwater, Debbie Morton and der mystery," says Newell as he outlines the crew is unleashed to weave its magic, inte­ Jared Manders program's format. "You tell the story in a lin­ grating innovative camera movements and

(L to R) Scott Newell, Jared Manders, Alex Cruz and Steve Symes discuss the taping of "Forensic Files."

NOVEMBER 2 0 0 4 Won

I There are career commitments, and then Governor's Council on Women, and one work with Mercyhurst. there are personal allegiances. would think Williams would be more than That her professional life intersects with For Shirley Williams '86, '89, who over­ busy. her more private commitments is merely sees the constables' training and education But her passion for organizations such as chance. program housed at Mercyhurst North East SafeNet (domestic violence), and the Erie 'This really started when our criminal and directs the Mercyhurst Center for Justice County DWI Program Inc. (alcohol highway justice conference, which focuses on a timely and Mental Health Issues, being immersed in safety education), stems from something topic each year that appeals to the law the challenging world of law enforcement more personal, and so she immerses herself enforcement and social services population in and social services is all in a day's work. Add as deeply in her roles as a vice president for this region, brought in as a keynote speaker - to that her new role as a member of the steer­ the Erie Country DWI Program, and incom­ Susan Murphy-Milano - from Chicago to ing committee for the Pennsylvania ing president of SafeNet as she does in her speak at a conference on domestic violence," explains Williams, sitting in her office at Mercyhurst North East. Williams explained that Murphy-Milano devoted herself to speaking publicly about domestic violence after her father, a Chicago police captain, who abused her mother for years, killed both her and himself. Murphy- Milano may be best known for her ground­ breaking book "Defending our Lives," and the domestic violence program she founded, Project: Protect.

8 MERCYHURST MAGAZINE Award from the Erie County Bar Association, violence. an honor bestowed annually on a member of After beginning nearly 25 years ago as the community who has made significant Hospitality House, an emergency shelter for contributions to the region. Adding to her battered women and their children, SafeNet appreciation of that honor was receiving the now provides shelter - and much more, award from her mentor - Mercyhurst including counseling, legal advocacy, vio­ President Dr. William P. Garvey. lence prevention programs, transitional living Despite being a "behind-the-scenes" programs and a 24-hour hotline. type, Williams admits she doesn't mind the SafeNet stands for the domestic violence attention as long as her passion for fighting "Safety Network" in place for everybody in domestic violence gets to share the spotlight. our community. "It is so important to give back to the To volunteer or learn more, visit community, and there are so many people www.safeneterie.org or call (814) 455-1774. who need help, that letting people know they need to get involved and DO something is just as important as volunteering to me," said Shirley Williams '86, '89 Williams, who in 1996 graduated from Williams said the event galvanized her, Leadership Erie, a program dedicated to the and launched her immersion into the world development of community leadership, com­ of challenges faced by both victims and advo­ munity involvement, and community cooper­ cates working in the arena of domestic vio­ ation in the Greater Erie area. lence. Urging others to tackle their anxiety 'This is not a popular subject/' Williams about working with domestic violence vic­ said, adding that getting victims to seek help tims is another passion, and she said she and talk publicly about their circumstances truly believes that volunteering is the best remains a struggle, even today - nearly 20 option available for making the Erie commu­ years later. "It is amazing how far we still nity a better place to live for everyone. have to go considering the fact that domestic violence is a community issue that stretches across every socio-economic level in Erie." WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE Williams' involvement only grew as she College President Dr. William P. Garvey present­ ed Shirley Williams with the Liberty Bell Award explored the ties between alcohol/substance MANY ASPECTS OF THE ISSUE from the Erie County Bar Association during the abuse and domestic violence in her thesis, OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - 2004 Law Day luncheon. The Liberty Bell is completing the final steps of her master of bestowed annually on a member of the community HEALING THE WOMEN, science degree in administration of justice at who has made significant contributions to the Mercyhurst College in 1989. Williams earned HEALING THE CHILDREN- region. her undergraduate degree in criminal justice WE HAVE TO BREAK THAT corrections and sociology in 1986. CYCLE OF VIOLENCE. SafeNet is an agency of professionals "We need to look at the many aspects of and volunteers working together to end - Shirley miliums '86, '89 the issue of domestic violence - healing the domestic violence against women in Erie women, healing the children - we have to County. From every city and township in break that cycle of violence," said Williams. the area, women come to this agency seek­ Joining Williams is her husband, Attorney "SafeNet and so many other social serv­ ing safety and shelter from physical abuse Dennis Williams, who has long worked to ice agencies are always short on funds, and and threats of violence occurring at home. provide legal counsel for battered women they are constantly looking for volunteers/' SafeNet opens its doors to hundreds of and men. said Williams, who implores both men and abuse victims each year, helping battered "There is no reason this needs to be a women to connect with and volunteer in sup­ women develop the supports they need to dirty, dark secret, hidden behind closed doors port of a cause that is as personally signifi­ break the cycle of abuse in their lives and any longer," said Williams, who prefers to cant to them as domestic violence and sub­ regain a sense of their own dignity through work behind the scenes, but doesn't shirk stance abuse are to her. a wide range of programs. from the chance to talk about the issue when SafeNet also works closely with hospi­ presented with a public forum. tals, schools, police stations, the courts, and That opportunity arrived in April 2004 other social service agencies to increase By Gennifer Biggs when she was surprised with the Liberty Bell awareness and understanding of domestic Photos by Paul Lorei, Louis Colussi

N O V E M B R 2 0 0 4 v,Hui^sf diskes ov& support yor soup kitcke^v

Brian Valero '05

When Brian Valero envisions his future, call for student volunteers to work Saturdays dents like Valero and faculty/staff volunteers J he sees himself in one of Manhattan's tonier at the Emmaus Soup Kitchen in downtown have teamed to keep the doors of the soup restaurants - maybe someplace in trendy Erie. kitchen open on Saturdays. In doing so, they Tribeca or sizzling SoHo where upscale din­ Emmaus is one of 70 sites in the Erie have provided meals to those who might oth­ ers order mussel souffle and caviar parfait as community that benefits from Mercyhurst's erwise go without and have allowed the if they were burgers and fries. service learning program. During the 2003-04 operators of Emmaus Ministries, who staff Growing up 15 minutes from academic year, 2,301 students at the Erie and the facility Monday through Friday, the Manhattan, just over the bridge in Elizabeth, North East campuses completed 19,189 hours chance for a well-deserved day off. N.J., Valero figured the dining capital of the of service, according to a summary compiled Sister Mary Miller, OSB, is director of world would be as good a place as any to by Sister Michele. Emmaus Ministries, a 30-year tradition of the cultivate his culinary aspirations once he Valero is one student who answered the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. The soup kitchen graduated from college. call to help at the soup kitchen and counts serves 1,200 hot meals each week and its food But, for now, the Mercyhurst senior, who himself lucky that he did. pantry distributes 50,000 food bags per year will complete his studies in Hotel, Restaurant "You have no idea how much you have as the largest single on-site food distribution and Institutional Management in May 2005, in life until you see these people, many of center in Pennsylvania. Emmaus also oper­ is perfectly satisfied with a less chic but whom can't even afford to buy themselves a ates Sister Gus' Kids Cafe, which provides nonetheless appreciative clientele. dinner," he said. 'They are the nicest people recreational opportunities and a home- For Valero, it all started last spring when in the world. Most of them have just been cooked meal to about 100 children a day. Sister Michele Schroeck '88, '96, director of unlucky." Sister Mary said the day Mercyhurst service learning at Mercyhurst, put out the For more than a decade, Mercyhurst stu­ College dispatched Saturday reinforcements

10 MERCYHURST MAGAZINE in 1992 was an important moment in the pro­ You have to give them respect because, in gram's-history. OURGUESTSARESO most cases, they are doing the best they can." "Our guests are so appreciative of the APPRECIATIVE OF THE On his Saturday shifts, Valero, who last students being here Saturdays, especially STUDENTS BEING HERE summer worked as dining room captain at during the cold, winter months/' she said. SATURDAYS, ESPECIALLY the Athenaeum Hotel in the Chautauqua "Not everyone who comes to Emmaus is DURING THE COLD, WINTER Institution, cooks the already-prepared food homeless. Some just come for the companion­ MONTHS. NOT EVERYONE and delegates others to set up and serve. ship and to hear a human voice while they WHO COMES TO EMMAUS IS Students - about eight or nine of them - typi- are having their meal. But others would be HOMELESS. SOME JUST COME cally work from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. without food Friday evening to Monday FORTHE "I was so nervous when I was told I'd be evening were it not for us opening our doors COMPANIONSHIP AND TO supervising the kitchen," he said. "But, as on Saturdays." HEAR A HUMAN VOICE WHILE soon as the doors opened, a switch went on The college's alliance with the soup THEY ARE HAVING THEIR and I knew what to do. HRIM has taught me kitchen started as an offering of the Hotel, MEAL. BUT OTHERS WOULD BE very well and the experience at the soup Restaurant and Institutional Management WITHOUT FOOD FRIDAY kitchen has helped me believe that when I Program and, last year, was assimilated into EVENING TO MONDAY graduate, I'll be ready." the service learning department under the EVENING WERE IT NOT FOR US Emmaus Ministries has been a favorite direction of Sister Michele. OPENING OUR DOORS ON community service destination for many "I think this program is one of the best SATURDAYS. Mercyhurst students, including Campus kept secrets at Mercyhurst," she said. "With Ministry volunteers who have been helping service, continuity is the key, and when you to serve guests at the soup kitchen on the first - Sister Mary Miller, OSB, consider that Mercyhurst volunteers have Director of Emmaus Ministries Tuesday of each month for nearly 10 years. kept this going month after month, year after "For me, it all provides a great sense of year, when students were in session, it is real­ hope that today's young adults, who have ly commendable." again," she said. 'They enjoyed it that commitments up to their ears, come on a reg­ Zurn Hall faculty secretary Kathy much." ular basis, especially on a Saturday morning Thornton, who helped coordinate the HRIM And Brian Valero is a typical example. when they'd probably rather be sleeping in volunteer effort for many years, said the pro­ '1 kept going back because I established until noon," Sister Mary said. "It is a big com­ gram has always been blessed with eager vol­ relationships with the people there," he said. mitment, and an experience that they will unteers, over the years growing to encompass "I've talked to people who know a lot more take with them when they go and make their a broad cross-section of the Mercyhurst stu­ about life than I do. One was a TV repairman way in the world." dent population. and he told me all kinds of stories. Another "Students would satisfy their service had a little barber shop. Some of them are By Debbie Morton hours commitment and then sign up to do it parents and they tell me about parenthood. Contributed photos

Merajhurst's Dana Nagle and Amanda Bandurak volunteer at the Emmaus Soup Kitchen.

NOVEMBER 2 0 0 4 11 w ... mot^e an peaHs an umps

.Mercykw^st trustee wo^ks beHind tke scenes to maKe. gooa tkings nappan

1 Not even the uncharacteristic image of She points to an unkempt 3-by-4-foot "Kathy is always positive in her Kathy Cochran Zurn bounding out of a rectangle in the midst of a manicured grid of approach," said John T. Malone, president of brawny Chevy truck in drab green utilities plantings that include lavender, tomatoes, Hamot Health Foundation, where Zum also can diminish the soft-spoken warmth and and an occasional rose bush. is a trustee. "She has good business savvy, poise that distinguish her as a member of the 'That's mine," she said, tugging at an but she's also interested in the emotional side Mercyhurst College Board of Trustees. obstinate weed. "I'm going to plant some of business. In our case, she is a real advocate This is dress-down day for the petite herbs and put up a sign inviting anyone to for the patient." Zurn, who has packed her pickup with trow­ 'help yourself.'" Zurn describes herself as a "mediator," el, shovel and assorted gardening hardware It's the personal touch, the almost self­ which, she noted, is consistent with her posi­ intent on planting an herb garden at the 116- less "mothering factor," that is the common tion as the proverbial middle child of five. unit apartment complex she owns on Erie's denominator in Zurn's everyday dealings "I don't think you can win by pressure," eastside. with people and which also defines her sig­ she said. "I think it is better to find the posi­ "Many of the people who live here are nature style as a member of the board of tive in everyone's viewpoint and move for­ older and my mission is to make this feel like trustees at Mercyhurst as well as the many ward from there." their home and also to give them a sense of other community organizations with which No matter what her role: mother, busi­ community/' she said, pointing a sweeping she is affiliated. nesswoman, or community servant; Zum sel­ hand toward a swathe of land adjacent to the dom seeks the spotlight and regards working apartments. "I've told anyone who is interest­ behind the scenes an often productive alter- ed that they can have a section of jft native to navigating the front lines. the garden to plant, and what's left I'll tend to.

12 M Y H U S T M Z I N Endorsing her as an effective "behind- "So, I have a sense of giving back to my the-scenes leader/' Mercyhurst President Dr. community but, also, I'm hoping that one or William P. Garvey further described Zum as more of my children will eventually come "a valuable board member because not only back to Erie and I'm working to make it the is she intelligent, but she is pleasant and sel­ kind of place they would want to return to/' dom part of a divisive faction. Zum, herself a graduate of Syracuse "Kathy is the perfect board member in University with a degree in environmental the sense that she is an old-fashioned kind of design, has one daughter, Gretchen, of Roman leader who serves for the greater Califon, N.J., who works in marketing good and not with any personal agenda in research and was married in September; and mind/' three sons, Mel, a stockbroker in Reston, Va.; Despite working diligently to better the community, Kathy Zurn values her time with family. John, a law school student at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia; and Stuart, proud to be part of an institution that is KATHY IS ALWAYS POSITIVE IN who is with United States Navy Special doing so well and is increasingly recogiuzed Operations in Coronado, Calif. HERAPPROACH.SHE HAS for its excellence on a national level." All of her children are within two years As an advocate of the underprivileged, GOOD BUSINESS SAVVY. BUT of each other in age so, for many years, Zum Zum has taken her warmth and generosity as had her work cut out for her as a stay-at- SHE'S ALSO INTERESTED IN THE far away as India, where she spent a month home mom. Still, she managed to keep com­ EMOTIONAL SIDE OF BUSINESS. in 2001 volunteering in a rural medical clinic munity issues high on her radar and, during founded by a group of Erie physicians, the 70s and '80s, volunteered on the boards IN OUR CASE, SHE IS A REAL including Bob Guelcher, Dick Rahner, Kripa of the YWCA of Erie, Junior League, Erie ADVOCATE FOR THE PATIENT. Singh and his son, Ravi Singh, of Rochester, Philharmonic, Erie Playhouse, and Sarah A. N.Y., also a physician. Reed Retirement Center. Also, she was presi­ - John T. Malone, 'India had a profound influence on me," president ofHamot Health Foundation dent of the Arts Council of Erie, chairman of Zum said. "We are such a consuming society the Carpe Diem Society at Mercyhurst, and and you go over there and see things that was a charter trustee and, later, acting execu­ make you stop and think. I remember a little tive director of Discovery Square. Well, that may not be entirely true. 6-year-old girl waiting at a train station and I "I have always been grateful to the Erie In addition to being a Mercyhurst watched as she jumped from the platform community for the success of my family/' trustee, Zurn currently is a trustee for the down onto the tracks to retrieve a plastic said Zum, the youngest daughter of the late Arts Endowment of the Arts Council of Erie, water bottle. Here was something we would John Cochran, who founded Lyons Hamot Health Foundation, Erie Cemetery toss away so thoughtlessly and yet she risked Transportation Lines Inc., and who has four Association and a charter trustee of the Erie her own safety because it had value to her." children with her former spouse, Roger Zum, County Library Foundation. When she isn't working or volunteering, whose family founded Zurn Industries Inc. In 1998, she and her sisters, Peep Zum stays busy by exercising at least three Brereton and Bonney Daubenspeck, were col­ mornings a week. She also skis in the winter, lectively honored with the Edward C Doll bikes in the summer, and, as a less rigorous Community Service Award. but nonetheless ardent pastime, enjoys col­ Zurn's introduction to Mercyhurst was lecting Rookwood American art pottery ... through her late mother, Carol Cochran '40, oh, and then there's gardening, of course. who attended the college at the same time as one of Mercyhursf s more beloved former By Debbie Morton teachers, Sister Mary Charles Weschler, RSM Contributed photos '40. "Mom had quite an affection for the school," remembered Zum, whose own rela­ tionship with the college started as a Carpe Diem Society member, then as a President's Associate, and, now, a trustee. Being a Mercyhurst trustee is particular­ ly rewarding, she said, because "everyone on the board is mindful of the Sisters' commit­ Mercyhurst College trustee Kathy Zurn on a tripmen t to serve a diverse student body. I am to India.

N 0 M B R 2 0 0 4 13 Piizza , Deer and b I I I s+udenfs coK\p*oKvt dea+n to safeguard life

One after another, the images cascade across the screen. Skeletons strewn helter- skelter. Skulls cracked by bullet blasts. Jaws gaping as if still screaming. Viewing the spectacle is an audience comprised largely of scientists, a preponder­ ance being anthropologists or those studying to become such, and they are gathered tonight to consider forensic anthropology in the context of human rights. The group, 20 students in Dr. Dennis rkmaat's 13th annual Death-Scene •Archaeology Short Course: Field Methods in he Location, Recovery, and Interpretation of Human Remains from Outdoor Contexts (May 31-June 5), has been in the field all day unearthing skeletal remains in a mock recov­ ery exercise. But, now, it's time to kick back and relax in the residence hall lounge where they spend their behind-the-scenes time. Tonight there's pizza, beer and, once Students work on excavating a 'grave' site as again, bones. part of the forensic anthropology short course - "I couldn't see us going through the Field Methods in the Location, Recovery, and Interpretation of Human Remains from Outdoor week without devoting at least one night to Contexts. human rights," said forensic anthropologist Dr. Steven Symes, who is assisting Dirkmaat sound as thev describe their work, there is no in this particular short course and who, him­ escaping the fact that they are dealing in the self, has been active in training others in doc­ depths - the depths of the earth, the depths umenting crimes against humanity through of futility in what is a never-ending crusade forensic science. to identify even one in several hundred vie- Four of the program participants are pre tims, the depths to which man can mistreat senting PowerPoints centering on the exhu­ his fellow man, and the depths of sadness mation of mass graves in Iraq, Bosnia, that not even the most dispassionate among Kosovo, Argentina and Chile. They speak them can escape. deliberately, as scientists often do, of how Three Chilean women - Claudia Jarrido they detect sites, excavate, photograph and and Karla Moscoso, both dentists; and map, recover evidence and attempt to identi­ Marisol Intriago, an anthropologist; are here fy the tens of thousands of victims using for the duration of Dirkmaat's summer short bones, shreds of clothing, and other clues courses. long since distorted by time and nature. With participants spanning the United No matter how many times a mound of States and Canada, the Chileans complete a mangled bones flashes onto the diverse group that Jarrido coins "the super screen, no matter how clinical these scientists international team."

14 M H R M A I N They are the first of what Dirkmaat other kinds of political violence that occurred hopes will be many more international stu­ during the military regime. dents utilizing his short courses to enhance 'The military would leave people dead their forensic science acumen, particularly as in the streets as a scare tactic, and then gather it applies to human rights investigations. them up and bury them by numbers in ceme­ Taking it a step further, he anticipates interna­ teries," Intriago said. "There were also mass tional student representation in a new mas­ graves and some people were simply thrown ter's program in forensic and biological out to sea." anthropology that the college launched this Many victims, she knows, will never be year. found, let alone identified. For all then- "The Chilean team represents the same efforts, some bones will never match up with type of international teams we are trying to the child-sized high-tops askew in the rubble, attract/' Dirkmaat said. "I think we can do a the blood-spattered jacket, or string of black lot for them. Many of them are well trained prayer beads. But this is not a game of num­ in hands-on application, but somewhat limit­ bers. Three Chilean women - Karla Moscoso, Marisol ed in the number of academic classes focused Forensic expertise in human rights inves­ Intriago and Claudia Jarrido - spent a portion o the summer at the forensic anthropology short specifically on forensic anthropology, and tigations serves four purposes: to help fami­ courses as part of their work with the special they want to raise the bar. We'd like to help lies uncover the fate of their loved ones, to human rights unit of the Forensic Institute of them get advanced degrees, credentials, and document and set the historical record Chile in Santiago. accreditation in this field, and I think our pro­ straight, to uncover legally admissible evi­ gram is well known and well thought of, so dence that will result in the conviction of the Canadian police, who has worked with that if they have that affiliation after their those responsible for the crimes, and to deter the world-famous Argentinean Forensic names, it will help them in the work they future violations by demonstrating through Anthropology Team that investigates human want to do." forensic means that those responsible will be rights abuses across the globe; Rick Snow, The Chileans are employed by a special held accountable. who works with the Georgia Bureau of human rights unit of the Forensic Institute of "When we started a year ago March, Investigation and spent eight months in Chile in Santiago. They look to Mercyhurst there was no one to teach us," said Intriago. Bosnia in 2001 with the International for the education that will better equip them "We got some training from the University of Commission on Missing Persons; and Tom to identify victims of human rights atrocities Chile, but we were working and studying at Sprague, a retired United States Army pathol­ that occurred in their country during the 17- the same time." ogist who lends his expertise to the Joint year reign of General Augusto Pinochet "We were self-made," Jarrido added. POW/MIA Accounting Command and Ugarte, who rose to power following a "We needed a formal education to make sure recently spent time in Iraq surveying mass bloody military coup on Sept. 11,1973. we were doing things the right way and our grave sites. "We have our own September 11," government agreed to pay for us to come to "Meeting people interested in this kind Mercyhurst." of work is a very important part of our edu­ Although they have much to learn, the cation here," Intriago said of her experience THEY ARE THE FIRST OF WHAT Chilean team is intensely committed and at Mercyhurst. "It helps to open communica­ never fails to remember that the bones they tion in our field and to develop better meth­ DIRKMAAT HOPES WILL BE analyze day after day belonged to a son, a ods of doing what we do." MANY MORE INTERNATIONAL wife, a grandfather. In addition, their bonding, which is STUDENTS UTILIZING HIS There's an undeniable sense of catharsis, clearly evident tonight as they crowd into an they agreed, in bringing closure to someone's overheated college dorm lounge for three SHORT COURSES TO ENHANCE family, unearthing evidence to punish those solid hours of insight and introspection, is a THEIR FORENSIC SCIENCE responsible, and, to a certain extent, making vitalizing experience, particularly for those sense of the madness. who apply their science to human rights. ACUMEN, PARTICULARLY AS IT As the Chileans seek a broad-based edu­ How else, if not inflamed by passion for their APPLIES TO HUMAN RIGHTS cation, numerous participants in this week's work, can forensic experts continue to exca­ INVESTIGATIONS. short course are quite sophisticated and are vate the world's mass graves? Surely, they here simply to fine-tune skill sets or share know that as soon as they finish one, there their expertise with others. will be another to move on to. And another. remarked Intriago as she proceeded with her Among the more seasoned veterans are presentation, which cited official statistics three other of the nighfs presenters: Greg By Debbie Morton that nearly 3,000 people were executed, "dis­ Olson, a Toronto-area police officer and mem­ Photos by Chris Rainwater appeared" or died as a result of torture and ber of the only forensic response team among

N O V E M B R 2 0 0 4 15 n his own woras I I I •pculiy Vem Wke^y writes from rvew classroom \v\ a gKd a

J Many /flcwZfy ta/fc f«g fa/fc,&w f Vernon We just concluded a three-week basic I have received numerous e-mail notes Wherry, associate professor of criminal justice, ispolic e course for new Iraqi recruits. The main from my colleagues and friends at walking the walk after deciding to bring to bear hisfocu s was on the principles of democratic pol­ Mercyhurst, all of whom have been most experience as a police instructor in support of theicy . This was a departure from what the police encouraging as to my role here. For that I am ongoing United States effort to bring democracy tower e taught under the former regime. Under most appreciative. Iraq. Hussein, torture and other human rights vio­ I look forward to returning to was boarding a plane, bound ulti­ lations persisted. The Iraqi police recruits Mercyhurst, and would like to thank the fac­ mately for Baghdad, while the rest of the were receptive to our concepts and training ulty, staff and administration for keeping me Mercyhurst College community celebrated gradua­principles; however, we had to accomplish in their thoughts and prayers. tion, and today, armed with a lifetime of experiencethi s through interpreters, which made for a Wherry joined the Mercyhurst College facul­ in criminal justice, Wherry is training police offi­somewhat slow process. ty in 1987 after more than two decades in law cers in Iraq. In addition, our classes were punctuated enforcement. In 1968, Wherry earned his bachelor In a June letter, Wherry relates the challengesby power outages (so much for PowerPoint of arts degree in law enforcement at Kent State of his current task. presentations!), stifling temperatures (up to University in Kent, Ohio, and in 1975 and 1977, 125 degrees), and the frequent absence of our earned two master's degrees from Rollins College June 30,2004 translators and some class members who in Winter Park, Fla. were threatened with death for their partici­ He put to the test what he was learning in the I left the United States on Mercyhursf s pation. Despite those barriers, we graduated classroom during those same years, working as a graduation day and arrived in Springfield, 250 new police recruits who will now proceed police officer and detective in the Marine Corps, in Va., where I spent two days prior to departing to another eight-week advanced course. Oklahoma and for Kuwait. In Kuwait, 15 former police I've just been informed that I will be Florida. He fol­ instructors, including myself, were briefed on returning to the former presidential palace lowed his formal our mission, issued equipment including where I will begin training senior Iraqi police schooling with weapons, clothing and supplies, and then pro­ officials on the topic of police administration more than 2,000 ceeded to Baghdad. We are working for the and the necessity for change. Formerly, hours of training United States Department of Justice through a Hussein put top police officials in place and in police and secu­ contract awarded to Scientific Applications many were corrupt, brutal, and members of rity administra­ International Inc., which is headquartered in his inner circle. This is an assignment that I tion from certified San Diego, Calif. This is all part of the accepted inasmuch as it has always been my state and local Coalition Provisional Authority charged with feeling that any fundamental changes must training institu- ° Vern Wherry in Iraq establishing a new government for the Iraqis. come from the top. If we are successful in tons, the FBI, the J ' Upon arrival in Baghdad, we took up influencing these individuals, democratic United States Fire Administration Academies, the residence in tents located on the former palace policing may become more of a reality. Southern Police Institute, the American Society for grounds once occupied by Saddam Hussein, Yesterday, the government was turned Industrial Security and more. where we remained for a week. During this over to the Iraqis and it remains to be seen He is a certified police officer and an accredit­ period I was involved in teaching a "Train- what, if any, positive changes occur. ed police training officer in five states, and has, in the-Trainer" course for those of us who would Regardless, I feel that any contribution I can turn, trained everyone from police recruits to FBI be training Iraqi police officers. This lasted make will provide input to their fledgling agents. five days, after which we were transported to government and enable me to enhance my If you would like to send greetings to Wherry, the "red zone" where we stayed in a military teaching through the experience. I intend to his e-mail address is [email protected] compound with a military police detachment. remain in Iraq until the beginning of the As such, we were subjected to rocket-pro­ spring 2005 academic term, or until the organ­ Edited by Gennifer Biggs pelled grenade and mortar attacks and small ization for which I work pulls out of the Contributed photo arms fire. country.

16 M R H U M A A I S E Rai $20 million us Ck

p rese^vi ng \v\e. Legacy (Sampaign success ^everae rates +K ^OU campup s

For four years, and then some, Gary Now his lists have checkmarks, and new to come. So far, the centerpiece of the campus Bukowski 73, vice president of institutional goals are being set, but not before the college has received new doors at its main entrance, advancement, lay awake at night, making celebrates this success, and the long list of an overhauled elevator in O'Neil Tower, and lists of ways to meet the college's fund-rais­ "checks" that have made it possible. renovated classrooms that include "smart" ing goal of $20 million in four years. podiums similar to those found in the

vHe deliberated about mailings, he con­ "Renovations to Old J\Aam Audrey Hirt Academic Center. sidered fresh ways to approach nonprofit foundations, he contemplated new methods ^r In 2003, workers began pulling antique .Audrey \-\\Y\ .Academic (2>e.v\\e.v> for the annual fund phonathon, he pondered windows out of the hallways and rooms of the trips he'd have to take to cities large and Mercyhurst's beloved Old Main, filling the When plans were first made to add a small in his efforts to meet with alumni, cor­ hallways with spectacular classroom building to the porate donors, legislators and governors - debris. Now, Mercyhurst campus five years ago, little did anyone who shared the vision of Mercyhurst il > idJk . more than 900 anyone know that by the time the doors on College and was willing to invest their hard- new energy- that structure swung open in September 2002, earned cash in tomorrow's best and brightest. efficient, ther- it would be a necessity and not a luxury due But, for Bukowski, those lists seemed to mal-paned, to exploding enrollment on the Erie campus. get longer, not shorter as the college broke aluminum- record after record in its push toward the end framed win­ goal of the Preserving the Legacy Capital dows, all cus­ Campaign. tom-made to He chewed pencils as report after report fit 1926 archi­ said that, nationally, alumni giving was down tecture, have due to the sluggish economy, then watched been installed in the college's administration anxiously as Mercyhurst alumni bucked that building at a price nearing $1 million. In trend, and, in 2003, the college was honored addition, summer 2004 was spent with piles by the Council for Advancement and Support of obsolete radiators stacked in the halls of of Education (CASE) when it named Old Main - removed to make room for new Mercyhurst among the most improved fund- heating and air conditioning systems raising programs in the country, an award installed after a full electrical system upgrade bestowed on just 27 educational institutions was completed in Old Main, Egan Hall and in the United States. Preston Hall earlier in the year. So, during summer 2004, Bukowski While it was a rough summer for those finally got a full night's sleep - a rarity for the in Old Main, there was a nearly audible sigh fund-raising engine that has driven the of relief when the $300,000 project neared Mercyhurst capital campaign to success. completion as the school year began in September. Office after office welcomed its air conditioning unit, and computers and other electrical equipment hummed along without The building was officially dedicated on interruption for the first time in the college's Sunday, Oct. 27,2002, a day of celebration history, all under it's newly refurbished slate capped with the grand finale: the inaugural roof. performance in the Dr. Barrett and Catherine This summer's work is only part of the Walker Recital Hall by world-renowned ongoing efforts to refurbish Old Main, with pianist Lorin Hollander. repointing work, and other renovations still Today, the Hirt Center remains one of

NOVEMBER 2 0 0 4 17 Today the Hirt Center remains one of ongoing efforts to upgrade the classroom and the most visible achievements completed as laboratory equipment used by archaeology, part of the capital campaign as classes hum anthropology, biology, chemistry, geology along in the smart classrooms equipped with and physics. In addition, an upgraded computers and projectors, the graphic arts heating and cooling system is in the works. students showcase their work in the lower level lab, the 'Hurst studios elicit groans of jealously from visiting media and the stu­ dents have made their mark with posters ^r Fueling every step of the Preserving the about upcoming speakers, computers for sale Legacy campaign was one ideal: provide and invitations to special events. Mercyhurst students, and prospective stu­ dents, with every opportunity to learn. For some, it meant raising money to um "Hall Upgrades Therefore, one of the most important — and endow scholarships named for family mem­ personal — goals of the campaign was bers lost, favorite professors of the past or as One of the busiest buildings on campus enhancing the college's endowment. As a class reunion project. For others, it simply is reaping the benefits of an amazing last Mercyhurst continues to attract attention on a meant remembering their alma mater in their hour push to meet an incredible fund-raising national scope, it must be able to provide the financial planning. goal. necessary financial aid to students interested Such was the case for Frances C. On June 30,2004, the college community in a Mercyhurst education, and to do that, it Malaney '38, a Yale University librarian who met the challenge by the George I. Alden needed to step up endowment efforts. left Mercyhurst a portion of her retirement Trust to raise $332,883 in seven months for When the campaign launched in 2000, fund, and is being honored with an endowed the sciences, and earned a matching gift of scholarship in her name. She would undoubt­ $100,000 as its reward. Those funds are being edly be proud to have been the one who pro­ used, along with capital campaign monies, to pelled the Preserving the Legacy Capital renovate Zurn Hall, which was dedicated in Campaign past its $20 million goal. Her gift the spring of 1968 and has never undergone a of nearly $350,000 took the Legacy campaign major overhaul. Much work is needed to to a total of $20,340,966 in gifts and pledges equip and upgrade the nearly 20 labs in the in June 2003. building, and work has already begun on a Overall, 39 new scholarships were creat­ molecular and cellular biology lab that will ed as part of the Preserving the Legacy cam­ be used by nearly every science discipline, paign, and 20 were enriched. but is especially key for the new master of the endowment stood at barely $11 million, science degree in forensic and biological just about half of its $19.4 million total today _ yVWcyku^sf A^oH-k £ast anthropology. Raising money for that particular portion of Other upgrades to the building, which the campaign proved to be emotional as When the Preserving the Legacy cam­ houses sciences in the west wing and arts in alumni dug deep to offer today's students the paign kicked off, no one quite expected the the east wing, include a refurbished roof and opportunity Mercyhurst gave to them, some enthusiasm and creativity that members of of them sharing memories of days decades the North East campus and community past as they repaid the college for advantages would put into supporting that campus. Only they enjoyed. r 13 years old, Mercyhurst North East would Then, in 2003, Pennsylvania I i ETPfri; leave its mark on the capital campaign. Congressman Phil English visited Mercyhurst For one, plans for a much-needed health and handed over $400,000 in federal funding and safety building at the campus came to toward the construction of the health and fruition, with construction launched in sum­ safety building. Since then, another $300,000 mer 2004, and an expected opening date of grant has allowed the North East police acad­ M emy to expand its programs. But the expansion at Mercyhurst North m East isn't limited to the physical. Just as the The college met the Dec. 31,2003, dead­ endowment was an integral part of the Erie line and Miller kept his word, providing end­ campus goals, so it was at North East, where less opportunities for students to enjoy the a board trustee and North East resident put advantage of Mercyhurst North East. his money where his faith was, in Mercyhurst Bukowski may have checkmarks next to North East. his lists now, but he isn't ready to rest just Just three years ago, one scholarship was yet. Work has already begun on the next proj­ April 2005. When the commonwealth of available for North East students. Now, 11 ect... and he is already walking the halls of Pennsylvania delivered a check for $2 million endowed scholarships have been established. Old Main, making new lists in his mind. in November 2002, the project was well on its This magnificent jump in endowment — to Bukowski thanks his staff, the college com­ way. When the doors open next spring, the $2 million — stemmed from the challenge munity, and endless donors for their hard work, campus will enjoy a new library, classrooms that college trustee Robert Miller put before generosity and belief in preserving the legacy and a theatre. launched by the Sisters of Mercy in 1926. Support for the North East campus expansion wasn't limited to the state. In By Gennifer Biggs December 2002, MNE was the recipient of an Mercyhurst College file photos unprecedented $1 million grant from The Orris C. Hirtzel and Beatrice Dewey Hirtzel Memorial Foundation for creation of an insti­ tute on aging that will serve as a regional resource. That gift represented the largest the foundation has ever given a college or uni­ Mercyhurst in 2001: Raise $1 million to versity for undergraduate education in its 46- endow scholarships at Mercyhurst North year history. East and the Robert S. and Janet L. Miller Family Foundation would match it.

N o EMBER 2 0 0 4 19 Building community keeps residence life staff on tneir toes

/Ground beef - $1.59 a pound That connection, and the respect for "I wanted to be an RA because I really Shredded cheese - $3.39 a bag Kriegbaum that was built through those sim­ wanted to help build a sense of community," Taco shells - $2.29 a box ple dinners, helped her manage a sometimes- said Kriegbaum, who admits a less-than-stel- Jar of salsa - $2.49 unruly group of football players. lar residence hall experience of her own A 12-pack of Coca-Cola ™, on sale - $2.99 "They were really good kids, but they helped push her toward taking on the chal­ did get in trouble a lot at first," she said. lenge of a floor full of kids. Sharing Sunday dinner with your "Once I built a relationship with them, then I "I also really like to help people, so it residents - priceless. could handle them nicely, and it was more was a logical step," she added. like asking a friend for a favor than enforcing Programming - building that communi­ When Kristin Kriegbaum became the the rules." ty and pride that Kriegbaum worked so hard resident assistant in the Duval apartments Talk to Kriegbaum, even over the tele­ for in her apartment residents - has always her senior year, she was challenged to build phone for a few minutes, and you can feel the been an important part of any RA's responsi­ community and connect individually with enthusiasm, excitement and pride that pro­ bilities. But as Mercyhurst has grown, its stu­ nearly 50 women and men, mostly sopho­ pelled her into the top ranks of RAs in only dent population becoming more diverse, the mores and seniors. one year. emphasis on programming has increased. A first-time RA, she wracked her brain "We use programming to engage stu­ for ways to tackle the challenge. dents with the college," explained Laura The sophomores, they were easier. THEY WERE REALLY GOOD KIDS, Zirkle, director of residence life and student "The younger ones would come and conduct. Programming reiterates a message BUT THEY DID GET IN TROUBLE hang out, ask questions, they weren't too students start to hear their very first day hard," said Kriegbaum, who graduated in A LOT AT FIRST. ONCE I BUILT A when Dr. William P. Garvey, college presi­ May 2004 with a degree in forensic science. RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM, dent, encourages them during freshman con­ "But the seniors were more difficult to get to vocation to dive into college - to find friends, know." THEN 1 COULD HANDLE THEM to join clubs, to make the Hill their home. Soon, after it became a regular habit of NICELY AND IT WAS MORE LIKE Once that gauntlet has been thrown residents to drop by for snacks at down for the students, it is up to Zirkle, and ASKING A FRIEND FOR A FAVOR Kriegbaum's apartment, she happened onto a the 75 resident assistants, four hall directors, plan - Sunday dinners with her residents. THAN ENFORCING THE RULES. and five assistant directors under her direc­ 'It just seemed like a good idea," she - Kristin Kriegbaum '04, tion, to help resident students, nearly 2,Q00 in said. "I love to cook, and people were always former resident assistant all, feel at home. stopping by and eating, so I figured, lef s "When you ask students why they are make it formal. I saw it more as cooking din­ leaving, it is often money and this vague ner for my roommates and inviting some That ability to communicate with other notion of not fitting in," explained Zirkle. friends to join us." students, even those far different, is a skill. To "Programming is geared to not have that Kriegbaum quickly found that for many have the pride in Mercyhurst to be truly happen; we want to help them get involved." of her residents, particularly the seniors, offended when a building is damaged or Sometimes that means making cookies Sunday dinner was time out for them regard­ rules broken, that is part of it, too. for a holiday, sometimes delivering hand­ less, and spending it in her apartment was a "It would really bother me to go in the made birthday cards, sometimes hosting a chance for them to connect with her. door and see damage, signs ripped down or Thanksgiving dinner for those residents who 'The seniors really came, they didn't just a railing pulled out," Kriegbaum said. are far from home. eat dinner, they opened up and relaxed," said The desire to instill in her "kids" that "We spend a lot of time explaining why Kriegbaum. "It was like they were at then- same pride guided her through her year as good programming is important, but it is parents' homes." an RA, and she soon saw those incidents all hard to explain that it will make a difference but fade away across the board," said Zirkle.

20 M R H U S T M I N After the 2003-2004 academic year, and would have liked for someone to do for adds that it can also be hard to gauge what extremely strong programming, discipline them." will be a success and what won't. incidents fell by 50 percent, which helped the Agnew said her favorite idea for new "You can have an RA who puts his or residence life staff focus their RAs on the RAs is to get them thinking about the Mercy her heart and soul into it and everyone will importance of programming. mission and ways students can work togeth­ think it will be great and two people will All RAs are responsible for program­ er for a community goal - such as a food show up," explained Allen. That is where the ming — they must plan, advertise, budget drive or selling raffle tickets to raise ADs come in, offering constructive criticism and report on about 12 events each year. Christmas money for a needy family. and a pat on the back. Programs include lunch/dinner outings "They seem to really enjoy ownership of "We don't judge a successful program by with residents, campus outings, community those programs, looking at what they have how many show up, we judge a successful building programs, educa­ program by the planning, tional programs and bul­ the implementation," said letin boards. In all, that Agnew. "It can be hard on means nearly 600 offerings them, but we try to talk each year are organized by them through it and RAs. They range from encourage them to try watching "American Idol" again." as a group to more intense Ultimately, if pro­ offerings, such as date rape gramming works, it makes information or credit card other aspects of RA life fraud presentations. simpler. Hurdles along the way "When your pro­ include older students who gramming works, your have little time for pro­ residents get to know their grams; space limitations in neighbors better, and they areas without lobbies, such tend to make better choic­ as the Lewis townhouses; es, so the number of disci­ and maintaining creativity pline incidents is down week after week. and RAs can spend more Perhaps the biggest casual time with residents challenge to the residence and that is a great benefit," life staff, outside of disci­ said Zirkle. pline, is programming. Zirkle said that after Students enjoying something as simple as a back-to-school cookout are meeting new friends, "We've always had many years of experience finding their comfortable niche at Mercyhurst... and, well, enjoying a free hot dog! great RAs, but we haven't with residence life, she has always had great programming/' explained done, which is very tangible, and being found a great combination at Mercyhurst. Zirkle, who shouldered the responsibility of proud of that," said Agnew. Tve worked with a lot of RAs at a lot of residence life in fall 1999. "It is this staff that For Allen, assistant director, the key is places, but I haven't enjoyed working with a has pushed the RAs for creativity and a new looking at outside sources for assistance, such staff as much as here," she said. "I think they approach." as organizing a Mary Kay party or having a are so committed and really get it that a pizza Her staff of assistant directors - Justin bank representative talk about personal party can be so much more than just dinner. Ross, Alice Agnew, Trina Williams, Sarah finances. They understand that all those little things go Allen, and Joe Howard - has a few secrets for On the flip side, Howard said suggesting into building a community, and making our pushing the envelope and challenging RAs to to RAs that they ferret out interesting campus residents feel at home." look at programming with fresh eyes. sources has also been a success. And ultimately, the connection works "What would you have liked to do when "We had someone from the fashion both ways. you were a freshman?" - that, said Ross, is department come in and talk about how to "I do miss them," said Kriegbaum, more the best question to ask new RAs as they dress for interviews," said Howard, who than a little note of sadness in her voice. "I tackle their plans for their first year of pro­ called that program extremely popular. miss my kids." gramming. "From a question like that we Other approaches included reminding have ended up with great Super Bowl par­ RAs that even small gatherings, simple gath­ By Gennifer Biggs ties, some outreach programs. A lot of good erings, can build community. Contributed photos programming comes from what our RAs "Something simple with three or four residents can be a program," said Zirkle, who

N O V E M 8 E 2 0 0 4 21 ;As cjood as if gets ... jKvfelligence. studies ks i\n ooa\ tc\a\c\nce~

Whe"henn Bill Newton Dunn, a member of When Northrop Grumman Corporation, would produce graduates who would be the European Parliament, wanted credible a $28 billion global defense company, went in attractive to potential employers, but I guess I intelligence analysis on criminal activity in search of new employees to support critical didn't fully realize just how good we'd the European Union (EU), where did he go programs in its Mission Systems' sector, become at doing that," he said. for answers? He came clear across the where did it turn? Again, it was R/IAP, Today Heibel said R/IAP is placing 98 Atlantic, specifically to Mercyhurst College which furnished seven candidates, all of percent of its students in quality intelligence and its department of intelligence studies, whom were offered positions at very compet­ positions. home of the pioneering Research/Intelligence itive salaries. What makes it all the more satisfying is • Analyst Program (R/IAP) for undergradu­ When R/IAP founder and former FBI that the students don't have to go knocking ates. deputy chief of counterterrorism Bob Heibel on doors for attention. They are thriving on What he got was top-rate intelligence launched his distinctive program at their collective reputation, one that European that he used as the basis of a newly published Mercyhurst College in 1992 with 14 students, Parliament member Newton Dunn decided policy paper for the Liberal Democratic Party did he know just how good it would get? he'd put to the test. espousing the formation of a European FBI. Even he admits to being a little surprised Thirteen graduate students in assistant R/IAP is credited in the publication for pro­ at the program's phenomenal success, a pro­ professor Kris Wheaton's intelligence com­ viding research. gram that, by the way has mushroomed into munications class spent 10 weeks researching When Ben Rawlence, adviser for foreign a full-fledged department - the department Newton Dunn's request to identify trends in affairs and defense with the Liberal Democrat of intelligence studies chaired by Jim criminal activity and policing within the EU. Whip's Office in the London House of Breckenridge - complete with a new master's The European Union is an organization Commons, wanted research done on an issue program in applied intelligence that debuted of 25 European countries dedicated to under consideration by the EU, he, too, this fall. increasing economic integration and strength­ queried Mercyhurst intelligence studies stu­ "From the beginning, I felt there was a ening cooperation among its members. The ' dents. market and there was a need and that we European Parliament is the representative

22 M R H U M N Party policy paper advocating that EU mem­ ber countries pool their resources and form a WHEN BILL NEWTON DUNN, European FBI to fight organized crime. Presently, police forces and legal jurisdictions A MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN in Europe are national in scope. PARLIAMENT. WANTED "When you get right down to it, the job CREDIBLE INTELLIGENCE of intelligence analysts is to inform policy­ makers, and we did it," Wheaton said. "The ANALYSIS ON CRIMINAL outcome simply couldn't have been any ACTIVITY IN THE EUROPEAN better." The exercise not only provided Newton UNION (EU). WHERE DID HE Dunn with an intelligence report on which to GO FOR ANSWERS? HE CAME base informed decisions, it provided Bill Newton Dunn, a member of the European CLEAR ACROSS THE ATLANTIC Parliament, came to Mercyhurst for answers. Mercyhurst students the opportunity to work for a bonafide decision-maker. SPECIFICALLY, TO assembly, of the EU and the sole EU body "I think we definitely gave him a differ­ MERCYHURST COLLEGE AND directly elected by the citizens of its member ent perspective on the problem," said grad states. Newton Dunn is a liberal democrat student Brett Oswick of Cleveland, Ohio. ITS DEPARTMENT OF representing the East Midlands region of the "We were prepared and I think that worked INTELLIGENCE STUDIES, HOME United Kingdom. to everyone's advantage." OF THE PIONEERING At the conclusion of winter term '04, Likewise, said grad student Maryam Newton Dunn arrived on the Hill and took Tatavosian of Irvine, Calif., "I think we devel­ RESEARCH/INTELLIGENCE his seat in a R/IAP classroom where he heard oped a respect and understanding for what ANALYST PROGRAM (R/IAP) the results of the students' research. the decision-makers are like in Europe and FOR UNDERGRADUATES. 'It was a high-quality presentation and what issues they are dealing with." very valuable to me/' he confirmed later that Included in the students' briefing were evening. "We have a growing problem with reports on police counterterrorism activities organized crime in the EU, and the students' in Germany, cigarette smuggling in France, Last spring, another group of Wheaton's information will help me make an even and a type of cyber-crime called "phishing," students completed a research project for stronger case for dealing with it." which Wheaton described as sending out United Kingdom parliament official Ben And, indeed, that is exactly what hap­ bogus e-mails that appear to come from rep­ Rawlence, who made the following observa­ pened. Newton Dunn used the students' utable Web sites in order to steal information tion in a letter to Heibel and Mercyhurst research as the basis of a Liberal Democratic like social security numbers. President Dr. William P. Garvey: "The research carried out by your stu­ dents was first class, and has been of substan­ tial use to members of Parliament... It was comprehensive, well sourced and intelligent­ ly put together. I have no hesitation recom­ mending it to our MPs and Lords in the same way that I recommend briefings provided for us by professional research organizations such as STRATFOR or the House of Commons Library." For a program that grooms its students to work behind the scenes in national defense, its phenomenal success is thrusting Mercyhursfs intelligence studies into the glow of global radiance.

Story and photos by Debbie Morton

Among the intelligence students working with Bill Neioton Dunn, a member of the European Parliament, were Brett Oswick and Maryam Tatavosian.

NOVEMBER 2 0 0 4 23 solace on e slopes

\ j Buyce, Ph.D., is a quiet man. It comes as no surprise that Buyce grew annual contest and bested the entire field. Tall and wiry, Buyce is probably best up in a family where skiing was the norm, "They sent a special trophy to me/' said known as the resident geologist at first hitting the slopes of the Adirondack Buyce, "and a ski racer was born." Mercyhurst College, the only full-time faculty Mountains surrounding his childhood home From that background, Buyce jumped in that department. in Lake Pleasant, N.Y, at age 4 in 1943 at the into ski racing with both feet while studying But behind his mild-mannered facade, instigation and tutelage of his older brother. for his bachelor of science in geology at there lies the heart of a competitor. With both mom and dad employed on Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. So, when the cold days of Pennsylvania Ski Patrol at the Oak Mountain Ski Area, it Organizing a ski racing club there, his team winters arrive, Buyce slips out of his geolo­ wasn't long before the younger Buyce was faced off against skiers from Syracuse gist persona and takes to the slopes as an doing the same, joining the Ski Patrol at age University, Rochester Polytechnic Institute expert downhill ski racer. 13. The Ski Patrol handles skier safety, ren­ and Hobart College. "Skiing fast and well is one of the best dering first aid to injured skiers, such as Buyce continued his amateur ski racing feelings I've ever had in my life," said Buyce. splinting broken legs, and transporting them after graduating in 1961, expanding his field "Some days the rush is so intense that it via toboggans down to emergency care. of competition by racing in the United States seems that it must be illegal. Needless to say, In those days, Oak Mountain was a pop­ Ski Association Class C level during his the surroundings are incredible. And the ulti­ ular destination for skiers of the New York tenure with the U.S. Geological Survey in mate bonus: that the people who are captivat­ City Athletic Club, and it wasn't long before Great Falls, Mont., in 1964. ed by skiing are some of the nicest people young ski patroller Buyce was invited to run "We raced at places like Big Mountain you'll ever meet." the downhill race course as part of the club's in Kalispell, Mont., Missoula Ski Bowl in

24 M R H U M I \ Missoula, Mont., and Bridger Ski Bowl at "We ski during winter term. The club Bozeman, Mont./' said Buyce. goes to Peek 'n Peak on Tuesdays, leaving at SKIING FASTANDWELLIS Then, after returning to the East to finish 5 p.m. and returning to campus by 11 p.m.," I his master's at the University of explained Buyce. "While it's not a major time ONE OF THE BEST FEELINGS Massachusetts and his doctoral degree at commitment, people have been known to I'VE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. Rensselear Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., study ... or prepare lectures ... at the lodge Buyce began racing for the Sitzmarker Ski while waiting for the ride home after a cou­ SOME DAYS THE RUSH IS SO Club of Albany. ple of fast runs down the race course." INTENSE THAT IT SEEMS THAT "We would race in club-sponsored It was only in recent years that the team IT MUST BE ILLEGAL events in the Adirondacks and in nearby racing Buyce knew so well was replaced with Vermont (such as Bromley and Snow NASTAR racing. - Ray Buyce, associate professor of geology Valley)/' said Buyce. "The best overall skiers Developed in 1968, NASTAR (NAtional were awarded trophies at the end of each sea­ STAndard Race) is the largest recreational ski son and I managed to win that award a half and snowboard race program in the world. races against someone from the U.S. National dozen times between 1969 and 1979." The goal of the organization is simple — to Olympic team and earns a handicap, then That success led twice to invitations to provide a fun, competitive and easily accessi­ each time we race against that pacesetter at compete in Vail, Colo. "Unfortunately, I had ble racing program that, through the devel­ the Peak, we are racing against his or her to pass up the chances due to an infected fin­ opment of a handicap system, allows racers time adjusted by the national handicap so ger (he was sharpening skis) and then of all ages and abilities to compare them­ that we can compare our performance against because of a torn ACL," explained Buyce. selves with one another regardless of when the national team racer." and where they race. Meanwhile, Buyce was also racing in a In 2000,2001 and 2002, Buyce qualified Veterans Race Circuit now called the Master's Buyce explained further: "Anyone can to go the NASTAR national finals competi­ Circuit. race and win bronze, silver or gold medals tion held out West, which meant racing for "It is for has-beens and never-were rac­ based on your performance relative to a local two days against the best citizen racers in the ers including some ex-Olympians," said ski racer called a pacesetter. That skier goes to county, as well as against national ski team Buyce. a pacesetting trial at a regional ski area and members A. J. Kitt and Peekaboo Street. Included in his memories of those racing Buyce placed fifth in his age group of 60-64. days is Olympic silver medal winner Brooks In 2003-2004 alone, more than 100,000 Dodge, who Buyce admits thinking was, at individuals raced NASTAR, and Buyce is age 42, ancient. "We were all in our 20s and noted as an expert racer on the NASTAR Web 30s," he adds. site. "We raced in New York, Vermont and "My level of expertise has never been New Hampshire," recalled Buyce. "I raced close to national or Olympic team levels, but I one year at the national finals for that circuit have always enjoyed ski racing competition and did pretty well in my age group, beating and still do whenever I'm able and get the out an art professor from Dartmouth College chance," said Buyce, who shares his passion as I recall. He won in another way later by for downhill ski racing with daughter Cindy having two sons who made it to the Olympic '98, and many students on the campus over team." the last two decades. While skiing, Buyce continued to work, "Students are a bit surprised to find I first as a geologist for the U.S. Geological enjoy skiing," admitted Buyce, adding with a Survey based in Albany, N.Y., and later as an bit of chuckle: "But not as surprised as they environmental geologist with a private firm are when they find out that they can't beat in Denver, Colo. me.tt In 1984, he joined the Mercyhurst College community, and now serves as the By Gennifer Biggs sole full-time faculty in geology, pairing Contributed photos much of his work with the efforts of the Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute. Once here, Buyce continued to pursue his fast-paced hobby, serving as mentor to the college ski club, and racing at Peek 'n Peak Ray Buyce, associate professor of geology, began Ski Resort in Findley Lake, N.Y. his love affair with speed and the slopes at age 4.

N o E M B I; 2 0 0 4 25 Anne Schilling Detweiler 78, Uniontown, Katherine O'Reilly '91, Dublin, Ireland, has a Notes Pa., is the owner of Pepperberries, a shop for returned to her native Ireland and is a lectur­ natural and artificial floral design, antiques er in medicine for the department of medi­ and gifts, located in Uniontown. cine and therapeutics at the Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research of Xke Sixties JoAnn DeSantis-Barnes 79, Erie, is a senior University College Dublin. human resources director for RentWay Inc., headquartered in Erie. She has recently been Lynne Nalducci '93, Coraopolis, Pa., is work­ Joan Kostolansky Santangelo '60, Erie, and nominated for a board member position with ing as an employee assistance professional Frank Santangelo celebrated their first wed­ Community Resources for Independence Inc., for 3M. ding anniversary in June 2004. an organization that serves to support people with disabilities to become fully integrated Kerry Erwin Roland '96, Syracuse, N.Y., is a Janet Kuss Martin '60, Milton, Fla., has into society. JoAnn is also a Realtor with Pro- pre-K special education teacher. retired as full professor in the College of Realty of Erie. Business of Pensacola Junior College, Rahsaah Roland '96, Syracuse, N.Y., is a Pensacola, Fla., after a 43-year teaching Roseane Law Paligo 79, Erie, has recently pharmaceutical representative for Aventis. career. Her most recent endeavors included joined 1st Choice Community Federal Credit the development and teaching of computer Union as their CFO. Heather Winkler Pearson '96, Bellefonte, Pa., applications courses over the Internet. had earned a counseling license and is look­ During her tenure, Janet received many ing forward to opening a child therapy pri­ awards, including the "National Teaching XKe ficjlrtfes vate practice clinic in State College, Pa. She Award" presented by the Council for also plans to have her therapy puppets Advancement and Support of Education, patented to use with art therapy clients. "Outstanding Post-Secondary Teacher of the Karen Claunch Coppola '82, Franklin, Mass., Year Award" presented by the Horida has been promoted to senior vice president, Ann Rzodkiewicz Badach '98, Erie, has Business Education Association, and "The director of marketing for The TJX Cos. Inc. In accepted a position with Catholic Charities in Golden Apple Award" as one of the "Teacher her new role, she will oversee all aspects of the Diocese of Erie as the diocesan director of of the Year" recipients for Escambia County, marketing for both the T.J. Maxx and family ministries. Fla. Janet and her husband plan to spend Marshalls retail chains, encompassing more their retirement enjoying their waterfront than 1,400 stores. Mark Karpinski '99, Laramie, Wyo., complet­ home and playing with their grandchildren. ed his master's degree in anthropology from Jane Cassano Culmer '83, Grove City, Pa., the University of Wyoming in May 2004. Charlotte Weinert Kundrath '60, Clinton, received state certification as an instructional Conn., earned the designation e-pro realtor, a technology specialist through Carlow College National Association of Realtors designation in Pittsburgh. She teaches all first- through XKe A^ill^™^^ in the use of technology. fifth- grade technology for the Slippery Rock School District in Slippery Rock, Pa. Jessica Potter '00, Erie, received her master of XKe Seventies science in social work from Edinboro Tke A) irelies University of Pennsylvania in May 2004.

Peggy Murrell Brace 71, Erie, has completed Alexander Thompson '00, Erie, received his a Cleveland Institute of Art forensic facial Anthony Prusak '90, Cleveland, Ohio, is master of education in school administration reconstruction course. She was awarded resi­ director of sales for the Sheraton Cleveland from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in dency at the Vermont Studio Center Artists Airport Hotel. In addition, he is part owner May 2004. Community and is part of the art faculty at of the 806 Wine and Martini Bar and Big Mercyhurst. Guys Pizza. Andrew Wade '00, Boardman, Ohio, was recently appointed head sanitation engineer Nancy Borowski Recker 76, Lima, Ohio, has Richard Yarosz '90, Pittsburgh, Pa., was at the Polk Mental Institution in Franklin, Pa. been promoted to associate professor at Ohio appointed director of sales for the Wyndham State University. Pittsburgh Airport, responsible for overseeing Erin Haas '02, Houston, Texas, is enrolled in sales, marketing, advertising and promotions. the molecular and human genetics doctoral program at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

26 M H U R M I \ Brittany Ordiway '02, Erie, is an associate Beth Hurrianko Murphy '95 and husband Carrie Tovey '97 married Ron Leeds June 4, financial advisor with HBK Sorce. Stephen had a daughter, Lily Grace, March 17, 2004, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Erie. The 2004. wedding party included Vanessa Pappalardo Elizabeth Stroup '02, Erie, received her mas- '97, Dana Gills Eder '97, Janel Metz '97 and ter of science in social work from Edinboro Renee Masters Doody '97 and husband Jennifer Fragle Pitrone '97. University of Pennsylvania in May 2004. Michael had a daughter, Sierra Lynn, May 28, 2004. Mark Karpinski '99 married Beth Pettit '01 Darren Forgea '03, Cummington, Mass., has June 12,2004, at St. Sebastian Church in accepted a position with the Department of Matthew Wilds '97 and wife Jackie had a Pittsburgh, Pa. Christina Pappas '01 was Homeland Security as a uniform division daughter, Emily Marie, June 26,2004. maid of honor. officer with the U.S. Secret Service. Melissa Morrison '99 and husband E.J. had a Georgann Butterfield '00 married Anthony Michael Nagy '03, Apollo, Pa., is an associate daughter, Maya Rose, March 18,2004. Furs Aug., 7,2004, at Christ the King Chapel, financial advisor with HBK Sorce. Mercyhurst College, Erie. Jenny Standfest Fiscus '00 and husband Jed Ashleigh Wehrle '03, Erie, is a retirement had a daughter, Anna Lynn, Aug.15,2004. Ruth Mudge '00 married James Daley July plan specialist for HBK Sorce. 24,2004, at Hudson Mills Park in Dexter, Mich. August Costa '04, Cupertino, Calif., is attend­ Wedding ing the Limpopo Archaeological Field School in South Africa, sponsored by the University of Wifwafersrand in Johannesburg, then Anthony Prusak '90 married Christy Wilson going on to work on an "early man" site in July 3,2004, at St. John Cantius Church in Orde, Spain. Cleveland, Ohio.

Julie Zipp Burlingame '90 married Timothy Jesse Wakeman '00 married Allison Oberle B i rtW Gottschling July 10,2004, at Sunset Inn, Erie. '01 April 17,2004, in Baltimore, Md.

Theresa and Gregory Parsons '91 married Kelly Wasko '00 married J. Scott Newton Jessica Metzger Swiech '89 and husband May 18,2002. May 15,2004, at Covenant Presbyterian Craig had a son, Chaderick Aiden, April 8, Church in Sharon, Pa. Attendants included 2004. Paula Platek '93 married Alan Lewis Aug. 21, Jeannine Gilmore '00 and Katie Conley 2004, at Holy Trinity Church, Robinson Bunn '00. Gabrielle Blanchard Carneglia '91 and hus­ Township. band Michael had a daughter, Gianna Mary, Laura Chrulski '01 married David McCoy July 18,2004. Gerald Battle '94 married Mary Jo Keister '01 Aug. 30,2003, at the Church of St. '04 July 15,2003. Clarence, North Olmsted, Ohio. The wed­ Lewis McClain '91 and wife Reem had a ding party included Ruth Burgett '01 and daughter, Zoey Juliana-Lewis, Jan. 4,2004. Andrew Cieminis '01.

Charise Moore Scharfeld '91 and husband Michelle Sprowls '01 married James Brace Greg had a son, Davis Moore, July 24,2003. April 24,2004, at Millcreek Community Church in Erie. Gregory Parsons '91 and wife Theresa had a daughter, Anna Lynn, April 19,2004. Daniel Carbonetti '94 married Laurel Beth Donner '02 married Jason Kikola June Stradtman May 22,2004, in St. Ambrose 26,2004, at Lowville United Methodist Gerald Battle '94 and wife Mary Jo (Keister) Catholic Church, Brunswick, Ohio. Church in Lowville, Pa. '04 had a son, Trey John, Sept. 23,2003. Kerry Erwin '96 married Rahsaah Roland Tracy Palmer '02 married S. Paul Hanna '02 Toby Johnson '95 and wife Norma (Telega) Sept. 4,2004. June 25,2004, at St. Ursula Church, Allison '95 had a daughter, Julia Christine, July 19, Park, Pa. 2004. Heather Winkler '96 married Jeremy Pearson in July 2001.

NOVEMBER 2 0 0 4 27 Jeffrey Halladay '03 married Nicole Kuss Photos may be digital (minimum 300 June 12,2004, at St. Francis of Assisi Church Snap to, dpi); color prints, or black and white prints. in Buffalo, N.Y. All entries become the property of Mercyhurst College and may be used, with­ Beth Merritt '03 married Thomas Berlin April Skuttemucj! out further compensation, for any and all 3,2004, at the Waterfall Restaurant in Erie. advertising and promotional purposes with a New buildings, new programs, more credit line given to the photographer. Katie Sweeney '03 married Cory Rush June students than ever - Mercyhurst College is Submissions will not be returned. 5,2004, at St. Luke Catholic Church in Erie. growing by leaps and bounds, and the public The contest will run until June 15,2005. relations and publications office is looking for Winners will be announced in the fall edition Michelle Hawkins '04 married Chad photographs of your favorite parts of our of Mercyhurst Magazine after notification via McKenery June 25,2004, at United Methodist beautiful campus. e-mail/telephone. Church in Ripley, N.Y. So, starting now and continuing through June 15,2005, we will be accepting entries for our "Take Your Best Shot" photo contest. dond o\e.nce.s Prizes will be awarded for first, $100; £jgW KODAKS second, $50; and third, $25, and the contest is open to students, alumni, employees and the u you press the Alumni community. (There is a 10-photo limit per butt,on. Ethel Levick Shapira Silver '32 person.) we do the rest." Jeanne M. Nuber Kennedy '38 Images should reflect the values, campus Evarita Flaherty Chisholm '39 atmosphere, and mission of Mercyhurst Seven Nem <*t.,i Mary Alice Kuhn Held Schultz '39 College, and the college will consider for Josephine Murf Casavale '40 publication the most unique submissions. Burnham Nehin Cutler '42 Subject matter can be anything found on Ruth Turner Brandschutz '43 the Erie and North East campuses of Coletta Crawford Ginnard '49 Mercyhurst College. Sister M. Damien Mlechick, RSM '56 William R. Rice '80 Linda S. Carlson '86 Ke e P in toucK couponp

Father of Help us fill the Class Notes pages. Share your news of a NEW baby or marriage, promotion, trans­ Gail Lewis '81 (Richard J. Lewis Jr.) fer, new job, award or honor, works published or new degrees. We also welcome professional photo­ graphs and 35mm one-subject close-up snapshots. Photographs will be returned if requested. Information is used as space permits. Mother of Mail your news to Mercyhurst Magazine, Alumni Office, Mercyhurst College, 501 E. 38th St., Gary Shapira, President's Associate (Ethel Erie, PA 16546; fax (814) 824-2153 or e-mail . Mercyhurst invites letters to the Silver '32) editor. Julia Cutler 76 (Burnham Nehin Cutler '42) Name News item Son of M. Eugenia Andrecovich O'Brien '39 Address (Michael O'Brien) Shirley Sommerhof Colvin Baressi '48 (Paul City State Zip M. Colvin) Phone Brother of Linda Colvin Rhodes 70 (Paul M. Colvin) Maiden Name

Name of Spouse Sister of Sister Timothy Kelley, RSM (Juliann Kelley) Mercyhurst Class/Degree

Friends of the College E-mail R. Benjamin Wiley, GECAC Executive Director

28 M E R ii U R MAG I N TAK£ VOLAR BBST Sf \OX

Entry Form

Name Address

Citv State ZIP

Telephone (Daytime) (Evening)

E-mail Age

Number Of Entries (limit 10)

RULES

Prints must be 5x7 inches or 8x10 inches.

No slides or e-mail entries.

If you are submitting a hard copy of a digital photo, you must also submit the photo on compact disk.

Every image submitted must have a completed version of this form attached to the back.

Any person(s) or their guardian(s) appearing in the photograph must sign the entry form as a release.

The contest will be judged on theme, creativity and technical quality.

Entrants under 18 years of age must submit a release from a parent or guardian.

All entries become the property of Mercyhurst College and will not be returned.

I hereby certify that the photo I am about to submit is my original work and has never been copyrighted or, if copyrighted, that I am the sole copyright owner.

I am entering this photo as an honest and true effort of my personal creativity and unique artistic vision, and I understand that it may be published as my original work.

All entries become the property of Mercyhurst College and may be used, without further compensation, for any and all advertising and promotional purposes with a credit line given to the photographer.

Submissions will not be returned.

I have read the contest rules and affirm that this entry is in compliance with them. I understand that Mercyhurst assumes no responsibility for the photos submitted.

Signature of Contestant Date

If under the age of 18, Parent's or Guardians Signature

NOVEMBER 2004 29 Taking a sWmg at golf ... on fKe. Pilates mat? Let ^o\\y\ J^Aanoney ;86 snow you kow.

Whack! The stunningly loud sound of a strengthen the entire body, but especially the driver hitting a golf ball reverberated through core. The training, named for founder Joseph John Mahoney '86 stretches the crowd gathered on the first tee at the H. Pilates, also focuses on flexibility, fueling LPGA star Beth Daniels at his Pilates studio in Florida. Kahkwa Club in Erie, Pa. its popularity among athletes. But, the golfer intently watching the tiny Mahoney, who works with LPGA stars white ball soar toward the first hole of the Beth Daniels and Meg Mallon, among others, course wasn't quite what you might expect. said his specialty helps provide flexibility and "Here is a something we can give people Instead of an adult male golfer, caddie in strength — all wrapped up in a package the after they have tried everything else with no tow, cameras snapping all around the green, players can take on the road with them. luck," said Mahoney. the toned, tan young athlete moving graceful­ "Once thev learn the movements, all Pilates is also perfect for those who ly down the hill toward the first hole was a they need is a mat," said Mahoney, whose strive to extract the best from their bodies, 15-year-old girl, and her first attack of the business, Pilates Off-the-Avenue, started as a such as the dancers Mahoney works with at day left most adult golfers muttering about home-based business that grew into its own the Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, Fla. the strength of the next generation. space about two years ago. Homage to the idea it is a small world, one of Among those admiring the strength and Those who had Mahoney in class at his clients, Sarah James, is now on the flexibility of the young woman, who was one Mercyhurst College might be surprised at the Mercvhurst dance roster under the tutelage of of dozens of golfers who flocked to Erie Aug. focused businessman of today; Mahoney dance department director Tauna Hunter. 9 -15 for the 2004 U.S. Women's Amateur admits to being a less than stellar student. Considering how much success Pilates Championship, was John Mahoney '86, for­ "I wanted to be a doctor," he said, has brought to those Mahoney works with, it mer Mercyhurst golf team member and explaining his biology degree, "but you have comes as no surprise how content the 40- expert Pilates instructor who returned to his to study and do homework, and I didn't do year-old Mahoney is with his business, and a hometown to watch a client, Lauren that." life packed with clients that range from Mielbrecht, play in the tournament. Instead, Mahoney went to work in a hos­ future ballerinas to current golf stars. Mahoney, who along with siblings pital in Arizona, realized medicine wasn't for 'It is fun being on your own," admits Rhonda 71, James 75, Judy 77, Leanne '83 him, and then eventually turned his interest Mahoney, who says the winter months are and Trisha '83, graduated from Mercyhurst, to physical therapy after a knee injury put nearly overwhelmingly busy at the studio, so admitted it was sort of unusual to stand on a him in the care of a therapist. After graduat­ summer offers a welcome break. "If you hometown course he had once played - 20 ing from the University of Miami, Mahoney don't have anything on the schedule, you can years ago - under circumstances related not took his physical therapy skills on the road, just hang the sign on the door that says 1?ack to family ties, but business ties. working three-month contracts all over the in an hour/ and head for the beach." "I am usually in town for visits with my United States. During those travels, he stum­ Given his success, Mahoney is looking family," said Mahoney, who tries to return to bled upon Pilates, and eventually made his forward to training a second instructor, and Erie twice a year. But this time, it was a client way to the original Pilates studio in New heading back to the links after a long who was his focus, one of the many golfers York, where he trained with Romana absence. who have made Mahone/s Delray Beach, Kryzanowska, an 80-year-old who learned "I hadn't played in years," said Fla., Pilates studio a huge success. directly from Joseph Pilates. It took more Mahoney, who was on the Mercyhurst team 'These young women are hitting better than a year before he was a certified instruc­ with current golf coach Dave Hewett in the than many men, they are so much more tor and struck out on his own in Florida. mid-'80s. "But being around it all the time physical," explained Mahoney, who credits "Some of that training was hard to swal­ now, it has made my interest flair again." Tiger Woods for bringing fitness into golf. low," admits Mahoney, who said that For more on Mahone/s work with "They work extremely hard to stay fit, but Kryzanowska's instruction often flew in the LPGA stars Meg Mallon and Beth Daniels, the golf swing is so bad for the spine, they face of his medical training. "But I had to visit httv:llzvioio.lv?a.comlentertainment con­ usually still struggle with injuries." trust that it worked for me, so I did it." tent.aspx?pid=2922&mid=3 That is where Pilates comes in. Mahoney said that the gift of Pilates is Described as a series of specific, often strenu­ how it allows for a lifetime of fitness, often By Gennifer Biggs ous, movements that include highly coordi­ the last option for people who have suffered Photo contributed by LPGA nated breathing techniques, all designed to from chronic pain and exhausted other routes.

30 V BRCYHURST MAGAZINE c oo aw blows fk^oucfk Old ]\Aa\n - - • YV\C\ C Kang e

Remember the shirtless, swoon-inducing Travis Lindahl '00 '03, associate director construction worker in TV ads for Diet Coke of admissions, jury-rigged an oscillating floor and the tender young females who couldn't fan so that it fit into his office window. resist gazing upon him? Cathy Anderson 'That worked pretty well until it fell out can relate. of the window and I had to go outside and As soon as the HVAC team converged retrieve it," he said. on campus last summer, bringing the promise A flyswatter, meanwhile, was as essen­ of cool, refreshing air to Old Main for the first tial a piece of office equipment as pen and time in its 78-year history, the associate VP of "Trying to stay professional in appear- paper. student development began eyeballing the ance without violating any wardrobe proto­ Daly acknowledged that since the win­ crew. col wasn't easy," she said. "At a certain age, dows of Old Main were sans screens, open­ "We all look longingly upon them," ing them to get fresh air also provided easy nobody wants to see more of you than they Anderson said from her third floor office one access to flies, bees, and assorted insects. have to." August afternoon. The long-anticipated debut of air condition­ Admissions secretary Shirley Britt could But she could care less about six-packs ing in Old Main is not welcome relief for identify with the wardrobe issues. and tight glutes. She was strictly into their everyone, though. Like her contemporaries, "I'd walk down the hall holding my skirt pipes; the ones they were installing — and Sheila Richter 77, coordinator of institutional out, and I know everybody was saying — nowhere near fast enough, she figured — in research, suffered from the oppressive heat, There she goes again!' — but otherwise your Mercyhursfs historic building. but coped by installing her own screens, clothes just stuck to you." Like many in the college community drinking lots of ice water, and making fre­ It definitely got clammy. Fans posed whose workday home is Old Main, Anderson quent trips to the "caf." marginal relief, wafting the stagnant air knew how summers without air conditioning across the office and sending papers swirling. "I love the new windows we've got, but could take their toll. As you grappled to keep them on your desk, I hate air conditioning," she said. T don't use "I had been through summers where they would "stick to your arms like flypaper," it at home or in my car. It affects my sinuses." you were a dishrag by the end of the day," recounted Mary Daly '66, senior assistant to As for Tom Billingsley, executive vice she said. "It had gotten to the point where I the president. president for administration, the memories of had central air put into my house because I The industrious admissions team strived those hot summer days in his Old Main office couldn't be here all day and go home to more to make the most of their assortment of fans. generate little more than a residual chuckle. of the same." Britt assembled as many as four in her office, "All I can say is 'Some like it hot!'" But like other sweat shop troopers, including one strategically situated to hit the Anderson let humor buoy her. back of her legs. Story by Debbie Morton

N o M B E R 2 0 0 4 31 Co\ wmn ... ~T\\e A^^g^ijic^^ Seven \v\ a Bob "Heibe

see The Magnificent Seven?" Still, Jodi persevered. Amid nervous It seemed like an odd question, even laughter and a few "you've got to be kidding JODI HAD HER WORK CUT coming from Bob Heibel. me" remarks, she assembled the students But as the maverick founder of OUT FOR HER THIS WAS NOT against a dark backdrop, positioning them in a dramatic "V," just like one of the posters I Mercyhurst's intelligence studies program - A GROUP OF ASPIRING who came, who saw, and who conquered - remembered. maybe Heibel's query wasn't so anomalous MODELS OR ACTORS WHO Heibel, meanwhile, was conspicuously after all. EMBRACED THE LIGHTS! absent, but his Stetsons - those icons of the "You know, the movie, the legendary great American West - were supposed to Western," he prompted. CAMERA! ACTION! SCENE. have been delivered earlier in the day. "No, Bob, sorry; can't say that I've seen THESE WERE INDIVIDUALS Scanning the room, all we saw was a tall it," came my awkward reply, now just a stack of giant sombreros leaning precariously RELEGATED TO THE smidge irritated by the disappointment in his against a far wall. voice. CLANDESTINE PURSUITS OF True, one of the most famous Westerns Come on, I thought to myself, this is a col­ THE INTELLIGENCE WORLD in the history of cinema may have been set lege PR office, not Reel Entertainment Video. against the backdrop of a small Mexican vil­ Still, as he pressed on with his mental AND IT WAS THERE, BEHIND lage but, surely, this multi-colored fiesta-wear picture - I'm thinking hallucination at this THE SCENES, THAT THEY WERE was not Heibel's idea of rugged toppers for point -1 began to recall snippets of the flick's his Magnificent Seven? advertising blitz. MOST COMFORTABLE. Quick. Improvise. We attempted to sta­ Posters. Yes, I remember them. Posters of ple the floppy brims flush with the head­ seven broad-shouldered gunslingers, includ­ pieces, fashioning our own cowboy hats, but ing that blue-eyed hottie Steve McQueen, out Only Heibel didn't have the budget to the result was - in a word - goofy. to tame the West. think big. Ah-ha, that's why he was calling Now surprisingly, or perhaps not, those Seven Men. One Destiny. me. of us participating in this production had "OK, Bob, now that we're on the same "Any ideas?" he queried. "I'll spring for become protective of its outcome. No way page, or should I say screen, where to from the Stetsons." were our Magnificent Seven going to look here?" I asked. Enter Mercyhurst's graphic design goofy. So, we banished the hats altogether, Was he pausing for effect? genius Jodi Staniunas-Hopper, who agreed to citing directorial discretion. "Bob?" lend her talents gratis. An hour later, Jodi and her assistant, "Howabout... R/IAP'sMAGNIFI­ A few days later, Heibel summoned his Tracey Crumb '04, called it a wrap, and took CENT SEVEN," he suggested. I could feel his Magnificent Seven - Dave Del Vecchio, Josh their digital camera to the graphic design lab, glee pulse through the phone line. Hack, Lindsay Eichenmiller, Carly where the real genius of the project unfolded. It took only a second to register. Surely Williamson, Brett Oswick, Johnathan There, Jodi superimposed the students he was referring to the seven students in Kowalczuk and Erin Cunningham - and sent on the front lawn of Mercyhurst College with Mercyhurst's Research/Intelligence Analyst them off to the yearbook office in the Audrey majestic Old Main in the background and Program who were wooed by $28 billion Hirt Academic Center for a photo shoot. generated an amazing artistic landscape. It global defense giant Northrop Grumman Jodi had her work cut out for her. This was the cover of dreams, the poster de resis­ Corp. last spring, with every single one of was not a group of aspiring models or actors tance, a showpiece extraordinaire. them emerging with job offers at starting who embraced the Lights! Camera! Action! Now to pitch it back to "the idea man." salaries to die for. It was an unprecedented scene. These were individuals relegated to As he viewed the end product, Heibel triumph. the clandestine pursuits of the intelligence agreed it was, indeed, a masterpiece. Posters. Recruiting brochures. Fliers. world and it was there, behind the scenes, Why, then, did I get this sense that he Heibel wanted to capitalize on the coup, and that they were most comfortable. was backpedaling? After all the work that he was thinking big.

32 MERCYHURST MAGAZINE *^* had been done at his urging, shouldn't he COLLEGE PRESENTS R.LAP have been more jubilant? "Come on, Bob, 'fess up," I said. Well, apparently, somewhere along the way, someone whispered in this former deputy chief of counterterrorism's ear that maybe showcasing seven in a program whose graduates all are success stories in their own right wasn't proper protocol. Hence, Heibel, the gung-ho guy, became Heibel, the gun-shy guy Now, as the facilitator of this idea man's vision, I became defensive. Focusing on seven students whose accomplishments represent a truly unique story, I argued, did not diminish the success of R/IAP's other graduates, some of whom, as individuals, received equal, or perhaps better, job offers. This was, I insisted, a story of The Magnificent Seven. "You remember The Magnificent Seven, don't you Bob?" I teased. "Seven Men. One Destiny" Still, not wanting to offend anyone, Heibel turned to me with a counter-proposal. "Maybe you could use the picture in a magazine story?" he muttered. "Maybe," I said, as I felt the wind slip from beneath my wings. At that point, I was certain of only one thing: the next time Bob Heibel came to me with visions of grandeur, I'd suggest he find another Tonto and go the way of The Lone Ranger.

Debbie Morton, assistant director of public relations

From left: Dave Del Vecchio, Josh Hack, Lindsay Eichenmiller, Carly Williamson, Brett Oswick, Johnathan Kowalczuk, and Erin Cunningham.

Tracey Crumb, photo, Jodi Staniunas Hopper, photocomposite. Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Erie, PA Permit No. 10 501 East 38th Street Erie, PA 16546 www.mercyhurst. edu

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