Y ^ the Heart and Soul of Mercyhurst '

1 /v\ I M E . • *VOL 13, No. 2 R 1996

1 , y

; : - . * 'f **,

* IW 44^ V >

* \ v'V <*l

N "...

.vr»

2P'S ••« 1

| v

• -"*-'. . v"#*

•1 * ' **- ** • vV

. a* . I

#i ' '1i *lr

*'»•. tf •

^ The Heart and Soul of Mercyhurst ' ; See page 5 \J

r • 4 • •• < * * * : y% "• Mercyhurst enrollment breaks records

Mercyhurst College expects a ture at the college for the past five banner year in enrollment when it years," Garvey said. He noted that opens its doors for the 70th year in while 20 percent of the freshman September. class still come from Erie County, "It is going to be a record year about half of them choose to live for the college both in on campus. terms of quality Andrew Roth, dean of enroll- and quantity," ment at Mercyhurst, and who has said Dr. William headed the Mercyhurst admission P. Garvey, who office for the past 15 years, said the begins his Class of 2000 is expected to come 17th year as in at a record-breaking 442 tradi- president of tional-aged students, which is 70 Mercyhurst. more than last year's class of 372. "We expect over This year's Mercyhurst freshmen 1,000 new stu- were selected for admission from dents, which will an unprecedented application pool push our student of 1,753. The enrollment dean also body to an all-time expects 133 new upperclass trans- enrollment figure fers, 182 new students at the of more than 2,700 Mercyhurst-North East extension students. center, 141 new students at the This certainly is a very Mercyhurst-Wayne extension cam- positive note on which to open the pus, and approximately 107 new college," Garvey said, reflecting on adult students who will be seeking the college's first-year enrollment in their four-year degrees. 1926 which numbered 25 students. Two of Mercyhurst's high profile Mercyhurst's burgeoning student and unique majors - anthropology/ body forced college officials in archaeology and the research intel- mid-July to limit further fall enroll- ligence analyst program - are ments to local students, adult stu- among the most popular majors dents and McAuley Division stu- chosen by the freshman class. dents, or to qualified out-of-town "These programs have attracted 60 students who did not need campus new majors," Roth said, "and they housing. consistently attract some of the "Housing is at capacity this fall," brightest of the new incoming stu- Garvey explained. "We do not have dents." He added that these two an empty bed on either our Erie or programs also draw students from North East campus for the fall all over the country, thereby broad- term. ening the geographic diversity of "Our freshman class will be 90 the freshman class to more than 30 percent residential, which has been different states. • characteristic of the admission pic- Mercyhurst /\/\ / \ s\ M F V

VOL. 13, NUMBER 2, SUMMER 1996 FEATURES The Pride of Mercyhurst Champagne and tuxedos signal the elegance of the event. Mercyhurst dedicates its new Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center at the 20th Year Finals of the D'Angelo Young Artist Competition. Campaign Tops $12 million Continuing the Dream raises almost twice its goal. The Heart and Soul of Mercyhurst Christ the King Chapel is restored to its original beauty. Passing the Torch of Health and Fitness Twelve new graduates of the Mercyhurst Physical Therapist Assistant Program go to the Olympics. Profile of the Mercyhurst President How the teacher-coach climbed his way to the presidency of Mercyhurst College. The Wearing of the Green Mercyhurst Student Ambassadors proudly don their green blazers. That Thing You Do! The Mercyhurst banner and the old gym survive final editing of Tom Hanks' November release. Strike Up the Band New pep band rocks the house and rolls the Lakers to victory. Salvation through the Classics * t Strengthen the mind and many of our worst problems will die." Writing for Focus Writing across the curriculum is introduced as part of the mathematics curriculum at Mercyhurst-North East. Stepping Out of Mercyworld Mercyhurst graduates its largest senior class at the 68th commencement. Remember When...The Big Boy Heist Elby's Big Boy tries out college living for a night in 1974- Laker Lacrosse Goes Division I Mercyhurst's newest varsity sport competes against high-profile teams in Division I. ETC. 1996 brings record enrollment Inside front cover The Mercyhurst Magazine is published Mascot has no mercy twice a year, in the winter and summer. Page n by the Office of External Affairs. The Chairman of the Board Feature Writers Magazine has a distribution of 10.800. Atty. William C. Sennett Dennis Condon Mercys elect new leader It is published as a companion piece to President Mary Daly Page 16 Mercyhurst Today issued in the fall and Ed Hess Jr. spring. The Magazine is produced to Dr. William P. Garvey showcase faculty talent and to spotlight Don McQuaid Lakers new football field new programs and unusual and interest- Editor Michael Plasha Page 20 ing aspects of Mercyhurst College. Mary Daly '66 Angela Sullivan The Magazine's address is: Arts S Entertainment 501 E. 38th St.. Erie, Pa. 16546 Editorial Assistant Circulation Coordinator Inside back cover Telephone (814) 824-2285 Angela M. Sulivan Gary L. Bukowski '73 E-mail address: An Old Fashioned Fourth of July [email protected] Back cover Send change of address to: Cover Photo: John Fontecchio Mercyhurst Magazine Mercyhurst College. Erie. Pa 16546 Attention; Karen Enslish Mary D ' A n g e I o F £ Lx L- O Lx Lvl I K G

m i R ( t ii o M i iiiinif B Y DON MCQUAID

reassuring statement of the future of the arts Westman, 24, from Stratford, Ontario, sec- at Mercyhurst, the health of the college as a ond place, with a $5,000 cash award; and whole and the cultural aspirations of the soprano Lynette Tapia, 22, of San The (enter is a bold and greater Erie community. Clemente, Calif., third place, with a $3,000 In his remarks at the dedication of the cash award. Center, Mercyhurst President Dr. William P. The tall, athletic Turay is only the second Garvey said that while most citizens of tenor in the history of the D'Angelo ratturin? statement of the future northwestern Pennsylvania connect the Competition to win first place. name D'Angelo with lifesaving cardiovas- He received his B.A. degree in music cular surgery, "at Mercyhurst the D' Angelo from the University of Kentucky, where he of the arts at fflerqhunt, name stands for music, which can also heal is presently working on his master's degree. the heart." He has performed with the Eugene Oregon "George and Mary D'Angelo have left Opera, the St. Louis Opera and the their mark on Mercyhurst by raising our Kentucky Opera. He was the winner of the the health of the college consciousness of the fine arts which, in the Young Concert Artist Competition and took turbulent 70s in America, took a back seat second place in the McAllister Awards on most college campuses to various forms competition. as a whole and the of popular culture," Garvey said. "Together For Turay it was a major step in the George and Mary have enriched the Erie launching of his career. For those who community through their leadership in the attended the entire event, it was an evening cultural aspirations of the Erie Philharmonic and later at Mercyhurst to remember for a lifetime. For Erie it was by underwriting the major prizes in the the social event of the year. And for the col- D'Angelo Competition and then as major lege it was an opportunity to project as benefactors for our School of Music and never before its commitment to the per- pater Erie com munitg. Performing Arts Center." forming arts as a vital component of the Following his remarks on the D'Angelos, nationally known Mercyhurst of the twenty- Dr. Garvey announced the final $12.3 mil- first century. • It was one of those rare moments when lion total for the Continuing the Dream cap- major forces within the life of the college, ital fund drive (see story on page 4). The all of which had achieved great momentum collective gasp of surprise and delight on their own, came together in a single elicited by the announcement event to create a surge of pride in seemed to hover in the air in the Mercyhurst unmatched perhaps since the dazzling new facility throughout founding of the school itself seven decades the finals in voice that followed. ago. It was, to use Catherine McAuley's The jury for the 1996 compe- term for an impressive event, "an occa- tition in voice, the most illustri- sion. it ous in the 20-year history of the The three forces that converged on the D' Angelo Competition, was evening of April 20, 1996, were the gala comprised of Carlo Bergonzi, dedication of the $3.6 million Mary Gail Robinson, John Wustman, D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, the 20th Dame Joan Sutherland, Marilyn Year Finals of the D'Angelo Young Artist Home and Yelana Kurdina. The Competition and the official conclusion of finalists at the competition were the Continuing the Dream capital fund drawn from across the U.S. and drive. Canada, and included two sopra- nos, a mezzo soprano, two bari- Although it had only been seven weeks tones and a tenor. since the Center made its debut with a performance by acclaimed pianist Andre Watts, Because of the unique nature already the imposing new facility showed of this competition, the audience signs of becoming to the Erie area what itself, with men in tuxedos and Lincoln Center is to New York City and the ladies in evening wear, gave an Kennedy Center is to Washington, D.C. added dimension of elegance to Mary D Angelo, for whom the Performing Arts Center is named. Grand Prize Winner Gregory Turay, and Dr. George Dy Angelo Designed by the Erie firm of the event, as did the champagne Evans/Salata Architects, the center seats served at intermission. 824 and has a performance stage of 3,400 Following a competition marked by square feet. As such, it is the only facility numerous moments of artistic excellence between Erie and Pittsburgh, Buffalo and and enthusiastic outbursts of appreciation Cleveland capable of handling the technical from the audience, the prestigious adjudica- requirements of the most elaborate produc- tors announced the winners: tenor Gregory Don McQuaid is a tions, including ballet and opera. Turay, 23, of Raymond, Wis., first place, regular contributor to Created specifically as a showcase for with a $10,000 award and contracts for two the Mercyhurst the performing arts, the Center is a bold and performances at the Mary D'Angelo Magazine. Performing Arts Center; baritone James

« i m E i Mercyhurst Campaign Tops $12 Million

In what Gary Bukowski, architect of Mercyhurst's recently completed capital fund drive, likes to refer to as a blitzkrieg campaign, the college raised an unprecedented $12.3 million in just 18 months and entirely within the Mercyhurst Family. Mercyhurst officials had originally hoped to raise $6.2 million in-house when the campaign was announced in 1995. The total raised in the Continuing the Dream Campaign is the largest amount of money ever raised in so short a time in Erie and represents the most successful fund-raising endeavor in the 70- year history of the college. The singular success of the drive made possible the recent opening of Mercyhurst's $3.6 million Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center as a debt-free facility. It will also make possible a $1.5 million Phase I addition to the college's library. Ground is expected to be broken in the spring of 1997 for that structure which will house the new computer system, a Great Reading Room, and a new entrance incorporating the circulation desk and automated catalog. According to Bukowski, the vice president of institutional advancement at the college, the proposed three-storied, gabled roof structure will add 7,200 square feet to the existing Hammermill Gary Bukowski, vice president of institutional advancement Library, and when coupled Four of the major gifts during the drive were million-dollar withve gifts. The top trustee gifts included a gift of $2.5 million, one of The total raid in the f ;7;° " $1.2 million and a third for $1 million. A fourth million-dollar gift ments to the was in the form of a Charitable Remainder Trust established by existing struc- retired AMSCO executive Herbert Hafenmaier and his wife, Continuing the Dream Campaign is ture, will Catherine. double the The campaign was called Continuing the Dream to honor the library's vision of the Sisters of Mercy who founded the college, believing r capacity to that someday Mercyhurst would become a great institution. the largest amount of money ever 300,000 Thanks to the generosity of all who contributed to the campaign, volumes. their dream is coming true.D Other pro- raised in so short a time in Erie. jects support- Amounts Raised by Categories 1 ed by the drive include Category Goal Donations $6.1 million Concert Hall $3,000,000 $3,250,000 for the endow- Library $1,750,000 $2,189,000 ment and $300,000 for improvements in the departments of sci- Endowment/Business Chair $750,000 $6,167,000 ence, human ecology, culinary arts, and in Christ the King Chapel. One of the reasons for the success of the Continuing the Dream Culinary Arts $450,000 $525,000 drive — perhaps the single most important reason — was the level Science Equipment $150,000 $149,000 of giving by the Mercyhurst College board of trustees who con- Human Ecology Offices $50,000 $50,000 tributed $7.8 million to the campaign. Alumni, parents and friends of the college also made significant gifts to ensure the success of Chapel Improvement $50,000 $50,000 this effort. Goal vs. Amount Raised S6,200,000 $12,380,000

4 [ i ( v II y i s T m n u z I ii E B Y -MARY DALY

hen alums of at least 10 years return to the col- Wlege, they are usually awestruck at how the campus has spread to the west and to the east and to the south. "It's not the campus we knew, but it's beauti- ful," are words often heard at Homecoming. But then comes the question of concern: "You didn't touch the chapel, did you?" And until the past two years, college officials hadn't. In fact, the chapel had not been painted since 1977, and no one is quite sure when major repairs were last done to the Chapel of Christ the King, which is so much a part of every Mercyhurst student's experience. And so there is good reason why college officials are more than a bit excited to welcome back alums this year to showcase the heart and soul of the campus. While much of the work done to the Chapel is not readily visible to the untrained eye, nor should it be, over $80,000 has been put into its restoration and that of the small mortuary chapel called the Queen's Chapel. Of that total, $50,000 was pledged by an anonymous donor to the Continuing the Dream Campaign, and almost $15,500 was contributed by alumni, current and of Mercyhurst past parents, and friends of the for today's liturgy and a matching college. lectern were purchased, the original The bricks on the outside were marble altar and storybook mural repointed, soffit work completed, above it both remain intact. and window frames were restored The sound system in the chapel and repainted. All of the casings was enhanced with antiphonal speak- for the stained glass windows ers, and a $38,000 Rodger's organ, were repaired, prompting students powerful and rich in sound, was pur- k been put to happily point out, "the win- chased and placed at the left front of dows actually stay open now!" the chapel where four side pews were Inside, all the pews were removed for its inconspicuous fit. into to r e s t o r a t i o n and removed, and the marble floor The original pipe organ remains in was stripped and then given 12 the choir loft, but the cost to bring it that of the small mortuarij coats of wax the way the young up to standard is estimated at over Sisters of yesteryear did each $75,000, which would only be the summer. beginning of costly annual repairs chapel called The deep golden walls of the that it would need. chapel were painted a creamy yel- By all accounts, a great deal of the Oueen i (hapel. low, the sanctuary was carpeted in work was done to preserve the chapel deep green, and the Queen's as alums remember it. That was the Chapel was carpeted with a deep challenge of the project and it is the burgundy. And while a new altar beauty of the finished product. •

s u m fll E R 199 6 Passing the Torch of Health and Fitness

r 1 QCO Twelve recent graduates of Mercyhurst's the U.S. women's gymnastics team also two-year-old Physical Therapist Assistant stayed during their gold-medal Olympics. Program were among health-care profes- The rest was up to the students to raise or sionals who passed the torch of health and to underwrite personally. fitness to 10,788 Olympic hopefuls this The old adage, "No pain, no gain," cer- summer. tainly described the pocketbook pinch to Over 50,000 people applied for the vol- the Mercyhurst volunteers, but despite the unteer positions including 4,100 sought for Atlanta 1996 cost per person, the lucky dozen agreed the medical and health-care assistance. The experience was priceless. "Potential Mercyhurst crew was chosen for their employers will appreciate having employ- expertise in the areas of injury prevention all administrative, personnel and logistical ees who have worked at the Olympics," and treatment and therapeutic massages. operations at the station as well as provided volunteer Joe Gehringer said. "It is an "We were pleased to have a highly skilled physical therapy. impressive credential to have. It was a great group of PTAs provide specialized sup- The volunteer trip began when outgoing professional experience. No doubt about it." port," said Pressley Harris, Olympic PTA Club President Margaret Magovich The two-and-a-half year associate degree spokesperson. "They were a wonderful read an article about Olympic volunteers program began in September 1994 to meet resource, and they assisted our athletes to and contacted the Olympic staff. The accep- the occupational needs of area physical be at the top of their form. We couldn't tance process included two application therapists. The current director, Glenn have done it without them." forms, phone interviews and a security Labrozzi, was appointed in November The Mercyhurst crew worked at one of check. 1994. At that time, there were only six the 121 athletic aid stations scattered Dressed in official Olympic polo shirts PTAs in the Northwest Pennsylvania throughout the Olympic Village. "To be and shorts, the Mercyhurst team worked region. On May 19, 1996, 28 students grad- able to work with other professionals from with the gymnastics, basketball, archery, uated from the first class and have already all over the world and know that what you diving, kayaking, track and field, and soc- secured positions with health-care facilities. do can make or break an athlete's career is cer teams. The program was accredited by the an extraordinary responsibility," said Chris It took an almost decathlon effort of fund American Physical Therapy Association Opladen, academic coordinator of clinical raising activities to afford the $6,000 need- and the State Department of Education in education of the PTA program, who orga- ed for the 18 days in Atlanta. The months January 1996. Approximately 30 students nized the trip to Atlanta and was a chief preceding the Olympics were spent working are enrolled in the program each year; how- athletic trainer at the Olympics. at massage-a-thons, and selling cookbooks, ever, the Class of '96 will always be "It helped the new graduates to grow as T-shirts and mugs. Mercyhurst provided the remembered for achieving Olympic heights highly skilled professionals and it was great ground transportation and gave the students in their profession. exposure for Mercyhurst." Opladen assisted $1,000 which the group used to pay for Not a bad way to start a career. • the sportsmedicine director by coordinating their housing at Emory University, where

III E It ( V R S T n i n i i: in the Making B Y KATHLEEN LINSE

e loved sports, but was short and And the man who loves bringing history best way for me to relax." He "indulges" in slight with average talent. So he put to life takes pride likewise in the biggest fiction and enjoys biographies — especially Hhis passion into coaching instead of birthday bash ever enjoyed in Erie — those of the Greeks and Romans — because playing and pursued another love: history. Mercyhurst's Old Fashioned Fourth of July "They have so much to teach us. There are The boy who was "too small" now enjoys festivities. His inspiration? He recalls being amazing parallels between our history and stature as a renowned historian, educator, in Philadelphia on July 4, 1976. The Marine theirs." community leader and college president. Band was playing in Independence Hall; So what keeps a coach like Bill Garvey But ask Dr. William Garvey of Mercyhurst the fireworks were illuminating the night fueled for the game, since he can't live on College about his long list of accomplish- sky. "It was so dazzling and patriotic and I books alone? He confesses to a fondness ments and there's no hesitation: "My best thought: What are we doing in Erie? for fresh lemon or graham cracker cream experiences have been in coaching; there's Nothing! You know, John Adams wrote of pie. no stronger influence, no stronger impact." July 4: The future generations must cele- He returns to history as his day wraps His passions have made Bill Garvey our brate with ceremony so that America never up: "One of my favorites is Cicero — I top "history coach" and his best game was forgets."' But Bill didn't want a scattering admire him as a great patriot and a speaker the Erie Bicentennial: the greatest celebra- of smatterings; he wanted to re-create the of such eloquence. I would like to have tion of community spirit Erie has ever seen. Philadelphia Fourth! So he did. been Cicero in my previous life." Then he Born of his conviction that this was a won- "It's getting scary," he chuckles, refer- laughs, referring to his love of lemon pie: derful occasion to gain a sense of who we ring to the enormous crowd that grows each "And I would look great in that toga! I was are — by understanding what we came year — and he regrets he can't control the born for a toga!"D from — the Bicentennial was truly a gift to weather. But he is pleased. "The people of the people of Erie. He is quick to empha- Erie have responded tremendously! They Kathleen Linse was a faculty member at size, "Our children are losing their past and are learning to appreciate, with pride and Mercyhurst College for seven years teaching in the being robbed of their heritage. The enthusiasm, all that we have." Bicentennial was the ideal way to re-dis- Mercyhurst College Career Institute and later for When Erie's history coach isn't re-creat- cover our history and bring it to life — for the freshman studies program. She is now the man- ing, what does he do for recreation? Bill all of us." aging editor of Lake Erie Chautauqua Magazine admits to constant reading, for both plea- where this story first appeared. sure and his profession. "Reading is the

i 9 9 6 The Wearing of the Green

with people than just selling." Other Ambassadors who proclaim the merits of the club are Kodi Marx and Lisa Michael Fuhrman, second from the right, with the 1996 Ambassadors Stafford. Stafford, a double major in art he "wearing of the green" has taken According to Andrew Roth, dean of therapy and psychology and vice president on new meaning at Mercyhurst. No, enrollment services, these stories have of the Ambassadors, said that the club is there aren't leprechauns hiding in the given the admissions department a big nurturing her professional skills. "I have T gained confidence in speaking to individu- Grotto or Garvey Park. Instead, forest green boost. "The Ambassadors are a terrific addi- jackets bearing the Mercyhurst crest are tion to the admissions office," he said. als and groups and my leadership and time- proudly worn by members of the Student "They have professionalized the tours by management abilities have improved," she Ambassador Club. increasing the quality of information pro- said. "But most importantly, as a tour guide You can spot them giving tours, taking vided to parents and prospective students, we are part of the first impression of the tickets at the Mary D'Anselo Performing enabling the admission counselors to utilize college, and it is very satisfying to me when Arts Center and greeting visitors at a vari- their time with families more effectively." I see some of the new students in the club ety of campus events. What is a little harder But so rigorous is the training to become and remember taking them on their initial to spot is the thorough training they receive an Ambassador, that out of a class of 70 tour of Mercyhurst." in order to become official representatives who begin the two terms of training, only Marx, a sportsmedicinc major, shares of the college. The organization was formed in the fall of 1992 to assist the admissions department The Ambassador Oath with providing tours of the college for prospective students. Michael Fuhrman, I pledge to be a true representative of Mercyhurst in the best formerly the coordinator of fine arts recruit- ing and now director of the Mary D'Angelo traditions of the college and will always seek to act with Performing Arts Center, is the founding competence, class, and with the Sisters of Mercy concern for the well- father of the Ambassadors and has been their guiding light for the past five years. being of others. As an Ambassador, I am committed to serve the He trained the students and developed lec- tures and tour experiences to inform poten- college with generosity, professionalism, and grace which tial Ambassadors of the history of the college and its plans for the future. It was also characterizes the true meaning ofCarpe Diem. Fuhrman who insisted on high standards and professional attitudes which gave the Ambassadors a sense of elan. 10 to 15 stay the course to be inducted each Kodi's sense of pride. "The college has On close observation, an Ambassador's spring at the Ambassadors' Investiture such a rich tradition and history," she training becomes apparent. If you were on a Ceremony. It takes a major commitment to noted. "I feel fortunate to have been able scavenger hunt and needed to know who get to that point, but those who do, reap to get to really know the heart of the col- built the Grotto, how Garvey Park got its what they sow. lege." She added, "The training was name, or which Russian composer's work is "During tours a genuine relationship intense, but I'm glad I did it. When I wear on the design of the windows in the develops that is honest and is based on the my green jacket I feel a sense of pride in D'Angelo School of Music, a leprechaun's guide's experience of the college," Ron my accomplishments."• magic would pale in comparison to the sto- Rambally, president of the Ambassadors, ries the students in green can spin. said. "It is more about the art of interacting

8 ill E R ( Y II 0 n I fll M I) Z I II E t B Y MICHAEL PLASHA

That Thing You Do/ Little did Gloria Sedney and Lois Hoffman, physical education the carousel of progress." It was perhaps that sense that anything teachers at Mercyhurst in 1964, know that their small linoleum was possible that inspired the campus aspirations of Joyce gym would be the setting for a key scene in the new Tom Hanks' Savocchio '65 and JoAnne Courneen '64. movie, "That Thing You Do!" Both recently reflected about that era and agreed that life on Written and directed by Hanks, it will be released in October campus and in the world was changing in a positive way. 1996 by 20th Century Fox. In it he plays the manager of The "There was a true spirit of adventure and Mercyhurst was filled Wonders, a pop band from Erie, who begin their journey to fame with lively, upbeat people," said Sister JoAnne Courneen, newly at a battle of the bands music competition held at Mercyhurst. elected president of the Sisters of Mercy. Sister JoAnne finished According to Nancy Home, assistant to the producer, the scene her senior year at Mercyhurst in 1964 in the cadet teaching pro- will be set entirely in a small gym specially created to look like a gram. "The college was beginning to break out of the mold of for- Mercyhurst facility in that era. Mercyhurst will be identified once mal etiquette and was on the verge of great change that happened in the dialogue and by a Mercyhurst banner hanging in the gym. five years later when Mercyhurst went coeducational." However, the school colors were changed by the production Savocchio, now Mayor of Erie, began her leadership climb in designer to better complement the overall design of the movie. the spring of 1964 when she became the first commuter student to Exterior shots of the campus and any other reference to be elected senior class president at Mercyhurst. "I felt the change Mercyhurst were cut in the editing process. firsthand and I knew things were different," said Mayor The Wonders compete against a folk act and a brass band. After Savocchio. "Back then it was unusual for someone who was com- winning the contest, they play at a fictional Italian restaurant near ing from a public school tradition as well as being a day student to the Erie airport before traveling to California to begin a recording become class president." career. The movie depicts their rise and fall in the music industry, Both Courneen and Savocchio have a special interest in Hanks' while capturing what life was like in Erie and the rest of the coun- upcoming movie. "The Sisters who founded the college would be try in 1964. delighted that Mercyhurst has made it 'big time' in more ways How well the movie portrays that year — and the flavor of Erie than one. We are honored that Mr. Hanks liked the name at that time — will no doubt be judged against the screen of our 'Mercyhurst' so much that he wanted to use it in his film." own memories. "Hello Dolly" and "Fiddler on the Roof were For Savocchio, she is doubly excited to have her city show- smash hits on Broadway. "Goldfinger" and "Mary Poppins" were cased as well as her alma mater recognized. "Opening night is popular at the box office. "Games People Play," "Herzog" and going to be tremendously exciting for us," she said, adding, "We "Corridors of Power" were on the bestseller list. realize that other towns will also be featured in the movie, but we Teenagers were dancing to the Watusi, Frug, Monkey, Funky are the opener. Chicken and various versions of the Twist. Cassius Clay won the "I remember that linoleum gym," she mused. It was right out- world heavyweight boxing title from Sonny Liston, and the St. side of the students' lounge where some people say I took up resi- Louis Cardinals won the World Series. dence and became quite the pinochle player!" The cultural mood was upbeat. "There was a lack of cynicism," No doubt about it, for people with Erie or Mercyhurst ties, see- said Hanks in an interview. "In 1964, everybody still believed in ing the upcoming film is definitely going to be that thing to doO

ii m m t R 9 9 6 Strike up the Band! B Y MICHAEL PLASHA

They come from several states and their majors For sophomore music education major Jim range from interior design to pre-med, but one Foley, playing in the pep band is continuing his Ewri] time the hand thing they have in common is a love for music dream of eventually becoming a divisional music and school spirit. This energetic feeling is being director for the Salvation Army. "My father is a expressed in the bouncy melodies and rousing minister in the Salvation Army, and I learned how plat]ed at a haietha rhythms of the D'Angelo School of Music Pep to play tuba in their brass band," he said. "The Band. And it is being heard in the joyful sounds pep band is more along the style of the Salvation of enthusiasm trumpeted by students, faculty, Army bands and Steven Lyons (head of the music p e last tjear, alumni and athletes. education department) is teaching me a lot of the The result: every time the band played at a bas- skills Til need to conduct and arrange their music. ketball game last year, the Lakers won. Plus it is a blast! I didn't think it would be Attendance and support at games reached new accepted as much as it was, but even during our the Laken won. crescendos. Interest in the instrumental program first game students sat behind us and supported at the D'Angelo School of Music has grown. And us. It has been a very welcome surprise." perhaps most importantly, the pep band is provid- These comments and experiences are very gratify- ing students with another opportunity to prepare ing to Lyons who formed the pep band in September for meaningful careers after graduation. 1996. "We thought it would be important to the "My career goal is to teach music in a high school atmosphere," he said. "We don't just play school, start my own pep band, and work with the tunes, we motivate the audience and get them school orchestra and marching band," said Mary involved." Even though the band is the musical Zelenka, music education major and a 1996 graduate equivalent of cheerleaders assisting the Laker mascot from Berea, Ohio. "In addition to playing violin in with his antics, their biggest cheerleader is probably various school of music programs, the pep band was Head Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic a very fun place where I could conduct, play my Director Karl Fogel. "Without question they added a trombone and support the college." Zelenka had great deal to the atmosphere and made it a great played the trombone in high school and during sum- place to play college ball." he said. "It pumps the mer breaks from Mercyhurst, but didn't have any players up to have so much support. Our home opportunities to play on campus until the pep band record was much better than our away record, and formed. She feels the experience strengthened her they helped make the difference. I'd like to take ability to obtain a teaching position. them on the road with us next year."

10 E K ( V I I M T U (I I I II t Mascot has no mercy!

Twenty-five years after Laker athletics began, the teams finally have a mascot. Called "The Old Man in the Sea," the costumed The popularity and success of the pep band is character has a repertoire of shenanigans bringing the crowds to also assisting the D'Aneelo School of Music with enrollment and academic goals. 'The band is pri- their feet with side-splitting laughter and heartwarming cheers. marily D'Angelo Music School students," Lyons The seafaring mascot in his nautical clothing was the award- explained. The 1995-96 edition had 22 members, winning design submitted by Hockey Coach Rick Cotkin, who had and those who did not graduate in the spring are the drawing in his files since he came to Mercyhurst in 1988. coming back in September. "We are also reaching Naturally the original drawing had skates, a hockey stick and out to high school students who may enroll here in gloves, but Kevin Segedi '98, a graphics design major, modified the future," Lyons said, "and the band has become so popular that even some of our vocal majors are the sketch to give it universal use for all Laker sports. dusting off their old instruments and playing with Suited up in a blue, green and white team uniform, with a us. It has definitely increased interest in our instru- Laker jersey number 00, the mascot's costume has an enlarged mental program. Next year I would love to see sculpted head weighing 15 pounds, and is caricatured with a jut- alumni dig up their instruments and join us." ting chin, an oversized nose and a no-nonsense grin. The song most associated with the pep band is Three Mercyhurst students went down in Mercyhurst history as the Mercyhurst Fight Song composed by Shannon B. Roberts, a composer and arranger at the the first to fill the Old Man's shoes. Winning the honor at a stu- University of Utah where Lyons is a doctoral student rally organized by Student Activities Committee Chairman dent. The next project will be a Mercyhurst Brian Marshall '97 and held on January 25, 1996, were Jeffrey College Song. But for now, the pep band has its Dulemba '96, a recent graduate of the hotel, restaurant institu- hands, fingers and spirits full playing such popular tional management program, Jennifer Feser '97, a social science songs as Story In Your Eyes, Tequilay Another One education major, and Jennifer Houck '99, a biology education Bites the Dust, Respect and YMCA. Regardless of what they play, each song is the sound of joy major. bringing a new spirit of Whether he's on the ice at a hockey game or in the stands at a energy and excitement into basketball game, the Old Man kindles the fires of Lakermania campus life and to the Michael Plasha is a without any mercy. dance moves of The Old freelance writer from Man in the Sea.D Erie, PA.

S 0 P 9 9 6 1 1 99 V A T I O N

•••f-V'-'." i-"'"'••'* —,

# • • • CLASSICS

few ,>>••-:••

roc/: the following from a book: "A prevalent notion is that the great mass of people cannot understand and cannot form an independent judgment upon any matter; they cannot be educated, in the sense of developing their intellectual pow- ers, but they can be bamboozled. The reiteration of slogans, the distortion of the news, the great storm of propaganda that beats upon the citizen twenty-four hours a day all his life long mean either that democracy must fall a prey to the loudest and most persistent propagandists or that the people must save themselves by strengthening their minds so that they can appraise the issues for themselves."

12 mtRCVHURST m n o n z i n E 1 i|ou instill courage in the student, leavin? no proposition unquestioned or unexamined, the intellect will thrive"

Is this the latest condemnation of public education by Sowell, courage in the student, leaving no proposition unquestioned or Bloom or any number of self-praised neo-conservative intellectu- unexamined, the intellect will thrive. als? No. It is from the preface to "The Great Conversation," written Too simplistic? Some may charge me with trying to drag stu- half a century ago by Robert M. Hutchins. dents back to some Golden Age when the schoolmaster drilled his The state of education has not progressed since then. In fact, it pupils till their eyeballs sprawled lifeless on the desk and their lips has fallen. Hutchins foresaw what has happened to the American dribbled and murmured. But just look to Kenneth Brannaugh and school, given the persistent efforts among educators to propagate others who would revive the classics in a palpable and interesting ideas which bear little relevance to education and academics. way. Let's take them as our guides. We have put our trust in the school system to teach our children. While Homer, Aristotle, St. Aquinas, Dante, Rabelais, That trust has resulted in increased illiteracy, aimlessness and Shakespeare, Montaigne, Locke, Jefferson, Shelley, Dostoyevsky dependence on authority. Johnny can't read, but, worse, Johnny and the like are challenging, they have been the wellsprings of can't think. He can't, as Hutchins wrote, "Form an independent Western thought for more than two thousand years. The difficulty judgment upon any matter." will rest squarely on educa- As a tutor, I see what's happening. A student of mine claimed tors. To develop the liberal her teacher told the class she didn't fully understand the concept curriculum, educators must she was teaching. Nevertheless, she went ahead and taught it as read their writings and learn to best she could. It gives a new twist to the expression, "The blind express their ideas. No harm leading the blind." can come of this. My evidence of what's happening comes not only from my But harm will come to us if observations, but also from those of friends who teach. One told we do not address the academ- me she is going back for a master's degree in a new field, away ic needs of our children. It from secondary education. takes no great mind to notice "You've heard the stories about these schools," she said. the rise in cults, rash causes "They're all true. They can't read, they don't understand. It's exas- and political demagoguery perating." that have gripped our nation. There is other evidence of this decline, but the obstacles raised We are reaping the seeds we by bad education can be overcome. sowed decades ago, seeds of How? Firing incompetent instructors only begs the question: destruction and despair plant- How did they get there in the first place? We could restructure ed long before Hutchins teacher certification to weed out the incompetent. Certification wrote: does attract those with the least ability, but you also need to attract "Strengthen the mind and the best and brightest — weeding out the worst doesn't guarantee many of our worst problems the best. will wilt and die."D I have a simpler solution: Return to a liberal education. Bring back the classics, develop the curriculum around the great thinkers and great ideas of the West, and cut out the extracurricular non- Stephen Mclntyre is a freelance writer sense. Concentrate on one language. Develop empathy between from Omaha, Neb. His article first dissimilar students based on the intellect, not on race, creed, or appeared in The Reader and is gender. Teach the history of the world and of ideas, the great as reprinted with permission. well as the wretched. The minds of children are pliant. If you instill

E R 9 9 6 13 In the Mathematics Classroom Writing for Focus B Y DENNIS CONDON

Teachers are fountains of information, constantly willing to gush on about their various disciplines. In mathematics and science especially, it seems that educators tend to assume that the whole reason for our existence is to impart the arcana of our sub- jects. We are well-prepared with the information itself, but perhaps not so well-prepared to develop teaching processes that enable our students to integrate and react to that information. I want to share with you some of my attempts at developing alternative teaching processes. Writing Across the Curriculum, seen by many of us as primarily a way of improving the students' presentation of knowledge, could instead be one of the teaching processes which enables students to integrate and react. Perhaps more attention should be paid to the powerful role which language plays in the production of knowledge. Writing Across the Curriculum will almost certainly improve students' writing, but will writing improve students' learning? It is this shift in emphasis that has led writing teachers such as Bard College's Paul Connolly to suggest that "Writing Across the Curriculum" be replaced by the phrase "Writing to Learn." Arthur Powell in his article in Research and Teaching in Developmental Education (fall 1993) writes "...both writing and mathematics are instruments for ordering thoughts about things and thoughts about thoughts. Reasonably, therefore, we can imagine mathematics educators...exploring ways of employing writing as support for mathematics learning. Process-product writing encourages students to express their responses to mathematics and prompts students to write and analyze their mathematical autobiographies. developments in mathematics and on their careers with me burdened by some These writing activities focus on the intel- present-day applications of mathematics. very definite handicaps. Excerpts from lectual and emotional energies of the stu- In the first category, dealing with imme- some biographies include: dents." diate personal goals, students write their • "/ have not been in school since 1972. I The writing activities I have tried in my mathematical autobiographies, they write expect to personally overcome my fear of classroom are similar to the process-product their expectations for the class itself and for failure in this class. I have always had a approach outlined by Powell in his article. themselves in the class, and they pre-write stigma toward the subject because of But while Powell would have "...writing daily on their academic progress, study early failures." activities focus on the intellectual and emo- plans, etc. • '7 took Business Math in high school and tional energies of the students," my The autobiography is used as a means for took Basic Algebra here at Mercyhurst approach is to attempt to use writing to the instructor to get to know the student last fall. I understood it but failed the focus the energies of the students. In other and, more importantly, as a method for the final test and had to repeat it. I guess you words, students are "Writing for Focus." student to recognize and deal with any could say I have a math phobia." I have categorized the writing done in background problems or math phobias that • "...in my school we only had to have two my classroom into two areas of intent: writ- might be impeding his or her learning. math courses. I took General Math and ing to focus the students on their immediate Students take the autobiographies very Business Math. I feel I am fine at every- personal goals in the mathematics class- seriously. They are obviously concerned day math but algebra is too abstract." room, and writing to focus on historical that I be made aware that they are starting

14 1 [ R ( V R S T 0112 I • "This will be a personal challenge with a * appreciative of, mathematics. hope of conquering the brain damage These writing for focus techniques have done by years of marriage, motherhood Uli) approach h to been used with two groups of "at-risk" stu- and the insufferable unbalanced check- dents — the first group being traditional book. " first-year college students in the As you can see, a good autobiography attempt to w writing to Foundations of Education program at can also tell me something of the students' Mercyhurst/North East, and the second sense of humor. group being non-traditional students in one- Next the students write expectations for focus the energies and two-year programs in the McAuley the course: What do I think this course is Division. about? Is it going to be difficult for me? The students in the first group are What grade do I want? How hard am I will- defined as being at-risk because they are ing to work for the grade I want? This par- of the students. coming to college with records of poor ticular section is an important part of writ- achievement in high school. The students in ing for focus because it is here that the stu- 9 the second group are defined as at-risk dents set goals and do some very important mate has been helping me but I'm still because they have been out of the educa- self-evaluations. These expectations are kind of fuzzy on it. I'm going to Mr. C tional system for periods ranging from two updated periodically so the student can re- Monday morning for help. I think writing to twenty years. assess and re-focus. A typical student's before and after class is good because it All the writings the students have done journal reads: gives me an idea of what is wrong. " have been productive in varying degrees between the two groups. Both do well writ- Man 9:1 was under the impression from • "Well first off I'm going to talk to Ms. ing the autobiographies. I feel they are gen- the opinions of others who have taken this Gates about a tutor. Then I'm going to erally honest about their mathematical his- course that it is quite difficult. I'm expect- work on quadratic equations. I need to tories, and as a result, I am able to deal ing to probably get a C but would like to do know the steps to follow, and I have to more realistically with the various learning better. work through the problems. I REALLY problems we encounter throughout the Apr. 20: At this point I have reached my need to practice." goal as far as the letter grade, but still feel course. The objective of this pre- and post-writ- The traditional-age students seem to ben- I could do better. My priorities seem to be ing is to increase the students' awareness of in different areas this term — whether right efit more from the daily few minutes of what is happening in the classroom and to free-writing than do the non-traditional stu- or wrong, I don't know. I need to make make them realize that success demands some adjustments. dents. Adult students generally have little involvement. It is done to encourage stu- need for the motivation provided by the Another student wrote: dents to become active participants in the Mar. 9:1 struggled with Basic Algebra daily free write. These people come to class learning process and to help them acquire a prepared, alert and ready to work. but have come into this class with an open personal ownership of that process. Done When historical summaries and oral mind. Vve decided to take one day at a time regularly, it becomes an instrument through reports become due however, the non-tradi- and have also made a goal for myself of a which students reflect on what they have tional students really hit their stride. Their B in this class. done, center themselves on what they are papers are thoroughly researched and well- Apr. 20: So far I am very pleased with about to do, and propose strategies that will written, and their oral presentations are gen- myself and this class. I am maintaining a B help ensure success in the mathematics erally excellent. It is not at all unusual in but that could change. I have so little faith classroom. This free-writing does consume in myself when it comes to math, but I find a considerable amount of time — I estimate this group for the oral reports to provide this class very interesting. I was really a total of two class periods in a term — but springboards for valuable class discussions. stretching it when I hoped for a B, but I I feel it can be justified. It gets students set- Some of the ideas put forth here are guess I can do it. tled and focused so much more quickly that mine; some have been adapted from other In both these examples it is interesting to I think it is "cost effective." educators who, like me, are fumbling to develop alternative teaching processes — note that the students seem slightly sur- In the second category — appreciation of prised that they actually attained their goals processes which hopefully will enable stu- historical developments in mathematics and dents to integrate and react to the informa- as far as letter grades were concerned. present-day applications of mathematics — In the third writing in the category deal- tion we bombard them with in every class. I students write more formally and for credit. am convinced that Writing to Learn can be ing with immediate personal goals, students My course syllabus requires a brief summa- are given several minutes at the beginning a valuable tool in the mathematics class- ry on the historical material in each chapter room, and further, that Writing for Focus of class and/or at the end of class to free- and a report to be written and presented in write on what is crucial for that day: Am I can be a worthwhile part of Writing to class on an historically significant person or Learn. • prepared for this class? If not, what more topic in mathematics. Some of the papers could I have done to be prepared? Are there done were on Renee Descartes, Charles questions I need to ask? Writing at the end Dodgson (Lewis Carroll), the Hindu-Arabic Dennis Condon is an instructor of class, the student might ask: How did I influence in mathematics, cartography, of mathematics in Mercyhursfs do today? Did I understand what went on in Isaac Newton and craps: the probabilities. McAuley Division. class? If not, were there questions I might The intent here is to let students see that have asked to make things clearer? Was I a mathematics was developed by real people, player or a spectator? Along these lines stu- and that it is used in real-life situations. dents have written: Also, I had hoped that the summaries and • "I'm not real sure how to do the prob- reports would be a means of getting non- lems that we had on the quiz- My room- math-oriented students involved in, and

E 9 9 6 15 From the beginning, Mercys Elect New Leader she was there Early alums remember her as A hundred and sixty-five years may have Shippensberg State College, Gettysburg the Sister of Mercy who was passed since Catherine McAuley began her College and Georgetown University. responsible for the pomp, cir- ministry by reaching out to the homeless of From 1963 to 1967 she taught and served cumstance and elegance of the Dublin, but judging from the enthusiasm and in administrative positions in Erie area college's May Day pageantry. commitment of Sister JoAnne Courneen, Catholic schools, and from 1987 to 1996 she Alums from the 60s remember newly elected president of the Sisters of was president of Mercyhurst Preparatory her as the nun with the stage Mercy, it could just as well have been last School. She is a member of the board of whisper who worked in the year. trustees of Mercyhurst College and the periodicals in the Weber "Much of my volunteer work in recent Mercy Center for Women and is chair of the Library. The Sisters remember years has been with the homeless, and I will Diocesan Committee for the Tri-Conference her as the gifted young reli- continue to be involved with them as presi- Retirement for Religious. gious who Mother Borgia Egan dent of the order," In her new lead- depended on to bring a sense of Sister said. From ership post, she suc- artistry and panache to gradua- 1984 to 1988, ceeds Sister Maura tion, Christmas festivities and Courneen and Sister Smith who provided state dining room dinners. the leadership of the Patricia Whalen "The nab of the Order In addition to having a dis- Order for eight were early members tinctive flair for putting on years. of Help House on events, she was an exceptional- West Second Street are set bij the com muniti) Asked what her ly talented musician who once in Erie, the forerun- vision is for the headed the college's music ner for the Mercy Sisters of Mercy, department. At the peak of her Center for Women. it Is the job of leadership Sister JoAnne professional life, her hearing "The plight of the replied, "I hope to deteriorated which forced her to homeless is sympto- provide the type of choose another career. She matic of the lack of to carry, them out" leadership that will became a periodicals librarian. a strong family • enrich the individual Mercyhurst history will unit," Courneen lives of the Sisters remember her as the Sister of said. "We've seen a and empower them Mercy who set the standard for marked increase in the number of homeless to continue in the ministries that are such an doing Mercyhurst events with in the Erie area in recent years," she added, integral part of our lives. That means work- elegance and elan and who "and one of the problems facing them is the ing together to find ways to strengthen what helped create the early image of number who have been involved with sub- we believe are already wonderful ministries. the college by her distinctive flair. stance abuse." "The goals of the Order are set by the This gifted woman, Sister Jane A native of Union City, Pa., Courneen community — it is the job of leadership to Frances Raffetto, the last living received her B.S. degree in elementary edu- carry them out. Mother McAuley was always charter faculty member of the cation at Mercyhurst, a master's in adminis- interested in working with lay people, and so college when it opened seven tration and supervision from John Carroll are we. She looked around and saw what the decades ago this year, died on University and — through a National Science needs were and found ways to respond to May 9, 1996. Sister was 95. Foundation grant in math and computer sci- them, just as the Sisters in Erie are doing ence — undertook further studies at today."D

16 [ 1 ( ! II I I S 1 H 6 H Z 1 H E Senior Awards Carpe Diem Award, Jessica Cuffia; Mother Frances Warcle Adult Student Stepping out of Award, Patricia Titus; Bishop's Award for Academic Excellence, Mary Zelenka and Amy Lombardo; Sister Carolyn Herrmann Service Award, Theresa Schroeck; Sister Eustace Taylor Leadership Award, Gagan Suri. Also President's Associates Achievement We had done it 67 times before. The first day marked the fulfillment of a dream. For time there were only four students, but this Jessica Cuffia, the Carpe Diem Award win- Award winners Matthew Kinnear, time there were 424 of them. ner, it was the concluding moment as the anthropology'/archaeology; Janice Hill The college had grown, the faculty had college's first woman Student Government and Samantha Peterson, business; Joy grown, and the 68th graduating class had hit president in 22 years. And for Mary Zelenka Dlugost education; Gregory Hischuck an all-time high. So had the weather. and Amy Lombardo, it was a triumph of and Karen Weston, hotel, restaurant & The sun shown brightly on May 19 with excellence. institutional management; Tamara record-high temperatures that day and for The colorful pageantry of the graduates, Valovich, human development; Megan the graduation awards dinner the night faculty and trustees walking down State before. The heat may have dampened their Street to the Warner Theatre was punctuated Circle, humanities; Kristin Balon and clothes but not the spirit of the Class of 1996 by blue, green and white ribbons on the lamp- William Sauve, natural sciences and who cheered on the senior award winners. posts signaling to Erie that this was mathematics; Faith Lifshen and Kirill Sunday morning after Mass and brunch the Mercyhurst's Day. Kalmykov, performing arts; and graduates and their families made their way Many years ago, these graduates, then Kathleen Fox, social sciences. downtown to the Avalon Hotel to lineup for infants, took their first step into life. It was a Graduate program award winners: the academic procession. Barry McAndrew moment filled with anticipation and excite- had been part of the academic procession 31 Michelle Garvey, James V Kinnane ment for their families. Now it was time to other times. But this year was special. For the take another first step in life. The graduates Award in the Administration of Justice, 1996 Teacher of the Year, it was a day that were ready, the families were filled with and Sister Michele Marie Schroeck, would recognize and celebrate his career as pride, and the cameras were focused — this Outstanding Graduate Student in one of Mercyhurst's finest. time to capture the moment the Class of 1996 Special Education. For Patricia Titus, a mother of seven, the stepped out of Mercy w o r l d . •

111 (II E R 9 9 6 17 REMEMBER WHEN

BY MARY DALY

y office was tucked in a little cubby hole to the right of •the Preston entrance to Old Main directly in line with the corridor which led to the men's dormitory. The nuns had moved out of their Preston Hall convent and the college had con- verted the tiny stark rooms to double occupancy and made the wing into the first 1974, and the guys were men's dorm. living in the new Sesler It was 1970 and the dorm was filled with Apartments which had the young and the restless, the Preston opened that fall. Bandits, great guys, chock-full of personali- John stopped by to change the recording on ty and raging testosterone, and always get- "Would I do that?" he laughed. I knew ting into trouble. the Mercyhurst information hotline. "Hey, Mar, did you hear the news about the Big the answer to that. As a Preston resident, One of my favorites was John Wojdyla Boy?" John had come hobbling on crutches into from outside Pittsburgh. He was a hand- I was almost afraid to ask. "What about it?" the office, his leg in a cast up past his knee. some kid with a John Travolta smile. "Someone stole him, what a heist!" The story was that he had fallen down the Somehow I inherited him as my work After a few more questions, John told me steps the night before. But later that day I study. It was during that time that I that the story was all over the afternoon heard a different story from Bill Kennedy, learned about "great lungs" and why newscasts. Someone had actually taken the dean of students. Wodillie, as the guys Charlie Rufo was always drinking Donald seven foot, 150 pound Big Boy that stood called him, had broken it on a dare going Duck orange juice. holding his sandwich at Elby's 38th and down the Sisters' old laundry chute. I was a big sister to some of those first Peach streets restaurant. "Level with me, John, where is it? I guys. Only four years out of college myself "Do they know who did it?" I thought want to know, now." when they came as freshmen, I was I'd ask. Sure enough, he told me that in the wee Mercyhurst's public relations director and "Naw, they don't have any idea," he hours of the morning, the young and the rest- hardly an administrative threat in those grinned. less pulled their best prank ever, captured the young men's eyes. That was the tip-off. "John, you didn't Big Boy and were holding him hostage in There had not been a dull moment since happen to have had anything to do with it, one of the Sesler Apartments. That afternoon they arrived on campus and over the next four did you?" "The Simple and Easy to Please Liberation years, they became a part of my life. I still "Not me, Mar. How could you ever think Army," as they identified themselves, phoned treasure the picture of us together in the '74 that?" His boyish grin gave him away, JET news and offered as ransom: Big Boy yearbook at the college Christmas dinner. "Then, you know who did, John, I can tell. sandwiches and cokes that Saturday for every They were seniors now with only two Was it Sport? Don't try to pull another one on Mercyhurst student with ID. months till graduation. It was March 27, me like you did the last time," I warned. John was one of Larie Pintea's boys on.

18 EKllIIil (Id II Z I II E our first crew team. And if John knew And so, once again, it was the Coach to something about the story, Lane's their rescue. He talked to Dean Garvey and "peck of trouble" was Mr. Kennedy and kept me out of it entirely. somehow involved. Later Larie talked to his friend Police Chief There was no doubt Sam Gemelli and to the manager of Elby's. about that. Charges would be dropped if the Big Boy By night Pintea was was returned. the managing editor of The next day, Wodillie came in grinning the Morning News paper, like a Cheshire cat, "Good one, huh, Mar? but by day, he was the We really had you going there, didn't we!" Jack Riley '74. Gene Egan, Sport Collins '74, Dan Egan coach of the crew team A few years ago, Elby's brought the Big and a member of the "Wooooooooooooo, the little lady's hot, Boy back and along with him came a show- Mercyhurst board of advisors. I'm out of here!" and away he darted across case of promotional items. I bought a small He was a hard core newsman, the campus. replica of the Big Boy and sent it to the Coach a former police reporter, the I burst into laughter as I watched him as a souvenir of the heist that took place 20 consummate journalist for whom the story head over to the apartments, but I never years earlier. No card seemed necessary. was everything. But he had a great love for cracked a smile in front of him. The Big By that time, he had retired after over 40 the college and its former President Sister Boy heist was safe with me. I didn't tell my years at the paper and from his coaching Carolyn Herrmann, and he turned out to be boss or Kennedy but I immediately called duties at the college. But he remembered a real friend of Mercyhurst, particularly Larie. "You had better get up here, Coach, the heist all right, and echoed Wodillie's when it meant suppressing the shenanigans it was YOUR guys who took the Big Boy!" words in the message of thanks he left on of our first men students. "I knew it!" he roared, "I just knew it!," my voice mail, "Good one, Mar, good This wasn't the first time the pioneer he repeated, laughing hysterically. "Where one!"D men got themselves into a jam. When trou- is it?" ble brewed we could count it as a sure bet: "They have him over in a Sesler apart- Larie's boys would be at the heart of it. Mary Daly '66 is now vice president of external ment." affairs at the college. John Wojdyla '74 lives in By the same accounting, his boys always "Do Garv and Kennedy know? Did you Champ/in. Minn., with his wife. Cathy and two knew they could count on him to run inter- tell them?" Larie needed to know. daughters Megan. 15. and Angle. 14. He's been a car- ference, after all, he was their "Coach." "No, I don't want the guys thinking I rier for Federal Express since 1982. Dave "Sport" And he never let them down. squealed on them. This WILL be the last Collins '74. one of the perpetrators of the Big Boy- I couldn't wait to tell the Coach about straw with Kennedy, he's about had it with heist, became a top salesman and today owns his own this latest escapade, but before picking up them and it's only eight weeks until they company. Alpine Books in Brookfie/d. Wis., where he the phone, 1 said to John, "Wodillie, go tell graduate. lives with his wife. Deborah. John and Dave have your buddies to get that thing out of there. I "Will you please come up here and take remained best friends through the years. Their wives don't know how you got it here and I don't care of things," I pleaded. And then I added, say they have heard about the Big Boy heist more care how you get it back. Just do it before "You won't put it in the paper, will you?" times than they care to remember. you guys get caught. This is serious!"

U ffl 111 E R 9 9 6 19 B Y HD HESS J R

Football Comes Home Since the inception With this decision, the college administration was of the Mercyhurst forced to immediately turn the concept of playing College football pro- games on campus into a reality. The Sisters of gram in 1981, two Mercy granted the college permission to convert facts have remained one of the three athletic fields into a football field, constant. The first is and the board of trustees approved the funding for that the Lakers have the project. Now residential students will no longer played every one of have to travel to "home" Laker football games. With their home games at the field located on the south end of campus, most the 10,000-seatErie students will walk about the same distance they do Veterans' Memorial for classes. Stadium. The second The field will be a modest facility with improve- is that there has ments considered on a yearly basis. A scoreboard, always been constant goalposts, fencing, pressbox and bleachers with a w exploration into the seating capacity of 1,100 will all be part of the field Quarterback Matt Golga '97 concept of playing for the 1996 season. games on campus The Lakers play four home games this season - instead of at the municipal stadium. Robert Morris College on Sept. 7; St. John Fisher There was no reason to think that the 1996 season College on Sept. 28; Monmouth University on Oct. would be any different than the previous 15 years. 5; and the Homecoming game against Gannon Then came the announcement by the Erie School University on Oct. 12. District that the stadium would be closed this fall to all activities due to renovations to its artificial turf.

Lacrosse Goes Division I The Laker lacrosse program begins a new era in it is a great move to take advantage of the NCAA athletics at Mercyhurst and in Erie sports as it trav- single sport provision while developing Mercyhurst els into the uncharted waters of Division I competi- lacrosse as a highly visible sport," Russo said. With tion. Laker lacrosse will be the first sport in the the new Division I status, Laker lacrosse will play local area to ever play exclusively at the Division I teams like Ohio State University and Duke level and be classified as such. University as part of the 1997 spring schedule. But this is just the latest innovation the college Coach Peter Ginnegar has been hired as the new has undertaken in the sport of lacrosse. Mercyhurst head coach of the Laker men's and women's is the first area college to offer women's lacrosse. lacrosse teams. Ginnegar comes to Mercyhurst from The women's varsity squad completed its first sea- Cornell University, where he was the assistant son last spring and the men's lacrosse team will coach of the men's lacrosse and men's soccer teams. make its debut in the spring of 1997. Both of those squads were ranked among the top 10 'The NCAA allows a Division II member, like in the nation, and both garnered spots in the NCAA Mercyhurst, to reclassify in one men's and one playoffs in 1995. women's sport with the exception of football and Ginnegar, who holds a master's degree in athletic basketball." according; to Pete Russo, director of administration from Springfield College, has athletics at the college. "We have petitioned for coached for 16 years on the collegiate level as a reclassification with the NCAA in men's and head coach or assistant. Before his coaching stint at women's lacrosse, and when it is approved, we must Cornell, Ginnegar spent two years as the head coach conform to all Division I requirements for two years of the men's lacrosse team at the University of before the sport is officially certified. That approval California-Santa Barbara. His wealth of coaching is expected in September 1998." experience on the Division I level should lend a Russo said that at the present time the college immediate credibility to Laker lacrosse, the newest does not wish to elevate its entire athletic program varsity sport at Mercyhurst. • to the Division I level, however, lacrosse will give the college a taste of Division I play against high- Eel Hess '92 is the sports information director at Mercyhurst. profile academic and athletic institutions. "We think

20 E R ( V II 0 M T ii u z MI i: mmcn

Lawrence Otis Graham September September 17

17 Lawrence Otis Graham lecture "Harlem on My Mind," 7:30 p.m., TLT The author of 11 nonfictional books and stories on race/ethnic relations, Graham will discuss civil rights and diversity.

23 Squonk Opera, 8 p.m., TLT 29 Quartetto Celato, 2:30 p.m., PAC Featuring an exciting mix of classical favorites, operatic arias, traditional melodies, tangos and gypsy fiddling.

October James Hollis lecture "Psyche and Soul: The Enactments of Soul Yesterday through Myth," 7:30 p.m., TLT October 5 This Zurich-trained Jungian analyst, author and international speaker will discuss mythology and active imagination for those new to the journey of Jungian psychology as well as the experienced traveler. Yesterday...A Tribute to the Beatles, 8:30 p.m., PAC Considered the most authentic, visual and exciting imitation Beatles act to date, this group of "lads" will lead you through the 60s from the mop-top era to Sergeant Pepper.

12 "Hooley," 8:30 p.m., PAC Celebrating the Irish roots of Mercy hurst College, this multi-talented group of musicians, singers, songwriters and dancers will perform traditional Celtic music. New York Wind Soloists October 2 7 15 "Lethal Viruses, Ebola, and The Hot Zone," 7:30 p.m., TLT Colonels Nancy and Jerry Jaax are among the world's leading specialists on "hot" (extremely infectious) viruses and high-hazard biological research.

21 Ceraldine O'Crady, violinist, 8 p.m., TLT 26 Cregory Norbert, guitarist, 7:30 p.m., PAC 27 New York Wind Soloists, 2:30 p.m., PAC Fresh and innovative programming by five well-known solo artists on flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn. The Meeting 30 "The Meeting" (drama), 7:30 p.m., TLT October 30 A powerful drama about the lives, philosophies and times of Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.

November Films for Discussion 1 62 Blue Jeans, Ballet £ Bolero, 8 p.m., PAC Discussion at 7:15 p.m., Featuring unique works by students and faculty of the Mercyhurst Dance Department. Film at 7:30p.m. in the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center Blue Jeans, Ballet £ Bolero, 2:30 p.m., PAC Sept. 18 Percussion Ensemble, 7 p.m., TLT Welcome to the Dollhouse Spotlighting the talents of students of the D'Angelo School of Music. Sept. 25 II Dee Stewart, trombonist, 8 p.m., TLT II Postino (The Postman) Oct. 9 December Shanghai Triad 3 Jeffrey Bimbaum lecture "Madhouse — The Private Turmoil of Oct. 23 Working for the President," 7:30 p.m., TLT Bimbaum provides a fascinating look at the Clinton White House through the years of six top Anne Frank Remembered staffers. Nov. 6 When Night Is Falling PAC — Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center TLT — Taylor Little Theatre Dec. u Crumb For ticket information call (814) 824-3000. Dec. 18 I Shot Andy Warhol • 1 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Mercvhurst PAID NA / \ /K M Erie, PA V Permit No. 10 501 E. 38th St. Erie, PA 16546 Forward and Address Correction

As the fireworks lit the night sky over Mercyhurst College, Dr. David Kruszewski was one of many who couldn't describe the brilliant fire- balls any other way. "Awesome," he said. And he wasn't the only one. "Awesome" was Scott Pohl's description of the celebration during an interview with a local reporter. And the same word was on the lips of those who enjoyed the organ recital by world-class recording artist Hector Olivera. "Awesome," they described him. For the 13th year in Erie and the fifth year in North East, Mercyhurst College welcomed the community to its campuses where the area's largest Independence Day celebrations are held — J at Mercyhurst's Old Fashioned Fourth of July. In addition to providing a place for the Erie and North East commu- nities to come together to celebrate our nation's independence, the Old Fashioned Fourth of July is a splen- did way for visitors to see the beauty of the Mercyhurst grounds. When the bands struck up Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever" launching the fireworks on both campuses, a sea of flags waved on the ball- fields in a salute to Old Glory. It was — you guessed it — awesome.