THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MERCYHURST COLLEGE SINCE 1929 A&E FEATURES Naughty “Miss Journey to the Jean Brodie” tropics with premiers Mercyhurst’s this week Page 9 Page 4 marine biology Vol. 79 No. 5 Mercyhurst College 501 E. 38th St. Erie Pa. 16546 October 19, 2005 THE MERCIAD the faculty, he has no doubts about President McQuillen’s decision. “His decision reflects his genuine concern for the well-being of the col- The recent controversy surrounding lege and his belief that while intended Garvey Park has since settled after the to promote healing, the change would administration said that the park’s name be divisive,” Clemons said. “President will not change to Advent Park. McQuillen also spoke about wanting The decision comes after a four-page to work with the Faculty Senate to Faculty Senate proposal that outlined a promote healing, and we would be rationale to rename Garvey Park. The interested in his proposals and over time Senate considered the name change to may ourselves develop some proposals bring about healing on campus after the – but at this time we have not even met allegations against former President Dr. since his decision.” William P. Garvey arose last year. Many students are siding with the Mercyhurst President Dr. Michael administration’s decision and are happy McQuillen, who made the executive with keeping the name Garvey Park. decision not to change Garvey Park, Junior Kent Waszak says the adminis- said he never was in favor of changing tration decision was the right move. “I the park’s name and made the deci- think that they made the correct deci- sion after speaking with the college’s sion because Garvey has contributed so constituents. much to making this school what it is “Only a fi rm decision was made (not today,” he said. “Changing it when he to change the name) after speaking with leaves over some accusations wouldn’t the Sisters of Mercy, fellow administra- be fair.” tors and the students,” he said. Sophomore Jessica Kocent also sup- McQuillen said he was inspired by ports the decision. “Dr. Garvey did do the student response on the issue after a lot for Mercyhurst, and though he may an all-campus student poll was admin- have made some bad personal decisions, istered two weeks ago by The Merciad. that does not erase his pertinent role in “I am heartened by the number of Mercyhurst’s history.” responses and the student interest,” he Another sophomore, Katie Cahill, said. “The student response seemed shares Kocent’s opinion. “It is an amongst the laymen of the college.” our end, we cannot run with it because the decision to use Advent Commons to be strongly opposed to a name excellent decision on Dr. McQuillen’s Mercyhurst Student Government there is not enough student support,” for the surrounding area. “I have not change.” part,” she said. “Why try to pretend like President Dan Schuler said that in he said. made a decision to deny Advent Com- Faculty Senate President Dr. Randall he was not ever a part of the campus’ response to the overwhelming stu- McQuillen, however, said that even mons,” he said. Clemons said that even though he history? He should still be honored for dent poll results, the council will not though he has decided not to change cannot speak formally on behalf of the things he did here and not tossed continue to pursue the matter. “From the name of Garvey Park, he will table As the Presidential Search comes to a dramatic close, two candidates present their aspirations and plans for the future of Mercyhurst College. On Thursday, Oct. 6, Dr. Thomas Gamble took the stage in the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center to share his vision for Mercyhurst. Healing, hope and growth, were the Mercyhurst College students can feel safe on their campus with the absence of violent crimes and an overall trend toward declining crime statistics. Each October, colleges across the nation are required by law to compile a list of campus crime statistics and make those statis- tics available to the public. In compliance with those re- quirements, Mercyhurst College October 19, 2005 THE MERCIAD PAGE 3 To contact: [email protected] News Driving Under the Infl uence/College Violations 2 Oct 2005 Lewis Closed Referred to other Agency/College Discipline PAGE 4 THE MERCIAD October 19, 2005 FEATURES To contact: [email protected] Biology class takes you to the tropics Research Center, on the rather of the island by going caving. minescent pond, where you By Melissa Jack remote island of San Salvador. This experience was one of will get to swim at night amid Features editor This facility, which used to be the most amazing for me, but it algae that emits light when it is a military base, is now a place was not for the claustrophobic disturbed. It’s already time to register where dozens of scientists from or faint at heart. Two other places you will for winter term classes, and fi ll- around the world come to study However, if you managed to visit is a fossil reef containing ing the core curriculum is high and conduct research. For the make it through the entire circuit giant clam fossils and the Dunn on everyone’s list of priorities. duration of our stay we stayed you were at one point crawling Waterfall, which you will get to Unfortunately, many of these in what used to be barracks, and through a space barely two feet climb. classes that are required are, ate our meals at the communal high to come into a cavern soar- While on Jamaica you will stay more often then not, uninterest- cafeteria. ing high above your head. You at the Hofstra Marine Laborato- ing or boring. Everyday we had the oppor- saw sculptural megaliths in the ry, where you will sleep, eat and This winter term a class is tunity to snorkel at a different stalactites and stalagmites and have class – don’t forget about being offered again that I was coral reef, mostly patch reefs, you were able to experience the class. All of these activities are lucky enough to fi nd out about, which were offshore. In do- water circuit, where the water fun and exciting, but work is also and take advantage of, two years ing this we had the chance was sometimes waste-deep or a requirement. ago: Tropical Marine Biology. to observe and interact with sometimes you would have to Besides what I have already This class only meets once a the environment we had been swim for a short distance. mentioned, you will be res- week during the winter term— learning about. This also gave On another day we swam from posible for a research project. not because it’s a blow-off us the chance to reinforce our shore, about a quarter-mile, to You will be divided into small course—but because all the lost Photo courtesy of Joel Kurtz learning of the organisms by Manhead Cay to go exploring. groups where you will research class-time during the term is Tropical Marine Biology class of 2003-04 boating out to actually seeing them in their This rocky outcrop could barely a topic of your choice. Af- made up in a unique hands-on snorkel at a fringing reef. natural habitat. be called an island; however, ter the research is completed experience in the Bahamas (this After each of these outings it was just big enough to take you will have to write a report year it will be Jamaica) during we were required to write jour- us a couple hours to survey its and present your hypothesis, spring break: 24/7 of putting You will learn about, and fi nally board the plane you can’t nal entries recording the place, entirety. observations and fi nally, your what you learned during the cold begin to appreciate, the balance help but feel excited—what weather conditions, life forms We saw beautiful rock forma- conclusion. winter months to practical use in of these delicate ecosystems and other class offers you the unique seen, behaviors seen, human tions, dramatic drops to the After all is said and done, this the tropics. the plant and animal life that opportunity to learn and then impacts noted and our personal ocean below, crashing waves isn’t your typical college course Once a week you will meet in depends upon it. do? reactions. At night we would on the seaward side and even a requirement, which is why slots the classroom and begin prepar- Much memorization goes into Not only will you get to expe- have class and discuss the day’s small octopus made an appear- are going fast. If you are inter- ing yourself for what you need the class work. You will be ex- rience a new environment and activities, as well as delve deeper ance when it climbed out of the ested, and can’t get in this year, to know to have an intelligent, pected to know various marine culture but, long after you have into the marine ecosystem and water to drag a shelled nerite keep your eyes open next year. wholesome and safe experience and land organisms and their forgotten the lessons taught in its many nuances that we were below for its meal. If you are worried about in the marine environment. scientifi c classifi cations. How- your Asian Cultures, Plant Sci- now face to face with. These two experiences that I cost, it promises a good deal. You will learn about and ex- ever, a great deal of satisfaction ence or Philosophical Inquiry Besides snorkeling everyday have just described will not be Dr.