The Gwynmercian
Volume 63, No. 4
Gwynedd-Mercy College
Gwynedd-Mercy Student Teaching On Apache Reservation
Steven Rufe with students at St. Charles Apache School
By Kimberly Kratz
After completing an internship at the United Nations in New York City, Steven Rufe, a senior education major, headed for his student teaching experience, and boarded a plane to Arizona. Met at the baggage claim by a woman holding a small sign that read “St. Charles School,” Rufe met Sister Georgia Green, principal of St. Charles Apache School. It was Green whom Rufe corresponded to plan his arrival. She was at the airport to take him to San Carlos and the school where he would teach on an Apache Native American Reservation. Rufe had expectations of the poverty he might encounter, based on his service during Alternative Spring break trips to Texas and Ohio, coupled with what he had learned during his U.N. internship, and his trip to Mercy International Centre in Ireland. A few people, he said, told him that he should “expect to see the same types of issues most people in poverty experience.” After working there for nearly a month, Rufe said, “Respectfully…I must sincerely disagree.” Poverty, he learned, manifests itself in the rural reservation of San Carlos much differently from that of New York City. “Although here in San Carlos we have issues like addiction, obesity, and alcohol use, in this rural location we [also] have issues like severe alcoholism [and] extremely limited resources,” said Rufe. “Being from a family that doesn’t have a car, for example, might mean a person might have to walk 10 miles to get groceries.” The challenges of transportation, and obtaining food and water in the desert locale are great concerns, he said. Beyond that, the school sorely lacks materials like: paper, copy books, pencils, tri-folds for Science Fair projects, or snacks for its students. “All of the basics here at San Carlos are NOT basics. If a student comes to school with clean clothes they are considered lucky,” Rufe said. Unlike the city that never sleeps, San Carlos is located about a two hour drive east of Phoenix, with “a simple grocery store and post office located along the main highway that runs through the reservation,” Rufe said. Beyond that, “The nearest grocery store is a 15 minute drive. The nearest small city with restaurants and a Wal-Mart is a 40 minute drive.” Shocked, Rufe thought, “Here, in America? Someone has to walk an hour to get groceries? Here, in America?” In an area completely lacking public transportation, he said, “This is when I first realized the difference between
rural and urban/suburban poverty.” It is out of this extreme poverty, however, that Rufe experienced mercy first hand. One Saturday, Sister Ann, his co-op teacher, drove him to see some Arizona sights. Along the way, there were two men hitchhiking. “To my surprise, she immediately, without hesitation, pulled over to pick them up,” Rufe said. “In her face I noticed a calming, loving, and caring presence.” It appeared to him that she was unconcerned of any potential danger of picking up the strangers. He added, “in my short time here at San Carlos: I noticed what I imagined Catherine McAuley’s face to look like when she first founded the Sisters of Mercy, and when she was working with the poor in Dublin, Ireland.” In a letter of reflection for Easter, Rufe wrote, “Coming to San Carlos, Arizona has perhaps been the most personally challenging experiences of my short life so far; although I’ve been challenged in ways that I really hadn’t anticipated before, I have also been rewarded.” The burgeoning teacher continued, “Earning the trust of the students I work with and having them learn from me as I learn from them has been exciting and more fulfilling than any other experience I have had in the classroom.” Watching the students, whose daily struggles are great, learn new tasks, “makes every single part of the challenge of San Carlos go away. It brings a smile to the child’s face as wide as a crescent moon, and when I stop looking at it on their face, I realize I have the same exact expression on my face,” said Rufe. Gwynedd-Mercy’s Dean of Education, Sandra Mangano, said that Rufe noticed “his passion and his skill for understanding the degrees of poverty that he might see.” Many students at Gwynedd-Mercy, even those on scholarship, she said, don’t see or seek out places of poverty in which to immerse themselves, and “a lot don’t even want to student teach in Philadelphia.” Rufe isn’t sure where his passion might ultimately lie, but after forming relationships with the children at the school in San Carlos, it may be a challenge for him to leave. But Mangano believes he will carry his experience with him and use it well. “He is a very special young man. He walks the walk and talks the talk,” she said. In a few weeks, Rufe will leave San Carlos and the Apache Native American Reservation to come back to Gwynedd-Mercy for graduation. In the fall he will attend Columbia University where he has been accepted into the Master’s Program in International Education Development. “When I entered GMC, I had this vision of becoming a classroom teacher and marrying the woman of my dreams and moving into a nice house in Suburban Philadelphia,” said the Schwenksville native. “As a result of my experiences at GMC, I have been challenged to take a step back and look at the world through a larger lens. I had to look at my life and realize that in order to be happy and fulfilled, I had to move into another area of education: International Education,” he added. Rufe’s exposure to the world beyond Gwynedd Valley has made him more aware and engendered a sense of responsibility. Dean Mangano said she believes in his potential to one day become an ambassador. “I believe I have the support, knowledge, and means to make some impact on the field of education at an international level,” concluded Rufe.
May 2012
New S@C Executive Council Elected, Taylor President
By Daniel Freed
It’s the election season here in Gwynedd Valley. Although the presidential primaries are garnering all the headlines, Gwynedd-Mercy also saw a round of elections, including the S@C executive council, who recently held their elections for the 2012-2013 school year. With three officers graduating, S@C had big holes to fill, but the club is confident that the new officers will be more than capable of leading S@C. “I’m so thankful that the members of S@C believe in me to lead them in the year ahead,” said newly elected president Kate Taylor. As the new president, Taylor will be responsible for running general meetings, directors meetings, and conducting training sessions with other members of the executive council. Taylor made it clear that she will be open to comments and criticism from otherstudents. “I definitely want to hear from all of the students on campus, find out which events are ranked highest and lowest,” she said. “I want to make next year a memorable one for both S@C members and all other GMC students.” Other executive council members include vice president Erin Walter, treasurer Steven Hull, secretary Matt Agos, and communication liaison Michael Czerwonka.
A Phanatical Afternoon At Gwynedd
By Cassie Towler
Philly sports fans were pleasantly surprised when walking out of St. Bernard’s on April 18th. The Philly Phanatic greeted members of the GMC community with hugs and high fives. He posed for photographs with students and faculty, while Parkhurst provided hot dogs and refreshments. The Phanatic showed up fashionably late to his 1:30 p.m. appearance. “He is a celebrity, what do you expect?” asked public safety officer Steve. Public safety was on hand during his entire appearance in order to protect the Philly icon. “It was cool to see the Phanatic at Gwynedd. He brightened up my day and it was funny to see him try to use the grill and cook hotdogs,” said Ryan Conner. “The Phanatic was so loveable and cute. It was so exciting to have such a big celebrity come to our campus,” said Kaitlan Heaton. The Phanatic amused the crowd made up of students, faculty, and staff by dancing, cheering, and even helping cook the hot dogs. The Philly icon also showed support to other Philadelphia sports teams by clapping and cheering any time he saw a student wearing Flyers apparel. Public safety made sure the Philly Phanatic had a safe and enjoyable experience here at Gwynedd-Mercy College.
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Gwynedd-Mercy College
May 2012
Gwynedd-Mercy Graduate Watch Out: GMC’s Making A Positive Contribution New Resident Far From Campus Director Is A Ninja
By Beth Harrison
Many Gwynedd-Mercy College students usually choose any job, internship, or volunteer opportunities that is located near them. But one GMC graduate selected a volunteer path very far away from Gwynedd Valley to experience a new environment while helping others. Paris Adolphus, who is a 2010 Gwynedd-Mercy College graduate, decided to become an Americorps State and National volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club in Fairbanks, Alaska. “So far, it has been better than I could’ve ever imagined,” he said, “This is possibly one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life.” During his days at GMC, Adolphus strengthened his interest to help others, but didn’t know where that compassionate service would take him. “I was introduced to the Americorps program by John Farley, a Campus Ministry employee at Gwynedd-Mercy College,” said Adolphus. “I remember I spoke to him before my first Alternative Spring Break trip, and he told me how he served for Americorps and how it made him a better person.” His conversation with Farley made a big impact on his life. “That conversation always stuck with me as I looked at Americorps as an option for what I could do post-Gwynedd,” said Adolphus. Even though Adolphus has dealt with harsh temperatures of -30ºF and -40ºF during the dark winter months, Alaska was intriguing to him. “Ever since I was in high school, I had the desire to leave Pennsylvania and live in another state that wasn’t on the east coast,” he said. “I was given the choice of taking an Americorps position in either Arizona or Alaska. Since I already visited Arizona with my family in high school, I decided to take the position in Alaska.” Adolphus helps the Boys and Girls Club with their daily operations. “That basically includes doing paperwork, writing grants, finding donations for the club, organizing fundraising opportunities, planning events for the kids, and helping to tutor the kids,” he said. Besides his tasks at the Boys and Girls Club, Adolphus serves at an organization called Joel’s Place, which is a skateboard park for youth in the community. “My duties for Joel’s Place are more limited; I only help fundraise for certain events for them,” he said. So far, Adolphus enjoys all of the work he’s doing in Alaska. “The organization I am working with is fantastic. My supervisors and co-workers are amazing. The kids are full of energy,” he said, “I’m learning a lot of different things from this experience that I can use later on in life.” When Adolphus became involved with various opportunities at GMC, it was easy for him to be positively influenced by service. His involvement with Resident Life, Student Government, the Black Student Union, and the Biology program certainly helped him learn leadership skills and confidence in himself. But Adolphus pays special tribute to one part of GMC that has really helped him grow.
Paris Adolphus outside Keiss Hall “Finally, and possibly most importantly, Campus Ministry gave me the experience and opportunities to work with youth during my tenure at Gwynedd,” he said. “After working with the Mercy Mentors program and going on two Alternative Spring Break trips, I gained the experience that helped put me in the position I am in today.” All of his experiences provided clarity for his decision to volunteer in Alaska. Adolphus encourages all students to become involved not just in campus activities, but with Career Services’ offerings. “When I graduated, they were fantastic, and I urge everyone to take advantage of their services to learn about different opportunities,” he said. “If I didn’t get involved, I would not be here in Alaska,” said Adolphus when reflecting on his exposure to campus clubs and organizations, “It’s never too late to join stuff that’s happening on campus.” Besides working hard through volunteering, he takes time to enjoy Alaska’s natural wonders. One of the most impressive things about Alaska is the Aurora Borealis, which Adolphus was really excited to recently witness. He is also looking forward to summer days with 24 hours of constant daylight. Adolphus’ story just proves that he has grown to become Gwynedd-Mercy College’s shining example of this quote—“Shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
Gwynedd-Mercy graduate Paris Adolphus now works for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Fairbanks, Alaska
By Raymond Friend
Jennifer Fransen, Main Complex’s new Resident Director, is a ninja. “I was trained by an Israeli ex-special forces member since I was four,” said Fransen. “Tae kwon do, muay thai, kick-boxing, and krav-maga. I don’t really like to brag about it, because I’m just blessed. But they have come in handy once or twice.” Does she have your attention yet? She should. If the fact that Fransen can be routinely compared to the Japanese shadow warriors of old is not compelling, then her versatile background should be rousing enough. “I studied archy-torture until my senior year,” said Fransen, warmly recalling her days of study in architecture. “Then in my senior year I switched to public administration.” It was also in Fransen’s senior year that she became an R.A; an experience which she said “changed her life.” It was this experience that led her to Temple after graduating, where she worked as the Resident Director for three and a half years. “Temple was interesting, to say the least. A whole different ball-game from Gwynedd-Mercy. I am used to looking out my window and seeing cars and people. Now I look out my window and I see deer. Lots of deer. There was like a heard of them hanging around the other day, and it freaked me out.” Despite the deer and many twists and turns that have led Fransen to Gwynedd-Mercy, she remains firm in her beliefs. “I believe in destiny, honestly; and even though it’s been challenging at times, God put this in my life for a reason. So I’m here to make a difference.” In Fransen’s capable hands go the tasks of managing “one-on-0nes”–individual meetings with R.As that are akin to status reports–enforcing residence hall policies, maintenance requests for each floor, staff development, and resident mediation. Fortunately for students, not only are these tasks being put into the hands of a ninja, but they are also in the hands of one who has accepted this job as a personal calling. A testament to that loyalty are the words which she has tattooed on her wrist as an inspirational guide– “Devocion and fides.” Latin for devotion and faith
Want weekly news on what’s going on around campus? View the “Gwynedd Now” news website at gwyneddnow.org. “Like” Gwynedd Now on Facebook!
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Gwynedd-Mercy College
May 2012
Gwynedd-Mercy’s Cassano Garners Griffin Track Multiple Weekly Baseball Awards Teams Dominate In Home Meet
By Cara McArdle
Gwynedd-Mercy College sophomore baseball player Dante Cassano (Cherry Hill, N.J./ Cherry Hill East) earned weekly honors this week from Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) and Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). Cassano was named the CSAC Baseball Hitter of the Week after having quite impressive statistics. He batted .600 (9-for-15) with 11 RBIs. Over half of his hits went for extra bases. He picked up additional honors this week being named the ECAC Division III South Region Baseball Hitter of the Week. On Monday vs. Centenary, he was 1-for-1 with two runs scored and three RBIs (a two-run single and sacrifice fly), with two walks. In Friday’s series opener vs. Immaculata, he went 3-for-5 with three RBIs including a double and a triple. Gwynedd beat Immaculata 9-2. The next day, they played a double header at Immaculata University. In the first game, Cassano was 2-for-3 with an RBI. He scored the game winning run in the seventh inning by hitting a triple. The Griffins won the
Gwynedd-Mercy now offers a minor in Communication! A minor in Communication is a great addition to any major and will be beneficial to your job hunt! Contact Janis Chakars at chakars.j@gmc.edu for more information.
game 3-2. In the second game, he smashed a three-run homer in the first inning, helping to contribute to the Griffins win over Immaculata. He went 2-for-3 overall in the game, including a double. Gwynedd defeated Immaculata 4-3 to sweep the weekend 3 game series. So far in the season Cassano leads the team in batting (.390), slugging pct. (.581), doubles (9), triples (4), and extra-base hits. The sophomore has driven in 26 runs, scored 24, and has 10 walks. “I’m proud of myself. I have been working hard and I plan to keep playing well. I want our team to make it back to the CSAC championship game as we did last year, but only take the title,” said Cassano
Gwynedd has only 6 conference games left and they need to keep playing well to ensure they clench a spot in the playoffs. They are 6 and 6 in the conference after having a tough early schedule. The Griffins open up a weekend series with Philadelphia Biblical University on Friday at 3 p.m. on Gwynedd’s home field.
New Volleyball Coach Brings Hope To Griffins
By Cara McArdle
After this past women’s volleyball season, head coach Rich Comly resigned. He resigned for professional reasons, mainly pertaining to the club organization that he runs outside of Gwynedd-Mercy College. Comly was the Head Volleyball Coach from 20072011. He coached here for 5 seasons and in those 5 seasons the Griffins never made it to the playoffs. The new head volleyball coach, Tim Kilian, plans to change the familiar cycle of the past 5 seasons. Kilian officially got the job as head coach on Monday, March 26th. Kilian was an assistant coach at Holy Family University in 2009 and he was the head coach at Archbishop Wood High School from 2002-2005. He runs USA volleyball camps and clinics throughout the summer. He is also an event coordinator for East Coast Volleyball. “The reasons why he was hired was for his extensive experience coaching at the high school, college and club volleyball level and Tim has a great history of having very successful teams,” said athletic director Keith Mondillo. With Kilian’s connections through club volleyball, he can start recruiting immediately for Gwynedd’s volleyball team. The Griffins only have 6 or 7 returning players for this upcoming season. “We are all excited to get a new coach with new techniques and outlooks on the game. We all have really good chemistry as a team, we just need that little extra something that is going to push us to be better and we are all hoping that this new coach will be that piece we need,” said returning senior Ariana Richards. Kilian plans to rebuild the women’s volleyball program and definitely plans to make it to the playoffs this upcoming season. The last year the Griffins were in the championship was 2005 and he plans to change that. Ariana Richards hopes the same with the help of their new coach. “I am hoping that as a team we can win more than 5 games and maybe go to the playoffs; also we want to start to make a name for the Gwynedd volleyball team, because as of right now, there is none.” With a new head coach and players that are willing to put in the hard work and dedication Gwynedd-Mercy’s volleyball team looks to have a promising upcoming season.
By Justin Nelson
In a field of over 400 local athletes, it was only right for Gwynedd-Mercy to succeed at home in the Third Annual GMC Midweek Twilight Invitational. GwyneddMercy College played host to 10 different schools in the event held Thursday, April 12th. The Griffins came out on top of seven different events, while finishing at least in the top five in most of the other events. The arena was filled with students and parents alike, showing their support to the Gwynedd-Mercy athletes. Junior Justin Turner was also happy with the turnout, saying, “This was a tremendous event. Our fans came out and showed a lot of support and helped us do so well at this meet.” The first 1st place finish for the Griffins was the women’s relay team of senior Lauren Brown (Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury), sophomore Jasmine Pugh (Coatesville, Pa./Coatesville), senior Khaliah Darden (Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury), and sophomore Brittany Hill (Tamaqua, Pa./Tamaqua) who took home the 4 X 100 title in a time of 49.87. In the 800 meter run, sophomore Danielle McCloskey (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Carroll) finished first with a time of 2:25.33. Freshman Holly McGarrity (Philadelphia, Pa./St. Basil) finished in third place in this event. Senior Katherine Klinges (Philadelphia, Pa./St. Hubert) was the final first-place finisher on the women’s side, winning the 5000 meter run in a time of 18:37.38, while sophomore Colleen Dalton (Philadelphia, Pa./Nazareth Academy) finished fourth in the race. The 5000 meter run also featured GMC alum Alycia Tranchitella. The team of freshman Emily Creighton (Springfield, Pa./Cardinal O’Hara), sophomore Danielle McCloskey (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Carroll), Pugh, and senior Carissa Reh (New Oxford, Pa./Delone Catholic) finished second in the 4 X 400 meter relay race. Creighton also finished in second place in the 1500 meter run. Other top five finishers included sophomore Alyssa Figueroa (Sewell, N.J./Gloucester Tech), who finished second in the 100 meter hurdles (16.99) and third in the pole vault (2.75 meters). Senior Amanda Price (Schuylkill Haven, Pa./Blue Mountain) finished second in the javelin, with a best mark of 33.80 meters. On the men’s side, the 4×400 relay team composed of sophomore Nick Keba (Bensalem, Pa./Archbishop Ryan), and Thomas Kelly (Lawrenceville, N.J./Lawrenceville), and seniors Matt VanDenHengel (Mechanicsburg, Pa./ Cumberland Valley), and Anthony Adams (Philadelphia, Pa./Archbishop Ryan) captured the top spot at a time of 3:20.78. VanDenHengel was also the victor in the 1500, at 4:04.36. Sophomore Brett Kubiak (Philadelphia, Pa./Milton Hershey) finished right behind him in second place at 4:05.24. Adams and Keba were also competed in the 400 meter dash, where Adams finished second in a time of 49.55 and Keba was third in 50.00. Justin Turner (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee) had a huge day, capturing the high jump title for the third consecutive year at this event as well as coming in first place in the long jump. Junior Sam Keliojor (Norristown, Pa./Norristown) finished second in the 200 meter and fourth overall in the 100. “I did okay… I know I could have performed a lot better than what I did, but all in all, I’m satisfied,” said Keliojor. In the 5000 meter run, junior Tyler Rooke (Coventry, Ct./East Catholic) placed second overall. The race also featured GMC alums Dan Geary, Mike Pflueger, R.J. Every, and John Watts. Geary also made a statement in his return to GMC with a victory in the 800.
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Gwynedd-Mercy College
Q and A with Griffin Basketball Player Brian Reid
By Justin Nelson
When a collegiate athlete plays his or her last game, it is like they are leaving a part of themselves behind on the court or the field. For many of these players, they have been playing a sport for most of their lives and to see it come to an end can be a painful event. This winter, senior Brian Reid stepped onto the basketball court to play his last ever college basketball game. Reid’s time here at Gwynedd-Mercy has not been exactly what he expected, but he says that he will miss playing at the college level. In a Q and A session with The Gwynmercian, Reid revealed what it felt like to be a collegiate athlete. Q: Coming out of high school, you were a highly touted prospect after averaging over 20 points your senior year. What was the biggest difference between high school and college? Reid: “When I got here, the level of competition was a lot higher than I expected, seeing as it is a Division 3 school.” Q: So before you arrived, you thought you were going to be one of the best players here? Reid: “Yes.” Q: What was the first play that made you think that this was whole different ball game? Reid: “During the first open gym, I was on a fast break and I thought I had an easy fast break layup and then this kid blocked my shot from behind out of nowhere.” Q: When you where injured your junior year, how did that affect your game going forward? Reid: “I felt like I fell behind everyone else. My progress was slowed and I always had to play catch-up to the other players.”
Q: Do you feel like this affected your playing time afterwards? Reid: “I think it was like a crutch over my head, it was like the coaches would think I wasn’t playing well solely because of the injury.” Q: When you were in your 4th year here, there was a lot of turbulence and you ended up quitting the team. Describe to me what happened in this situation. Reid: “I wasn’t getting any playing time and I felt as though I was wasting my time at practice busting my ass every day, even though the coach said if you work hard in practice, you will get playing time. After getting aggravated day after day, I started losing love for the game and I did not want that to happen, so I left the team.” Q: You still had eligibility left in your fifth year and the decision was made to put you back on the team. How did this come about? A: “Coach Barron contacted me and brought me into the office and asked me if I wanted to rejoin the team and help out as much as I could in the locker room.” Q: What made you agree? A: “I missed playing at such a high level…I played in recreational leagues and it just wasn’t the same.” Q: In your final game at home on senior night, you had one of the best games of your career as a Griffin. Describe how it felt to go out with such a bang. A: “I knew that I was going to get to start that night, so I just took that game like any other game. All I really wanted to do was put a show on for my family because that was the only thing important about that night…and of course for my girlfriend, Kristy McGrath!”
Students Aspire To Ride Public Safety, Parkhurst Golf Carts
By Cassie Towler
Public Safety is bombarded by questions from members of the GMC community on a daily basis. While this is not surprising, the most commonly asked question might be. “We are constantly asked by students for rides on the golf cart, almost more than any other question,” said public safety officer Joe Alley. Public safety uses their golf cart to drive around campus during nice weather, and to check cars in parking lots and write tickets. “Ever since I came to Gwynedd-Mercy it has always been my dream to ride on public safety’s golf cart,” said senior Gina Pelullo. This sentiment is reflected by many students on campus when walking to class early in the morning. “I am always jealous when walking to class early in the morning. When you are sleepy it is hard to not wish you could just hitch a ride,” said Kaitlan Heaton. The dining service at the college, Parkhurst, also has golf carts that are used to transport food and supplies across campus. The public safety golf carts can be distinguished from the Parkhurst golf carts because of the flashing blue light. “I used to ride them when I was with Parkhurst. They were fantastic. I got in trouble a couple times joyriding. Nearly flipped one,” said Ray Friend. Student safety is one of the main reasons public safety usually does not allow students to ride on the golf cart. According to the American Journal of Preventative Medicine an estimated 147,696 individuals were treated
for golf cart related injuries in a period of a year. Despite the risk, a few lucky individuals occasionally get to ride alongside public safety when they patrol the campus.
May 2012
5, 10, 15, 20 Second Rule?
By Meredith Weir
Next time you drop a piece of food on the ground, on principle, leave it there an extra 15-20 seconds. The five second rule, almost as well known as the Golden Rule, states, that as long as you pick up your food within 5seconds of it falling on the ground it is still good to eat. In reality, you have more like 20-25 seconds. Research experiments were conducted by GwyneddMercy College microbiology students. The results they obtained were all fairly similar. Students dropped an apple on the ground, picked it up one second after it fell, and recorded the growth on an agar plate overnight. The same technique was completed picking up a piece of apple after it had been on the floor for 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, and 60 seconds. The results indicated no difference in the amount of bacteria observed on the apple from 1-20 seconds. After 20 seconds there was a spike in the amount of bacteria. The five second rule has been around for a long time. 47 year-old Gwynedd-Mercy student Maggie Hossler remembers when she was young, “my brothers picked up cookies I had accidentally dropped on the ground and them being like ‘what, five second rule’ when I made a gross face at them.” Younger students at Gwynedd still practice this age old rule in front of Griffin Grounds Café in Keiss Hall. After seeing Ryan Malloy drop his unwrapped bagel on the ground, I had to ask why he picked it up. “It is still good, they vacuum up here all the time, plus it was only there for a couple of seconds,” he replied. Many people do not realize the amount of bacteria that is on our food even before it is dropped on the ground. Bacteria found on food are actually a lot of the same bacteria that already exists in our digestive tract to help break down food. “Personally I think it is gross to eat off the floor,”said Richard Coletta, a former microbiology professor, “but in hindsight it is not necessarily bad for you.” The experiment conducted in this class was used to demonstrate bacteria is everywhere and it is not always bad for you. In fact, a lot of bacteria are good for you. Though it probably is not worth it to drop your food on purpose it is worth noting the importance of bacteria. The natural flora that exists in your body aides our digestive tract in breaking down food, helps with nutrient absorption, produces many key vitamins, and many even prevent diseases. Bacteria are usually the cause of colds, stomach aches, and sore throats. However, without some of these bacteria, even the ones found on the ground, any people would have ulcer colitis, or Crohn’s disease. These two gastrointestinal diseases result in poor digestion and severe damage to the small and/or large intestine. These types of disease are much more complex; however the solution is rather simple. Patients with these diseases need more bacteria in their stomach, so fecal transplants from a family member or donor can help restore the health of their digestive tract and get them feeling better soon. If your food drops on the floor, there will be bacteria on it. Just realize it is the same bacterium that already exists in your stomach, small, and large intestine.
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Gwynedd-Mercy College
May 2012
GMC Graduate Hopes To Make It Big In Sports Announcing
The Sisters of Mercy (courtesy of LowToneMedia)
The Sisters of Mercy (no, not those Sisters) Wrap Up Australian Tour
By Kimberly Kratz
The Sisters of Mercy, a band with a pop-dance-industrial sound, has just completed the February/March SoundWave Festival 2012 tour of Australia. Accompanying sister headline acts such as System of A Down, Lamb Of God, Raised Fist, Angels & Airwaves and Versaemerge, The Sisters of Mercy maintained popularity particularly in Europe, especially in England and Germany since the 80s. One of eleven headliners at the multi-stage festival included the cities of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. In addition to the five-city tour, multiple “sidewave” events kept the Aussies entertained at theaters nearby the larger venues. Beverly Duncan, fan of the band’s MySpace page offered her review of The Sisters of Mercy Brisbane performance, saying, “Great show at SoundWave Saturday, dry ice was a bit blinding tho!” There have been a few U.S. tours over the years; their most recent Philadelphia appearance in October of 2008 at the Trocadero. Clearly aware of the existence of “our” Sisters of Mercy, the band is, according to its “Frequently Asked Questions (of the slightly less boring kind),” often asked whether the Sisters are religious or spiritually-minded. Their answer: “No. We’ve read theology, just as we’ve read humanist philosophy and political economics,
because we’re sentient beings, but we have no spiritual agenda whatsoever. And we’re not remotely interested in darkling or new-age stuff.” So there’s hope for a potential conversion anyway, at least religiously. Whether you find their music appealing is an individual choice. Someone in the band cares enough about human rights to include a link to Amnesty International. And if it’s not ironic, it’s at least comical that none of the band members are female. An email request for further comment from the band bounced, so they are either too popular or they mean what they say on their contact form: “All complaints, suggestions, fatuous requests, and enquiries to devnull, because we’re not interested.” In the 2009 MTV interview, while on tour in South America, lead singer Andrew Eldritch said, “It’s an unfortunate fact these days that everybody turns out to a concert with a camera phone. I don’t really know why they’re there much like yourselves, except just to film it.” Continuing he adds, “It doesn’t replace actual records. It’s a kind of parallel universe of bad sound and bad pictures.” Finding out that The Sisters of Mercy is both a pop band and those of Catherine McAuley’s ilk only serves to reinforce the parallel universe idea. Senior English major Ashley Scheiber was surprised that there is a band with this name, saying, “Really? That’s so cool!”
Gwynedd Senior Proposes OutsideThe-Box Idea For Senior Present
By Raymond Friend
Gwynedd-Mercy senior Brandon Ellis wants to have a statue built to donate to the school for the senior’s present. It would be a rather extravagant gift. But it would not commemorate any of the school’s values, nor any of the figures who have come to define the school’s principles, such as Catherine McAuley. Nor would it even commemorate the alumni who have often given millions of dollars to Gwynedd-Mercy. It would be a statue of Brandon Ellis, engraved with his most used catchphrase: “HEY GIRL!” “I’ve endured three long years at Gwynedd-Mercy,” said Ellis. “I should have acknowledgement. And Gwynedd-Mercy should be left with something inspirational.” Despite such a grandiose demand, his logic was supported by a sound argument. Ellis boasts an outstanding GPA, a lengthy list of extra-curricular activities (from Psych Club all the way to Cheerleading), and a petition
that has garnered nearly one-hundred signatures. “I practically wear GMC on my heart,” said Ellis. And many of his peers have noticed during his time on campus. “I think Brandon is one of the greatest people at this school,” said student Vicki Clarke. “He fosters communication between faculty and students and he’s not afraid to go the extra mile.” As you may suspect, there is opposition. “It is unrealistic,” said fellow senior Layla AbdulNuwr. “The school doesn’t recognize students in that way.” “What does Brandon have to do with Gwynedd-Mercy College?” asked senior Ashley Bristow. “What kind of random stuff is that?” It is unlikely that Ellis will receive his statue; however, he is known to “go the extra mile.” And with support on his petition now coming from security, staff, and faculty, there is no telling whether his likeness will be immortalized on school’s grounds or not.
By Rob Gregor
How many people can say that they announced professionally for a World Series champion? Not many. However, one Gwynedd-Mercy College alum has the privilege of saying that he has. Jim Casey, a resident of Cheltenham, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia, chose to attend Gwynedd-Mercy College after his high school career at Roman Catholic High School. As a sports management major, Casey began announcing games at Gwynedd-Mercy in the fall of his junior year, after picking up an internship with sports information director Chris Panter. Almost immediately it was evident that Casey would be the announcer for the vast majority of sporting events that would take place at Gwynedd-Mercy. “I remember going to the soccer games my freshman year and thinking to myself ‘for being at GMC, this announcer isn’t half bad,’” said now junior GMC student Tom Watts. “Honestly, I wouldn’t expect more than a computer generated voice announcing some names at games at GMC. It was a refreshing change.” Upon graduating from Gwynedd-Mercy College in 2011, Casey accepted an internship announcing for the Camden River Sharks. “The River Sharks was a great experience. How many people can say the announced a World Series champion in Pedro Feliz? It got me a lot of experience in professional commentating,” said Casey about his experience. Just a reminder for those who may have forgotten, Feliz was the starting third baseman for the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies championship team. Now that the internship is over, Casey is constantly searching for opportunities to announce, in hoping to make it big one day. “I hope to get back into announcing soon. I just finished up play by play announcing for Rosemont College’s men’s and women’s basketball so I’m always looking around for more opportunities,” he said. “I hope he makes it big one day,” said GMC junior Justin Keith. “It would really look good for the school. It would prove to people that you can succeed with a little hard-work and perseverance. “ While Casey is on the hunt for the his next big break, Gwynedd-Mercy College is about to have another class of graduates out in the real world. The real question: who will get the next big opportunity to do great things?
Want to write for The Gwynmercian, or learn more information? Contact freed.d@gmc.edu or rodriguez.a1@ gmc.edu
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Griffin Take 10: Student Edition
By Daniel Freed
Have you ever seen a familiar face around campus and wanted to know more about the person? Well, now is your chance to get to know the people in your neighborhood. Griffin Take 10 is a feature in which The Gwynmercian spotlights outstanding individuals in the GwyneddMercy community with short, 10 question profiles. This edition’s featured student is former Gwynmercian editor Beth Harrison.
5.) Favorite Food? Chicken and Potatoes.
6.) Favorite TV Show or Movie? The Hot Chick.
1.) What Clubs/Activi7.) Favorite Sport? ties/Sports are you Tennis involved in? Communication Club, Student Activities 8.) Favorite GMC Committee (S@C), Student Advisory Board for the School of Arts & Sciences, Memory? Sigma Phi Sigma, Orientation Leaders, “Let Your Light Shine Retreat.”
Wow, there are so many of them to narrow down, but my favorite would have to be the opportunity to participate in the Dublin Pilgrimage this past August.
2.) What is your major and what do you like best about it? 9.) What are your plans Communication; I like how creative I can be with various projects, and the fact for after school? that even though the program is only in its second year at GMC, we’re always expanding on ideas to help it grow and attract people’s interests to the communication field
I am doing at least one internship with a professional development group, and possibly another one with a non-profit organization over the summer. Then we’ll see where life takes me.
3.) Favorite Non-Major 10.) What is one thing Class? you’ll miss the most My favorite non-major class was the Psychology of Fitness and Motivation which after you graduate? was taught by Rebecca Krause.
4.) What’s your favorite song? “The Heart of Life” by John Mayer and “Feel the Tide” by Mumford & Sons.
I’ll really miss all of my friends that will still be studying here, especially all of the communication majors, since we basically became one big happy family
May 2012
A Word From The Wise: Slow Down!
By Katie Starrantino
“I just provoke them, I guess”, my Grandpa sighs. He’s telling me about the younger people on the road who honk at him and drive up so close to him that he eventually decides to pull over and get out of their way. I shift uncomfortably in my seat, not only because I feel an overwhelming sense of anger at the rude drivers who force my Grandpa off the road but also because I am slowly realizing I, myself, am one of those young people who is always in such a rush. Eye-opening moments like these have become commonplace for me. I chose to present my Psychology Capstone project on what younger generations can learn from the “more seasoned” generations, and so, every Friday since the end of January, I have been spending a few hours a week at my grandparents house. We talk about life, love, loss, friendships, family and the best and worst parts of growing older. One hour turns into three as I find myself asking more and more questions. The best part of my work on this capstone project is the personal growth I have seen in myself. These moments are precious to me because I know that the lessons I learn on Friday’s at my Grandparent’s house are lessons I cannot learn from lectures or textbooks. My grandparents taught me that when it comes to love, you cannot change a person, but you can bring out the best in them. They stressed that a successful marriage is about things being “ours” not “mine” or “yours.” Problems are “our problems”, joys are “our joys”. While discussing the painful topic of loss, something my grandparents know all too well, they opened up about losing both of their children. My Grandmom told me that loss “never goes away, but it feels differently after time”. The pain becomes more bearable and spirituality can be helpful for those who are struggling with a loss. I questioned my grandparents about the best and worst parts of getting older. My Grandmom confided that you have more time, but things also take more time to complete. You are unable to do things you once enjoyed. When I asked my Grandmom if missing out on things makes her upset, she responds, “Kate, life itself can make you upset. It can upset you when you are 16, when you are 32, when you are 55, but only if you let it. There’s a lot of good in life and things that aren’t so good, well you have to accept it”! As I sit at the kitchen table, listening intently to my grandparents, I feel honored. Honored to have such wonderful, beautiful people in my life. Honored to be learning from them. I realize that not all college students my age have their grandparents and I am thankful to have the opportunity to learn from them. Many people in the younger generations are in such a rush. We are the people pushing people like my Grandpa off the road. Such a large percentage of us do not appreciate the elderly. We look at them as a hindrance instead of realizing all the help they are capable of giving us. The time I spent with my Grandparents during the course of this project has been so meaningful to me. The things I have learned from then are lessons I will take with me. I hope that this article encourages the younger generation to slow down! Slow down and enjoy the things I talked to my grandparents about, like, love, friendship and family. Slow down and take the time to listen to older adults, you may just learn something!
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GMC Students Irked By Strict Red Cross Donation Rules
By Jim Coyle
Earlier this semester, the American Red Cross returned to Gwynedd for another year of collecting donations from students. As a charitable organization, The Red Cross is dedicated to “alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors,” thus improving the lives of those in need. However, there are some here at Gwynedd who feel left out, due to donating stringent requirements. “I know they have to take precautions,” says junior Erin Corbe “But I’d still like give blood.” Corbe, who was turned down because of a recent tattoo, says that she feels neglected. However, she’s not alone. Migdalia Brito, who was denied unfit because of height and weight requirements, agrees with Corbe’s statements. “How can they reject free blood? I’d think that if they were in really desperate need of it, they’d take whatever
they can get. How can they be so picky?” According to the American Red Cross, the reason that so many students are rejected is due to a number of safety precautions set in place to protect not only the recipients of these transfusions, but the donors as well. In the case of tattoos, according to their website, “The American Red Cross request that donors wait 12 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities.” This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. Others however are more understanding of the Red Cross’s need for precautions. “I think it’s important that they’re looking out for our safety,” says Ella Kibler, who was denied twice for having low iron counts. “There are a lot of organizations out there that are only worried about themselves; it’s nice to see an organization with such compassion.” For more info on eligibility requirements please visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/eligibilityrequirements.
The Experience Of A Lifetime: Two Gwynedd-Mercy Students Headed To National Political Convention
By Bri Virginio
We’ve all heard the saying “there is always a first time for everything.” For GMC students Dan Freed and Deige Bencardino, a very exciting first time experience is coming their way this August as they travel to Tampa, Florida for the Republican National Convention. “This is something completely new to me and it’s honestly probably going to be a once in a lifetime experience, “said Freed. “I’m so blessed and honored to be going to the convention.” Not only will this two week convention give Freed and Bencardino a great opportunity to get a first-hand look at the political process, but it will also be something they can say they were personally picked to attend. Out of all the students at Gwynedd, these two were specially nominated and selected by faculty to attend this convention. These two students will be participating in this convention through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. “This will be a new experience for me. I have no real political experience, but I think it should go well,” said Bencardino. This national political convention will give these two students a first-hand experience of the process of nominating and electing a party’s candidate to run for president of the United States. Freed and Bencardino will learn from experts and be on the convention floor during many of the events. The program offers students an experience to see the convention from behind the scenes through the combination of formal instruction, guest lectures, panels, tours, site visits, and fieldwork assignments. The students will witness democracy in action at both the grassroots and national levels. In the first week of this two-week course, the students will witness and participate in the excitement of the conventions preparations. The students will get the chance to volunteer for convention-related assignments and attend conventions receptions and rallies over the weekend. An introduction to the host city and the conventions facility will also be something the students get to enjoy. Also during their first week at the convention, the students will attend seminars on many topics, such as the history of political campaigns and conventions, the nomi-
nation process, convention planning and procedures, party organizations, campaign finance, and media coverage. “I’m most excited to see what the inner workings of the convention will be like,” said Bencardino. “I’m hoping I get the opportunity to discuss political philosophy with some of the politicians present.” The second week will be when the actual convention takes place. The daily event is continued with each previous days events being analyzed and the upcoming day’s events being anticipated and discussed. This week will focus mainly on the keynote address, party platform, party factions, selection of the presidential and vice presidential nominees, campaign issues and strategies, and other important races. “I’m obviously really excited to get to take part in the political process; I’ve always enjoyed politics and to actually be there for a major convention is thrilling,” said Freed. “I’m also looking forward to the little things: I’ve never flown before, I’ve never been on a big trip on my own before, and I’ve never been away from home for so long!” Any first-year, sophomore, or junior students were eligible to get chosen to participate in this event. After collecting all nominations by faculty, Dr. McGarry and Dr. Funk then interviewed each student. During the interviewing process, the students answered questions about their interest in attending the conventions, as well as how their attendance might be related to their current studies and their plans after graduation. Once the interviews were completed, Dr. McGarry and Dr. Funk selected which students they thought would benefit the most from the trip. “Honestly, I was super excited when Dr. Funk told me that I had been selected to attend the convention. I couldn’t stop jumping up and down and I was giggling like crazy. I felt like a little kid on Christmas morning,” said Freed. The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an independent, nonprofit organization serving hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries. It provides selected students with a challenging opportunity to work and learn in Washington, D.C., for academic credit.
May 2012
IT Department’s Kershner Personifies Gwynedd-Mercy Values
By Kimberly Kratz
Mercy appears in a windowless room in St. Bernard’s, personified in Information Technology Systems Manager, Bill Kershner. IT might at first seem an unlikely place to find evidence of mercy, but when your email, Blackboard, and Self-Service are running smoothly, it’s the people who work in the IT Department that make it happen. That’s merciful, especially to the students, professors, administrators, and staff who rely on its function to communicate, to teach and to learn. Kershner’s day-to-day job as a server administrator means he’s responsible for systems, all of which are located in data centers around both main and the satellite campuses. Though his day may be spent upgrading or moving pieces of equipment, or determining why an email didn’t get from point A to point B, he said, “Mercy is all about people connecting to people, and so is technology.” Adding more he said, “I know that the purpose of it all—it underpins mercy.” Sure, there are days when the pace and pressures in IT are hectic. Like business conducted in any other place, it is not without politics. But on balance, Kershner says, “There’s a community here. The spirit of the place is important to me.” IT departments industry-wide have a saying, that when everything is functioning properly, and you don’t know the IT people are there, then they are doing their jobs well. Kershner points out that a well-functioning IT department is a lot like plant services, campus security, and housekeeping in that respect. Kershner’s days are often spent in sterile, monitor and wiring-filled spaces. “It’s a challenge to see mercy in that kind of environment, but it’s your own contributions to those systems that you know are allowing others to learn, to teach or to email.” One characteristic which defines Kershner is his relationship to other people, as Director of Campus Ministry Christine Eberle notes. “I am always deeply impressed at how open Bill is to each person he encounters. Sometimes I think he does not have a judgmental bone in his body. He is so authentically good himself; it’s as though he cannot imagine less goodness in another,” she said. Kershner considers that every connection made through the college’s computer systems may be critically important to the people who use them. It could be an acceptance notification, learning your grade, or emailing the final page of an important document to a professor or colleague that makes all the difference. He sees his work in technology as the physical piece in one respect, but also as a “conduit through which mercy flows.” Kershner pointed to evidence of mercy elsewhere at GMC, saying that if you are having a difficult time, there are people ready to walk with you in your struggles. One example he offered was a recent campus workshop, coordinated by the offices of Counseling Services and Campus Ministry, for students and staff who had experienced loss. That type of community-building event, he said, makes working at Gwynedd-Mercy better simply because you work around people who know you better. Formally speaking, Kershner is also a Mercy Associate, having completed a year-long discernment process, and “publically proclaimed” his mercy connection. He appreciates the ability to go to Mass several days a week over lunch, participate in service opportunities, or attend book groups. Smiling a bit, he said, “A lot of my lunch hour is where I experience mercy.” Of Kershner’s commitment to Gwynedd-Mercy College, “[He is] a stellar example of a lay person who is committed to sustaining the mercy charism,” said Eberle. “He continues to support the Mission and Values Committee in quiet ways, particularly around technology.” Opportunities to engage in Gwynedd-Mercy’s community and the beauty of its surroundings bolster Kershner’s work as he says, “People are attentive to you, and I think that’s something that the college culture creates.”
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GMC Career Services: Here For You Now, Here For You Always
By Beth Harrison
Career Services is a department that exists at Gwynedd-Mercy College with a very positive reputation for helping people find their professions. With that being said, current students still do not fully understand what Career Services can provide for them. Located in Campbell Hall, one of their main responsibilities is helping people through the career development process. “This includes choosing a major and career path, gaining hands-on experience, and knowing how to market yourself and conduct a successful job interview in today’s economy,” said Sarah Kohut, Gwynedd-Mercy College’s Career Services Associate Director. Another important aspect of Career Services is the fact that they continue to help individuals, even after graduation from Gwynedd-Mercy College. “All of the services we offer to students are free for alumni as well,” said Kohut. Besides aid in the career development process, Career Services also provides individual counseling appointments to help with resume writing, job & internship searching, and choosing a major, among many more offerings. “These are usually done in person, but in cases where students or alumni don’t live near campus or have busy schedules, we can talk over the phone or via e-mail,” said Kohut. Career Services is making technological advancements with webcams and Skype. “We will be offering the option of Skype appointments, so that’s an exciting new way to reach people,” said Kohut. In addition to all of these tasks, Career Services does classroom presentations, workshops, and Common Hour events. Some of these events include the Resume Marathon and Interview Marathon, which provide advice for people’s resumes and interviewing skills. The department promotes job fairs for students and alumni to find employ-
ment opportunities as well. They also publicize career information on their blog and Facebook page. “We really try to make ourselves accessible to students and alumni, and their busy schedules,” said Kohut. The one main piece of valuable advice that Career Services stresses to current students is the encouragement to search for a major and job early. “These things all take time, so we try to stress the importance of coming to see us early on versus waiting until a month before graduation,” said Kohut. “Career development is more than just picking a job; it’s about finding a meaningful career path that fits your unique talents, interests and values, and then coming up with an action plan of how to get there.” No matter what tasks the Career Services department is doing, they truly enjoy guiding students and alumni through the career development process. “We love helping students with this process,” said Kohut. Cassie Towler, a current GMC senior, has had positive experiences with Career Services. “I have only been in the office a couple of times, but the staff has always been helpful and welcoming,” she says. As a frequent visitor in Career Services, they really do practice their mission everyday to welcome and help individuals as much as possible. If you have not used their services yet, I highly encourage you to do so. Exploring potential career paths, creating a resume, and learning how to be successful in an interview are crucial to do at an earlier time in college. Being involved in the career development process early on will increase a student’s chances of landing a job, internship, or volunteer opportunity. The next time you are near Campbell Hall, feel free to stop in to Career Services to get started with the career development process. Their guidance has actually brought futures into focus for numerous students and alumni.
May 2012
GMC Alumni Reunion: A Night Out At The Ballpark
By Erin Corbe
With baseball season now in full swing, everyone has Phillies Phever, including the alumni of Gwynedd-Mercy College. While most people will be tailgating at Citizen’s Bank Park on June 24th, the GMC alumni are invited to participate in a night out at the ball park. When the Phillies will be taking on the Tampa Bay Rays that Sunday afternoon, alumni are invited to a preballgame party at McFadden’s, followed by a serenade from the Voices of Gwynedd and the game all for a great price, 50 dollars. “I think this event is going to be wonderful, I love the Phillies, and I love attending Gwynedd events. It’s the complete package,” says Sarah Rielly, GMC alum. The Phillies event is just one of many upcoming events for alumni. The alumni association, which consists of alumni and employee’s from the Institutional Advancement department at Gwynedd-Mercy College organize and plan special social events for alumni. “Everyone loves the Phillies. I think the alumni association should make the Phillies event and every year occurrence, and I bet I am not the only one who feels this way,” says Danielle Bowie, GMC alum. So head out to the ball game for a night filled with food, fun, and music from the Voices of Gwynedd. When surrounded by the GMC community, you are sure to have favorable and fun memories.
The Gwynmercian Staff Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437 Volume 63, No. 4 May 2012 Editors-in-Chief......................................Daniel Freed and AnaLee Rodriguez Writers...................................................Erin Corbe, Jim Coyle Raymond Friend, Rob Gregor Beth Harrison, Kimberly Kratz Cara McArdle, Justin Nelson, Katie Starrantino, Cassie Towler, Bri Virginio, and Meredith Weir
We hope you enjoyed reading this edition, and continue reading many more editions! If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail freed.d@gmc.edu or rodriguez.a1@gmc.edu.