The Highlander

Ready, Set, Roll for MCN 87...P2

From the Streets to the Court...P4

February 12, 2013 highlandernews.net

Officials: No Violations of Gun Policy

By Mary Bove, Multimedia Editor

Officer Brian Herron takes a call in the Campus Safety office in Mercy Hall.

The university is gun-free: Officials report no violations of the university’s policy that prohibits firearms on campus.

Dean of Students Kit Foley said she has never seen a gun on campus, but she said officials have confiscated other weapons in the past.

“A lot of our male students, particularly, might bring a knife with them. They’re used to carrying a knife, some of the Boy Scouts.

You know, things like that,” said Foley. “So, we have seen knives and occasionally we’ve see another

weapon, non-gun, that we’ve found, but there has never been a weapon used on campus.”

The university’s firearms policy is listed or referred to in several places. According to the student handbook, “The possession or use of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, explosives or any lethal weapon is strictly forbidden anywhere on campus.”

The human resources campus community violence page refers to possession of firearms as a threat or act of violence and prohibits “the possession on university

STUDENTS SING IN SPRING

property including the parking lots and in personal vehicles or at university sponsored activities of a weapon or any kind or incendiary device, or the brandishing of any object that could reasonably be perceived as a weapon.”

Firearms are also indirectly referenced under the “Future Students” tab on the university’s web site. Students are advised not to bring “weapons including paintball guns, air soft guns, martial arts weapons, knives, fireworks and other explosive materials” to campus.

MARY BOVE /THE HIGHLANDER

But enforcement of the policy does not include metal detectors or other formal searching procedures, according to Robert Zavada, Associate Director of Campus Safety, “Our part of the plan is trying to get to the problem before a weapon would even enter here, or anyone would even go to that extreme,” said Zavada. “We don’t have metal detectors all over the place. Could somebody be possibly carrying a knife at some time? It certainly is possible. Yes.” Zavada said any common item

Viewfinder: Campus Ministry Look for photos of Campus Ministry members preparing to spread the message of service.

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-Firearms -Ammunition -Lethal Weapons -Paintball Guns -Airsoft Guns -Martial Arts Weapons -Knives -Fireworks -Explosives -Explosive Material

Questions about the policy should be directed to Campus Safety at extention 6300 or (570) 674-6300.

Knights in Need CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

The Noxen tutoring program Starry Knights is in need of student volunteers to assist young students with homework and serve as mentors.

Starry Knights works to help students in Noxen, a town roughly 10 miles away from campus.

The program is open to students grades 3-6 and some are handpicked by their school principals to participate.

“Lake Noxen Elementary, where we tutor, are the Knights. We want our students to be able to succeed or ‘reach for the stars.’

As corny as it may sound, we want them to achieve success as a well-rounded individual and have the confidence to pursue their dreams,” said senior OT major Sarah Munley, Starry Knights coordinator.

According to sophomore Starry Knights coordinator Tamara Stubits, MU students don’t only tutor the students but they hold other programs to help build their self-esteem.

“What we do is, the program is really for underprivileged children and so besides just homework, just to help build their self-esteem and confidence so we pick a theme every week,” said Stubits. “We go there, play a game that goes with the theme and then we go off and have homework for like what ever homework they could possibly have.”

The themes revolve around timely events and issues, including bullying, healthy eating and friendship.

“We had a theme of friendship once and we did an obstacle course where one kid was blind folded and the other kid had to lead him through,” said Stubits.

Stubits feels tutoring at Lake

“It’s a little bit more dramatic than I was expecting,” said Barna.

“From the little bits of script that I read [during auditions] like the one song I saw was called ‘Lovin’ Al,’ and it’s about this dude who’s a valet parker or something and women love him and sing little songs about him. So, it’s like, ‘Okay, it’s cute, fun, 70’s kind of retro musical,’ and actually reading the dialogue it’s like, ‘Ohhh, there are prostitutes. That’s interesting.’”

Barna believes the show will prevent challenges that the cast will embrace.

“I think the hardest parts are going to be those that are kind of general, mundane occupations,” said Barna. “Like, I had to read the metal worker, and just from reading that little part about the metal worker, you can tell he has daddy issues and he’s not really happy with himself – like there’s this undertone of somber depression. But damaged characters are interesting characters.”

The production includes Barna, Kaila Augustine,Elizabeth Jackson, Jeff Kelly, Amy Koch, Grace Riker and Kaitlyn Tothen. It will premiere in Lemmond Theater later this spring.

Smitha10@misericordia.edu

Pictured right, members of The Misericordia Players who have been cast in the spring musical, “Working: The Musical”, reherse their moves in Lemmond Theater during the last week of January. They will be dancing and singing on stage until later in the semester.

PROHIBITED WEAPONS ON CAMPUS

By Brittany Lovette, Reporter

By Alexandria Smith, Copy Editor

Students are gearing up to begin rehearsals for the MU Players’ spring production of “Working: The Musical”.

“Working: The Musical”,is based on the novel by Studs Terkel and adapted by Stephen Schwartz, known for his work with Wicked and Godspell. The revamped production is making its debut on Broadway – and on the stage of Lemmond Theater.

The musical explores the lives of people in a variety of occupations ranging from school teacher to flight attendant, corporate businessman to prostitute in an interview monologue style that could be compared to last spring’s “The Laramie Project,” also directed by “Basically, what he [Studs Terkel] did was interview hundreds of people about their jobs. It’s basically like no holds barred, warts-and-all interviews, and it’s in their real voices. It’s a narrative basically them going off on their jobs and different things that they do,” said Rock. “They’re true, but there are themes to them. You know, like he interviewed more than one paper boy and there are themes about delivery service and people in the food service. A lot of the interviews we use in this show are actually coming from the book.”

Rock will employ the talents of choreographer Melinda Rothfuss and Chamber Singer director Jennifer Hunter as she preps the cast of two men and five women.

Junior English major R.J. Barna said he looks forward to finding out what new experiences the show will hold for him and his fellow cast mates.

can be considered a weapon, but it is the way in which it is used that determines whether it is classified as one.

“A folding knife could, in one context, be considered just something you would have as part of equipment for your job or something like that, but if it were to be used in a threatening or aggressive way, then it would be considered a prohibited offensive weapon,” he said. “On the other hand, there are things that are inherently dangerous, like explosives or firearms, and these sorts of things are again classified as weapons, but it’s mostly in the context of how they’re used.”

Foley also said that if a minor weapon, such as a multi-tool, was brought on campus and confiscated that campus safety would hold it until the student was able to take it home.

“If they’re found on campus again, then further disciplinary action will be taken. If there were a gun, that would be very different. You know, we would certainly respond very differently and try to gather information before we made any decisions,” said Foley.

“Again, each situation is very, very different.”

“Everybody that lives in the townhouses might have a knife for cutting bread or something with cooking or whatever, so, again, it’s a little bit of a grey area,” Zavada said. “When you’re talking about a knife that has maybe a six-inch blade on it that’s used for nothing except for to do harm to someone else or something that is a dagger or is double-bladed on both sides and sharpened on both ends, then

Noxen Elementary School is helping her prepare for a future career in teaching.

“I hope to just help the kids along and kind of getting a little more experience with children just because I’m going to be a teacher, but then you also see some of the kids who can’t get into the program this semester because there is just too many,” she said.

“You could just tell that they really want to be there so it’s a pretty rewarding experience.”

Starry Knights is looking for more members to add to its limited number so it can continue and serve future students.

“We want to get freshmen involved because there aren’t a lot involved and that’s the only way we’re really gonna continue to go,” said Stubits.

Coordinators hope to grow the program with the help of underclassmen who sign up now.

“We hope to just expand it more.

I know each semester we have more and more kids wanting to sign up and maybe it could expand to more than just two days a week because I know our numbers right now are 35 kids looking for Monday and 30 looking for Tuesday, and we don’t have enough room for them,” said Stubits.

Munley said she and other students were able to receive a grant that helped initiate the program.

Munley has been member since it began in 2011.

“This is the 4th semester that it will be running for and every semester it keeps getting better as well as bigger in terms of number of kids, too,” said Munley.

Munley said she is now placing her focus on the students’ education.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

ALEXANDRIA SMITH /THE HIGHLANDER

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News

MCN 87 to premiere new shows

By Courtney Garloff, Reporter

Staff and students will say goodbye to the monthly 30-minute television show Cougar Cast, which has aired for four years on campus station MNC 87 and the station welcomes all-new and more diverse programming.

Cougar Cast was started by communication majors and staff with the goal to start a TV show that would get students used to producing and broadcasting content, according Assistant Professor of Communications Dan Kimbrough.

“When I started four-and-a-half years ago there was nothing, and so it was easier to start a television show than it was to launch an entire station,” said Kimbrough.

The crew is ready to expand and offer more than one show.

“We are at a point where we have outgrown it a little bit. Let’s see if we can do more, ”said Kimbrough.

MCN 87 or The Munson Center Network gets its name from the building in which it is housed. The goal of MCN 87 is to give students the chance to watch and create content in the areas that interest them.

“We have multiples of shows on so we can meet student interests,” said Kimbrough. “As times and people are changing, the crew is ready to move on and build a station offering different shows.”

MCN 87 will feature new shows called, “The Story,” which will be produced by a broadcast journalism night class, and “Hey You MU” in addition to a weekly sports show, all produced by communications majors and any student interested participating. “The Story” will air weekly on Tuesday nights and “Hey You, MU” will air every two weeks, Kimbrough said.

The new shows will appeal to different audiences. “The Story” will focus on news headlines, and “Hey You, MU” will concentrate on the fun feature side of campus.

“The Story” is the more serious side of the station and will focus on stories outside campus and go into detail about how it can affect campus. “Hey You, MU” balances out the serious side on the station with profiles about people we see on campus, trying local food restaurants for students to go, and a segment that does stories on any type of entertainment. The crew is hoping to air 5 episodes this semester.

Junior communications major and MCN 87 station manager Brittany Lovette said the joyful content should attract viewers.

“‘Hey You MU’ will cover and bring in the fun and what’s going on, on campus.”

The station crew will consist of volunteer members, who may or may not be communications majors, and students in a broadcast journalism class as well as communication majors enrolled in video practicum. The diversity of the staff will provide a wide range of ideas to make interesting content.

“The more people who are involved, the more shows we can have,” said Kimbrough. “We are hoping to grow.”

Staff members learn how to write, produce and host shows as well as how to operate the equipment.

Kimbrough said the goal is to have a mix of students of all majors helping.

“I’d love to have a crew of students running around campus shooting things all the time.”

Kimbrough said last semester’s installation of an automated broadcasting system will enable the channel to air throughout cable on campus. Now the goal is to fill the channel with quality programing.

“This year MCN 87 is hopefully getting that channel full of shows,” said Lovette.

The MCN 87 process started for Lovette her sophomore year when she began shooting short clips for the station and beginning to make commercials for different clubs and programs on campus.

“We are going to call them MCN 87 Bumps,” said Lovette. “These clips will be used to fill space in between the programing.”

This semester Lovette will oversee all shows and ensure the station runs smoothly.

“My job is to make sure their work is getting done and on time so we actually have something to put on air,” said Lovette.

The MCN 87 crew would also like to start to create and post content online for students to watch according to their schedules.

“Putting them online is also a big deal,” said Kimbrough. “We know students may not always be sitting in front of the TV.” Broadcasts through MCN 87 begin this semester and can be found on the university’s cable network, channel 87. To see past MCN 87 work, visit Vimeo.com and search “Communications @ MU”.

Garloffc@misericordia.edu

February 12, 2013

CULTURAL EVENTS ATTENDANCE UP

By Jeremy Way, Reporter

Student attendance at Multicultural Education events is growing The office has already held a luau welcome back party to introduce students to everything MU/ ME has to offer in an effort to promote student attendance and interest in multicultural events.

“I think it’s been pretty great, I know in semesters past we’ve had some problems getting students to actually show up to events, but now there’s been pretty good turnout at the events so I’m pretty happy about it,” said Multicultural Student Outreach Coordinator Maria Cabrera.

MU/ME offers many types of programs, including speakers and celebrations, to promote multicultural education. Well attended past events include an educational lecture series and parties that include ethnic foods.

“I thought it was interesting to expose the students to a celebration that they didn’t think of before,” said Cabrera.

Junior commuter Zachary Bottone attended the luau and looks forward to other events.

“I knew about MU/ME before the luau because the lady in charge of the event has her office in the commuter lounge. I never really talked to her before then, but she invited me to attend so I did,” said Bottone. “I enjoyed the food, but I’m not really big into doing luau dancing.”

Cabrera said the office’s mission

is to expose students to ideas and cultures they wouldn’t experience in the classroom or perhaps extend the multicultural education they are receiving. “I think the three main components of it is basically trying to teach each individual something new, and then also trying to teach them something they might be able to use in their work field, and also what as an individual will you do to help the cause in spreading awareness about cultural events or just an issue in American society or globally.”

Cabrera said students should prepare for an exciting semester of programming.

“We have celebrations for the history months, so we have like a Hispanic heritage month celebration where we do different events. There is also Black History month,” she said. “Things that we do, we either bring in a performance group or we do kind of like a lecture, there is also Dream Week, which is kind of commemorating what MLK did, not necessarily coming from the AfricanAmerican viewpoint, but it also showcases many other heritages and backgrounds and ideas and even disabilities, and just saying that everybody deserves to have justice in their lives.”

For more information on upcoming events, visit Cabrera’s office in the Henry Student Center.

Wayj@misericordia.edu

Top, sophomore Dana DeLucca focuses and white balances the camera during a taping of “The Show” as part of the newly redesigned MCN 87 broadcast in studio.

Below, junior Brittany Lovette operates the switch board while waiting to receive cues from the producer.

Students and faculty can watch MCN 87 on channel 87 only on campus. They can view all episodes anywhere and any time on the communications department Vimeo page, Communications @ MU. TARYN TALACKA /THE HIGHLANDER

MATT HISCOX /THE HIGHLANDER

Authentic hula dancers entertain those in the Henry Student Lounge during the MU/ME welcome back luau on Jan. 30.

Viewfinder: Campus Ministry devotes time to others

TORI DZIEDZIAK /THE HIGHLANDER

From left, junior Doug Ranson, sophomore TJ Ferber and junior David Gale sit in the Banks Student Life Center lobby and raise money for their Habitat for Humanity trip to Mobile, Alabama on Feb. 1.

Center, juniors Megan Lage, Alina Busch and Christina Tucci work in the Campus Ministry office on a poster promoting alternative spring break trips.

Right, junior David Gale collects money from the brick-by-brick fundraiser to raise funds for the Habitat for Humanity trip this spring.

INTEGRITY STAFF

CONTRIBUTORS

Ellen Hoffman - Editor-in-Chief Nathan Brown Morgan Harding - Print Editor Deanna Darling Tori Dziedziak Shawn Kellmer - Web Editor Courtney Garloff Mary Bove - Multimedia Editor Arthur Dowell - Web Master Jimmy Fisher Alexandria Smith - Content Manager Matt Hiscox Alexa Cholewa - Business Manager Josh Horton Gabriella Lengyel - Social Media Manager Megan Kishbaugh Melissa Sgroi - Advisor Misericordia University 301 Lake Street Dallas, PA 18612

CONTACT US

The Highlander works to produce up-to-date, clear, accurate reporting. If any information is inaccurate or not covered thoroughly, corrections and information will appear in this area. Opinions and views expressed in The Highlander in no way reflect those of Misericordia University or the Sisters of Mercy. The Highlander Staff welcomes students, faculty and reader response.

The Highlander reserves the right to edit submissions for grammatical errors and length. All submissions must be signed. Letters to the Editor and/or materials for publication may be submitted by any reader. Items can be sent via e-mail.

Brittany Lovette Kaitlyn Moltini Ryan Osadchy Tyler Rowe Taryn Talacka Lindsay Usarzewicz Jeremy Way Danny Wengiel

570-674-6400 570-674-6737

The Highlander is a free, biweekly publication produced in conjunction with MU Communications Department. Any full-time student is encouraged to join the staff.

We are a member of the American Scholastic Press Association, Associated Collegiate Press and the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.

hoffmae3@misericordia.edu kellmers@misericordia.edu hardinm2@misericordia.edu msgroi@misericorida.edu highland@misericordia.edu

Roses are red; money is green

By Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief

Chocolate, flowers and jewelry are the main ingredients for a Valentine’s Day extravaganza. But those items don’t come cheap.

According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, a person will spend $134.08 on Valentine’s Day. And this number is an increase from 2012 spending.

Tammy Carroll, owner of Back Mountain Floral, said no holiday compares to the sweetheart celebration when it comes to flowers.

“The sales, they just skyrocket,” she said. “Compared to other holidays it triples but nothing really compares to Valentine’s Day. My golly, no.”

For Cupid’s holiday alone Carroll said her shop goes through about 1,500 roses, not including the ones they add into arrangements.

She said this is the number one holiday for florists with Mother’s Day and Christmas following.

She also says a lot of prep work goes into preparing for the holiday hoopla. Cutting wire, tying bows and ordering balloons are just a few things that need to be out of the way before the orders can be filled and delivered.

Dr. Timothy Kearney, Chair of the Business Department, said Valentine’s Day is popular for grade school children who send valentines to their classmates, and people of his generation, the parents of college kids.

“We still do something special, whether it’s candies or dinner, a date night,” he said. “I don’t see any change. It seems to be very popular. A lot of folks do things.

I know, not just our local press, but a lot of press in New York will have stories about where to go on Valentine’s Day or places to eat because people look for those things.”

Sophomore Cael Evans feels that this holiday is just as popular with college-aged students and

February 12, 2013 3

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even people in their mid twenties, because this could be when people find their soul mates.

“I feel that they are at that age when they are starting a relationship with someone who might be

increase from 2012 while sweets, flowers and jewelry are the next major purchases.

Elba Valentine, owner of Valentine’s Jewelry, says Christmas is her busiest holiday because people

TARYN TALACKA /THE HIGHLANDER

Ann Behney rings out an early Valentine’s Day purchase at the Gertude Hawk Chocolates in Dallas, PA. their wife or husband one day and Valentine’s Day is a special day to show their love to each other.”

Evans knows that college students live on a tight budget but feels Valentine’s Day is an occasion where that limit is sacrificed.

“Every guy loves to see their girlfriend smile so by buying them gifts or taking them out to dinner they can achieve that satisfaction,” he said. “There is no price limit on the ones you love.”

According to the same LA Times piece, sweethearts will spend the most on a dinner, estimating $9.9 billion overall, a 2.9 percent

make purchases for multiple people, while February purchases are only for sweethearts. But that doesn’t mean her door isn’t jammed with customers.

“I think it’s the one holiday that is all about love, rather than marking an occasion like a birthday or any other holiday,” she said.

Valentine also noticed how short this holiday seem. With men as the primary V-day consumers, purchases come in at the last minute, even the day of.

“They think about it the weekend before,” she said of her male customers. “It’s a big season but

perform a lot of the behind-thescenes preparation for all the orientation programs. They will make bags consisting of helpful pamphlets and information and work with other departments to make the program successful.

The need for coordinators is not as extreme as it could be with two coordinators planning to return this summer. The four coordinators are the backbone to the program, Brodmerkel said. They are some of the first faces incoming students will see, and they have to share their own experiences in front of the crowds of students and their families.

Brodmerkel hopes to get a lot of interest from the first year and sophomore classes.

“I want to get people who I know will be willing to do the program for two or three years,” says Brodmerkel. “They have to be creative and enthusiastic when doing this type of work.”

Junior Shannon Joyce has been a coordinator for two years and

she plans to do it for her third and final time this summer. She fits the criteria according to Brodmerke.

As she prepares to take on the challenge again, Joyce enters this program with mixed feelings.

“I love everything about orientation and know that we can make this one just as great as others have been,” says Joyce. “But knowing this is the last time I can do orientation, I know it will all hit me in August.”

Admission rates are looking to drop slightly from 511 to 460-480 first years for next year. The high numbers are causing coordinators to look for help from students for the one-day programs and the four-day orientation.

While Brodmerkel has not determined the number of leader she will select, she said she is pleased with the interests she has received thus far.

“A lot of students expressed interest and came in to pick up the applications within the first

it’s over in minutes. In other words, guys will come in for like four days in a row and then it will be over. Between January 10th and 14th and then it’s over.”

Valentine’s offers a number of package deals to make it a onestop shopping trip for men searching for the perfect gift, something the store also offers to Mother’s Day shoppers. The package includes select jewelry, flowers, candy and dinner for $99.

“We do a package for guys because it makes their life a little easier if they can get it all in one place.”

They also have specials on select jewelry items, including Pandora bracelets.

Gertrude Hawk Chocolates in Dallas also offers a number of special orders for lovers. The most popular sweet treat is chocolate covered strawberries.

Ann Behney, sales supervisor, said workers make the event memorable by dressing up the strawberries and wrapping them in different boxes with bows.

“These beautiful strawberries are something that you can’t get from anywhere else because we fly them in from California,” she said. “We wrap them in different types of boxes and make them look as festive as we can for this celebration.”

Behney knows how big of a celebration Valentine’s Day can be for some couples and thinks it’s a way to cheer up during the long winters in Pennsylvania.

“It’s a romantic time of the year,” she said. “I think in the winter sometimes people need something special, especially with the dreary weather here on the East Coast. It kind of perks people up through the winter and gives them something to look forward to.”

Hoffmae3@misericordia.edu

Coordinators prepare to set sail

CAPS CORNER 3rd Annual CAPS Day Thursday, February 14th 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The CAPS Center - McGowan –Lower Level The Counseling and Psychological Services Center (The CAPS Center) welcomes all students to a day of relaxation and wellness to promote self-love.

Enter to win a Makeover.

Eating Attitudes and Behaviors Screening Monday, February 25th 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

CAPS Center McGowan Lower Level Is a scale one of the ways you measure self-worth?

If so join us in The CAPS Center for the Eating Attitudes and Behaviors Screening, take an assessment, LEARN more and create change.

Student on the Street With the ousting of the iron and the introduction of the cat piece into the classic board game, Monopoly, we wondered what Misericordia students would have chosen as the new game piece.

By Arthur Dowell, Web Master

The spring semester is not even half way through, but Student Activities staffers are searching for orientation coordinators and leaders for the class of 2016.

The orientation program consists of five one-day sessions and sessions that span the four days before the start of classes. The theme for this summer’s program is “Smooth Sailing Into Success.”

The theme is similar to that of 2010 with the seafaring focus.

Student Activities Director Darcy Brodmerkel said she is not usually one for repeating themes, but with a new president to take over in July, she wanted the theme to honor and welcome him.

Newly selected university president Thomas Botzman, which is pronounced boats man, spoke of a cruise ship he brought to his old school when a nasty storm ruined much of the living space.

Brodmerkel asks for four leaders to stay on campus throughout the summer and work six-hour shifts for four days a week. Leaders

Above, senior Allie Florman smiles for the camera and acts as the welcoming committee during the summer 2012 first year one day orientations.

Right, junior Alyssa Leonard puts the final touches on her table of lanyards and pens that each first year will receive upon checking in.

The orientations serve as introductions to college life. Leaders and coordinators are available to answer questions and staff members are on site to help guide the new students and parents.

MARY BOVE /THE HIGHLANDER

week we had offered them,” said Brodmerkel. “That makes the process easier for myself and the coordinators.”

After the applications are in and the two remaining coordinators are selected, the leaders are then expected to show up to one of two training days.

Joyce speaks highly of the leaders she had the experience of working with.

“The relationship with the leaders and coordinators is something I don’t see everyday,” says Joyce.

“The memories that go along with it are definitely something I will never forget.”

As Joyce enters her last year as coordinator she hopes to gain something else from her service: She wants to lose her fear of water and water animals, and thinks the theme might do the trick.

Applications for coordinators are due no later than Feb. 26, and the deadline for leaders is March 29.

Dowella@misericordia.edu

A Giraffe Amanda Boutin, senior

An Iron Luke Atkins, sophomore

The Dollar Sign Chris Washl, sophomore

A Cupcake Cassie Terenzi, senior

A Star Kaleigh Killian, first year

A Whale Mike Barber, sophomore

Special for ski, snowboard fans

By Jeremey Way, Reporter

Wicked winter weather is causing students to think about the ski and snowboard club.

“Ski club was formed last year, also, it is a very successful club,” Student Activities Coordinator Patrick McKamy said. “We focus on the Smuggler’s Notch trip in December, and then we try to do a separate trip in the spring, but it’s very tough going and trying to get the pieces together.”

The Student Activities office in The Banks Student Life Center offers trips to Sno Mountain in Scranton.

Buses leave campus at 5 p.m. and return at 9:30 p.m.

Lift tickets cost $10. Although students have already enjoyed a major ski trip to Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont, there is still plenty

of opportunity to get out on the powder and do some skiing or snowboarding, McKamy said.

Snowboarding is on the mind of first year student David D’Achille.

“I’ve been snowboarding for about six years, and prior to that I skied, so I’m really an experienced snow guy,” D’Achille said. “Also, I’m really excited to do some snowboarding here and would definitely spread the news about ski club to friends.”

With skiing and snowboarding in prime season, McKamy hopes students will participate. He encourages students to read flyers posted throughout campus or inquire about trips at the Student Activities office.

Wayj@misericordia.edu

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Stauffer scores honorable title

By Megan Kishbaugh, Reporter

Head women’s soccer coach Mark Stauffer was named the Division III Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year by National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

“I think it’s a great honor for our program,” he said. “Without the dedication of our players, I don’t think we would have been able to achieve what we did this season.”

Senior captain Sam Helmstetter believes Stauffer created the standout team with his strong will and the determination of the players.

“I’ve never met a coach that has believed in his players more than Coach Stauffer has,” she said.

Stauffer had coached four East College Athletic Conference South Division, three All Stars, a Rookie of the Year, an Academic All-American, a second team All-American, and many other awarded players throughout the 2012 season.

This was Stauffer’s thirteenth season coaching the Cougars. He led the team to 20 wins, three

losses and two ties while earning the Freedom Conference championship. In the NCAA tournament, the Cougars advanced to the Division III Final Four in San Antonio, Texas. The Cougars finished the season ranked fourth in the nation. The women’s team also set a school record for wins in a season.

Stauffer’s coaching career includes a record of 170 wins, 84 losses and 14 ties. In 2002, Stauffer was named Pennsylvania Athletic Conference Coach of the Year when he led the Cougars to a PAC championship title. In 2011, Stauffer was named Freedom Conference coach of the year when the team finished as runners-up in the Freedom Conference Championship.

The 2012 season proved the most successful and longest in Stauffer’s coaching career.

“As we got into the season, the whole team started to realize that we were definitely good enough to get to the Final Four,” Stauffer said. “It was amazing to see a team

believe in each other so much and accomplish the goal I set for them.

It took every single person to get to the Final Four, all 29 members of the team.”

While the 2012 season was full of wins and achievements, the team did not always have this much success.

“Just four years ago we started the season with a 1- 9 record,” Helmstetter said. “But Coach Stauffer never gave up on us.”

Last season, after the Cougars lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Stauffer said their goal for the 2012 season was to get to the Final Four.

“Everyone was skeptical of this goal and did not know if it was reachable,” Stauffer said.

Stauffer is going to do whatever it takes ensure the same amount of success the team had this season with a new season approaching in the fall.

“Our goal this year was to make it to the Final Four. We made it, now our goal is to win the whole

thing,” he said. “I think there are constant changes that I will make year to year to help us get to another level.”

Kishbaum@misericordia.edu

small track because we have a large track team,” he said. “It’s challenging to find space for sprinters, jumpers, throwers and the distance people.”

Jeremy Osko, a second year runner on the team, said the track sometimes becomes crowded.

“When doing a workout, it becomes difficult to share the small track with the entire team.”

The shortened distance of the

track on campus poses a challenge for anyone who uses it, especially the coaches and athletes of crosscountry and track and field teams.

As a former 1600 meter runner for the Cougars, Osko has had his share of workouts on the track, and he sometimes finds them difficult to complete.

“Other than that, the air can be humid and the turns are sharp.

The workouts themselves can be

tough at times but will always help in the end.”

Osko also notes the sharpness of the corners. The corners are nearly ninety-degrees and can cause some injury to the runners if they do not take the proper cautions when rounding them.

“Some other issues faced are sore hips and shins from the hard turns that take place,” Redmond said of the indoor track.

Runners add that not only does the track take a toll on a runner’s body; it can challenge the mind as well. The length of the Anderson track requires runners to complete more laps or even partial laps to complete the goal.

“When working out on this track, I always faced the problem of staying mentally tough,” he said.

On a regulation sized indoor track it takes eight laps to complete a mile. On the MU track, a mile is 10-and-a-half laps, requiring runners to consider the extra two-and-half-laps they must run.

“I always had to tell myself that I will run a little slower in here than I would on a normal 200m round indoor track,” said Redmond.

Brownn4@misericordia.edu

MEGAN KISHBAUGH /THE HIGHLANDER

Head coach Mark Stauffer

Runners slowed by 20 meter shortage

By Nathan Brown, Reporter

Track team members say the track that surrounds the basketball courts in the Anderson Sports and Health Center literally doesn’t measure up: It is 180 meters in length, 20 meters short of regulation size.

Frank Redmond, Graduate Assistant of the cross-country and track and field teams, said the track is difficult to navigate.

“It gets tricky indoors with the

TORI DZIEDZIAK /THE HIGHLANDER

Members of the track and cross country teams practice for their winter meets and condition for their spring season on the indoor track in the Anderson Sports and Health Center.

Metz Field House perfect fit for athletes

February 12, 2013

COACH REBOUNDS PLAYER’S LIFE

By Josh Horton, Reporter

Just over a year ago, power forward Steve Ware was on the verge of becoming another homeless man in Atlanta, Ga. Until one phone call changed his life.

MU men’s basketball graduate assistant Brandon Chambers went home to Virginia for Christmas break last season and knew his best friend, former college roommate, and high school teammate Ware was in trouble. It was then Chambers made the life-changing phone call, telling Ware about an opportunity to play basketball and get an education at MU. There was no hesitation to say yes, Ware said.

“Literally two months before I came to campus I was sitting on my porch in Atlanta waking up with nothing to do,” Ware said.

“I got fired from my job, I had nothing, man. I was just trying to make it.”

Just two weeks after hanging up with Chambers, the Lorton, Va. native made his first trip through the arches and hasn’t looked back since.

“As soon as I got off the phone, I called my dad and told him I was coming back to Virginia for some of my stuff and then I was going back to school in Pennsylvania,” Ware said. “I never even heard of Dallas, Pa. I thought I was going to Texas for a while.”

Ware arrived on campus midway through the 2012 spring semester and wasn’t in basketball shape. After sitting on the bench for much of last season, he turned some heads in the Freedom Conference this 2013 season.

The opportunity to be a key player for the Cougars wasn’t supposed to come this quickly. However, when Steve Artzerounian left the team early in the season someone was going to have to step up and make up for the lost points and rebounds.

The 6’4 Ware did just that, starting all but three games and averaging nearly a double-double each night.

“With Ethan Eichorst, Jeff Slanovec and Steve Artzerounian there last year, it was tough for him to get the opportunity to show what he’s really got,” junior point guard Matt Greene said. “When we lost Artzerounian, Ware really stepped it up big time and everyone noticed. We rely on him for a lot of our scoring and rebounding.”

Head coach Trevor Woodruff admits part of the reason Ware’s role wasn’t as big last year was the coaching staff. The coaching staff

wasn’t sure what position they wanted Ware to play, which made it more difficult for him to develop confidence on the hardwood.

“We moved him around and that kept him from getting comfortable in any position,” Woodruff said. “I think this year he’s found a home for himself and has done a good job of tailoring his game and doing the things we ask him to do.”

In addition to the things the coaching staff wants Ware to do, he is doing things they didn’t know he could do. One of the pleasant surprises is being able to play above the rim, something rather uncommon in the Freedom Conference.

Chambers always knew the ability was there, but some of the things Ware has done this season have sparked emotion from the bench.

“I’m not going to lie. There have been plays he has made that I didn’t even know he could make,” Chambers said. “There was one when we played at home against FDU and had a really big lefthanded dunk. During those times I definitely felt myself tear up a bit. He has come so far and he’s on the path to graduate.”

Ware is still just a sophomore and Chambers feels he has no limits, both academically and on the basketball court. He is a sport management major, but he is contemplating a switch to education.

He feels he will never be able to repay the game of basketball or Chambers for what they have done in his life.

“I dropped out of school, moved to Atlanta with my mom and then she moved away to Texas to take care of her mother, and I was just on my own. I had the lease on the apartment coming up and then it all got real. I was scared I would be out on the street,” Ware said. “Luckily for me it all came together at the last second. Thank God for basketball, man.”

Ware’s troubles have matured him. He said he found out life owes us nothing, but it is our job to make the most of it.

“It’s so hard to put into words because nobody grows up thinking they’re not going to have anything. Everyone thinks they are going to have something, and really you have the potential to do whatever you want in life,” an emotional Ware said. “I just think that I am a living testimony that with the right opportunity and chances, you can do anything.”

Hortonj@misericordia.edu

By Danny Wengiel, Reporter

The Metz Field House offers all of the equipment athletes dedicated to their fitness need.

The Field House between the baseball field and football stadium behind Gildea Hall includes a weight room, a trainer room, two classrooms, and multiple locker rooms for teams use.

Men’s lacrosse head coach Jim Ricardo said the new site offers more convenience. “Until this year we did not have a home locker room to get dress in out at Manglesdorf. So now with the field house each sport has its own locker room per season.”

Locker rooms offer players adequate space to dress and keep gear out of their dorm rooms or cars. It also provides space for visiting teams.

Field House offers weightlifting equipment and facilities that differ from those available in the Anderson Sports and Health Center.

“It’s all rubberized material, used for explosion so you can actually toss the weights around. Whereas at Anderson, it’s all steal weights and we don’t want to be dropping those on the floor,” said Ricardo.

Assistant football coach Chris Gray offers lifting programs for every athletic team on campus and serves as a strength educa-

tion coach - and the new space is necessary for the addition of new players to campus.

“He has worked single-handedly with the majority of all of our teams to get some sort of lifting program going and it is going to help all of us to have an extra weight room,” Ricardo said.

Ricardo said the new facilities will better accommodate athletes’ training and conditioning needs.

“There is plenty of room in there for us,” he said. “We could get some more equipment in there, right now it is all free weights, maybe a couple more machines like a rowing machine, but right now what we need for our athletes is already in that weight room.”

Students welcome the breathing room.

“Our locker room is pretty cool” said first year baseball player Ricky Litchko. “It’s so much better because there aren’t a lot of people. It’s always so crowded in Anderson.”

He added that the Field house offers everything he needs for his training routine. “For our lifts we only really use free weights, so it has everything we need” said Litchko.

Wengied@misericordia.edu

MARY BOVE /THE HIGHLANDER

Steve Ware, 32, glances to his left during a match against Kings on Jan. 23 in the Anderson Sports and Health Center.

Selling football

By Tyler Rowe, Reporter

Top, first year Kevin Bageszich spots first year Tyler Rowe at a weekly weightlifting session for the football team.

Middle, first year Hunter Pates conditions with the football team in the Metz Field House.

Left, Members of the football team stay in shape by meeting weekly.

TOM NORMAN FOR THE HIGHLANDER

Football recruiting is a complex task, one that takes time and dedication – a season that never ends.

“It’s a 12 month process for us,” football coach Mike Hatcher said.

“The time that you’re not spending on getting prepared for practices and games you have to spend recruiting.”

But that is more than selecting athletes that fill positions. Hatcher said prospective students must meet standards that go far beyond prowess on the gridiron.

“We always talk about finding kids that fit our profile, meaning, a kid could have all the talent in the world but if he does not meet our designated profile as a student, meaning a 3.0 GPA, 1000 SAT score, then we’ll have to think twice about recruiting the athlete,” said Hatcher.

Coaches must carefully consider the qualities of many students to find the right ones, and so the job requires several to cover different geographical areas. That way, no school, or player, is missed.

Coaches begin their search throughout Pennsylvania, and then move to other surrounding states to expand the team – and the university’s student body.

“New Jersey is a huge recruiting area because its one of the top

export states for college students in the country, so our location makes us lucky because we are able to recruit that area, along with tri-state New York area, Long island, Southwest Connecticut, and the northern part of Maryland,” he said.

Coaches’ strategies include phone calls and high school visits, but recruiting tactics do not end there.

One of the primary methods requires no travel at all for coaches.

“Misericordia runs two spring open-houses that we like to use as junior days. We run a summer camp for linemen and skill players that we use as another chance to get them exposed to our program and the university,” said Hatcher.

These prospective student visits to campus allows prospective players to get a true vision of the school, one far superior to the images they can easily find on a web site. But the web does provide a tool.

“Now with recruiting services such as berecruited.com, and ncsasports. com you have contacts for hundreds of kids. You can almost equate it to Facebook for recruiting,” he said.

Coaches have the power to sell their program, but it’s the students who have to bite.

Rowet@misericordia.edu

highlandernews.net

February 12, 2013 5

Sports

Team defends MAC title GUN POLICY, CONTINUED

By Jimmy Fisher, Reporter

The end of the winter season marks a shift toward spring sports and fans are keeping their eyes on the defending MAC champion softball team.

The Cougars began preparations to defend their title after coming off a 28-17 record from 2012.

Head coach Jen Probst was very pleased with her team’s effort in keeping in shape during the off-season. She said the players’ preparation showed almost immediately as they started their organized team activities a few weeks ago.

“What I’m really happy with is that we came back stronger and in shape,” said Probst. “The kids took their winter workouts really seriously, and you can tell that they didn’t just go staging over winter break. They actually worked here at school and at home so it was nice to see them comeback and ready to go.”

Most coaches would come up with different workout routines and schemes to help their players get better and improve more and more throughout the season, but Probst feels last season’s workout routines worked well so she said there will not be much change, if any.

There was a small change in coaching staff that she feels will

prove helpful to her and the players. Probst welcomes a full-time assistant and graduate student Nicole Yost.

“She’s really great working with the girls,” Probst said. “By having her we can now do smaller group work, hitting wise during the week, and that was something that was really hard for me to do during the day when it was just me and my other assistants being part-time. I think if anything we’ll see if that will give us an edge this year by giving us more one on one time with the girls and really fine tuning their swings.”

Softball will return all but one starter from last season having lost Jillian Castaldi to graduation.

Probst feels that players with field experience can be an advantage.

“I think that we have a lot of young kids who have had a lot of success,” said Probst. “We have solid seniors. They are not only really good ball players but really great leaders, all four of them, so they’re going to significantly help us but they set a great example with our younger kids last year.

And I think having this whole group, we have a lot of older kids and a lot of younger kids, they’re picking up where they left off.”

Senior outfielder Jennifer Cory and senior pitcher and outfielder

TORI DZIEDZIAK /THE HIGHLANDER

First year Katie Kelly practices her swing during a preseason workout in the Anderson Sports and Health Center.

Caitlin Cromley have played key roles in the success of the team and hope to keep the momentum going.

Cromley said it was tough losing Castaldi but feels the seniors this year are primed to lead the team to big things.

“She was a great role model and leader for our team,” she said. “But I feel the four seniors we have this season have really stepped up to the plate, no pun intended.”

Cromley has played a key role for the softball team in pitching.

Last season she pitched roughly 150 innings, and 200 innings in a previous season. Cromley admits that at the end of the season her arm feels fatigued,but she keeps fighting and works to keep throwing the pitches.

“I think it does wear you out,” said Cromley. “But also you wanna keep pushing forward and do what’s best for the team.”

Cromley said she’s performed workouts with stretch bands to keep her shoulders nimble.

When Cromley surrenders the mound to fellow teammate junior Jess Armilay she takes the outfield alongside Cory.

Cory will take over as the leader to make sure the other girls know their assignments with Castaldi and younger players stepping into the outfield roles.

“I’ll be in center field so that will be a tough task for me to lead the outfield with sophomores and freshman out there,” said Cory.

“So in the off-season I had to get even stronger to be the head of the outfield.”

The softball season officially kicks off when the team departs for Florida on March 2 where just last season they finished 3-7.

“The thing is when we go down there I try to pick the absolute hardest schedule we possibly could play,” said Probst. “We play a lot of top 25 in the nation teams, we play teams that have made it to the Elite Eight and have played for national titles. We’ve play teams that have All-Americans on them so I pick the hardest schedule I possibly can because I know that win or lose when we come back, there’s nothing that’s going to be as difficult as those 10 games we play down there.”

Cory agrees the teams in Florida are tough but knows they have to strive against them so they can be more competitive when they return home.

Fisherj3@misericordia.edu

Continued from page 1

you have to look at it and see what its actual purpose is for. Those kinds of things would be prohibited by university policies.”

Of course students will not have their rooms raided and their butter knives taken away, said Zavada. “You have to be realistic about it all,” he said.

Students who do violate the policy by bringing weapons to campus will face disciplinary action, usually administered by the Office of Student Affairs, according to Zavada. He said staff members, too, will face serious sanctions if they are found in possession of a weapon, but officials will follow a different disciplinary process in that case.

“Of course campus safety would be involved in it, and we would investigate to the point where we need to. If it involves something serious, the local police will be involved. There could be legal charges that come out of it. There could be disciplinary sanctions through the university depending on what exactly happened,” said Zavada. “The circumstances are always different, but I mean if we had something really serious happen, somebody in possession of something, or threatening somebody with a weapon, I mean the sanction could go all the way to dismissal from the university.

That’s not to say what could happen to them legally.”

According to Gary Samuels, Coordinator of Student Affairs and Community Standards, determin-

Mens lacrosse aiming for the cage

By Danny Wengiel, Reporter

The men’s lacrosse team has great expectations for the 2013 season after finishing the 2012 season with the best record in school history.

Senior Kyle Calabro thinks the season is off to a great start.

“The intensity level has been great,” said Calabro. “Practices have gone really well and if we keep practicing relentlessly and our work ethic stays high, we should do great this year.”

Calabro thinks he team worked hard through the off-season with time between the fall ball season and the spring. He said players have a great attitude and show determination to perform just as well as last season.

“Everybody hit the wall, and the weight room, sprinting. Just do-

ing things to better themselves for the season,” said Calabro.

Junior Paul Stewart is happy to have depth within the team this year and looks for every player, first years included, to step up and give it their all.

“Our team is pretty young, so as long as we group together as a team, I think we will do really well this season,” he said. “We have a little bit more depth at certain positions, so a lot more people will be able to get a lot more time, getting more people on the field.

Where as in the past we had one or two key guys, everyone is going to have to step up and play this year.”

Players and coaches agree that working as one unit is what will keep the team focused and driven.

“I’m excited about the effort that the guys are putting in. They seem to be training hard, and we’re having some fun. So we are having a pretty good five days so far,” said men’s lacrosse head coach Jim Ricardo.

Through winter break and the off-season, the team worked hard training to become better prepared for the season.

“Working out, playing wall ball, and shooting drills, so that when we pick up in January as we did” said Ricardo “We’re hoping it’s a continuum and not an off-season per say.”

Ricardo said the challenge is matching the team’s very best level of play.

“We lost one of the all time best players when Lee Blair gradu-

ated. So we have to replace our quarterback on offense, a guy who averaged about 62 points per season. That’s a lot of points to replace,” Ricardo said. “But we’re very fortunate to have six of the 10 starters returning, so we want to build around that.

The team works hard practicing and preparing for the season to start as they travel to Austin, TX to play their first game against Centenary College on March 3, and another game in Austin against Southwestern University on March 6.

The Cougars have their first home game on March 13 against Hood College at 4 p.m.

Wengiele@misericordia.edu

Left, Members of the mens lacrosse team gather for a meeting with their coach during a preseason practice on Tambur Field.

Below, four players practice catching the ball on Tambur Field.

MEGAN KISHBAUGH, LINDSAY USARZEWICZ /THE HIGHLANDER

Spring 2013 Schedule: 3-13: Hood, Home 3-16: Alvernia, Home 3-20: SUNY-Oswego, Home 3-23: Elizabethtown, Away 3-26: York, Home 3-29: Utica, Away 4-3: US-Merchant Marine, Away 4-6: FDU-Florham, Away 4-10: Kings, Home 4-13: Manhattanville, Home 4-17: DeSales, Away 4-20: Eastern, Home 4-27: Arcadia, Away

ing why a student would have a certain weapon in necessary to resolve any violations.

“You know, with athletes on campus, sometimes, lacrosse players, they have the really thick netting at the top. Sometimes they have a knife for that purpose,” said Samuels. “So we would want to get down the nitty-gritty of why you have this and then have that conversation, and then safety would be in charge of confiscating it if we need to and then holding it.”

But the campus will not serve as a storage facility for the weapons of hunters, Zavada said. Student hunters are advised to use alternative storage sites for their weapons.

“If it came to the point that somebody had a hunting rifle in their dorm room, and somebody found out it was there, and the room was looked into a little further, and we found out it was there, the person could end up with some sanctions against them just because they broke the policy as it’s written,” said Zavada.

As for archery, a bow alone will not violate policy, according to Zavada.

“You put a bow and an arrow together then you have something potentially that could harm someone,” he said.

Self-protection devices such as pepper spray, mace or even a taser, can also be dangerous to possess, carry--and use, Zavada said.

“The problem is that when you

use pepper spray or a taser, or something you can buy over the counter like that, you are taking on a lot of personal liability because, maybe, you’re not properly trained on how to do that, on how to administer that,” said Zavada.

“People can buy such things, but they are really putting themselves at risk if they haven’t gone to some type of self-defense class or get actual certification in those types of devices.”

Samuels said there are multiple avenues for reporting any weapons or firearms violations.

“They can go to their RA, they can go to their RD, they can come to me, they can call safety right away,” Samuels said. “The apps now that they have even for the phone, we have the Misericordia app where you can push that button and call safety immediately.

That’s an option. I would say if anyone is concerned about a very serious weapon they should call safety immediately.”

Samuels said Campus Safety should always be called first in case of an emergency, and officers may contact Township police if needed.

“We really just ask people to use their heads and to realize that they are part of a larger community and there are things that really have no place on a college campus, and weapons are one of them,” Foley said.

Bovem@misericordia.edu

All-American Durling

By Ryan Osadchy, Reporter

Senior baseball player Kenny “Regardless of the guys hitting Durling was named a secondin front of him or behind him, he team pre-season All-American by still manages to be productive and d3baseball.com. get his hits and to get some big Last season, Durling hit a .396 hits for us in some big spots,” he and led the Freedom Conference, said. “So, Kenny is really our go-to gaining 67 hits, 16 doubles, 113 guy in everything, both offentotal bases and 52 RBI. The center sively and defensively.” fielder earned MU records for Durling has been the first to be total bases and RBI and finished selected for a pre-season Allfourth in the Freedom Conference American in the six years Egbert with 8 home runs and a .669 slugcoached the Cougars. ging percentage.

“Kenny is the first one that has Durling had hits in 37 of the 46 gained that status, and that’s just games played and again a tribute to even had hitting his consistency streaks of 8 and and the numbers 12 games. that he has put Durling also up in the last few earned other years, it seems like post-season everyone in the reawards including, gion knows about ECAC South Divihim. So, it’s great sion III All-Star, accolades for him third-team ABCA and all the hard All-American and work that he’s put first-team Allin, but also for the Freedom.

MISERICORDIA ATHLETICS FOR THE HIGHLANDER program as well,” Baseball head said Egbert. coach Pete Egbert doesn’t expect The sport is something Durling Durling will slow down for the practiced since he was a toddler. rest of the season.

“Once little league was over, get “Kenny has really been a model into my teen years, and start getof consistency for us. He has had ting into middle school and high three outstanding years, offenschool, that’s when I started like sively and defensively, and he’s really playing and finding travel put in a lot of hard work this offteams,” said Durling. season, so we expect that it will He was happy with being chosen be status quo, if not better than it as a pre-season All-American, but has been in the past,” said Egbert. he has new goals to reach.

“He’s got a good head on his “It’s nice, but it’s pre-season. shoulders, and he knows what he It doesn’t really mean anything needs to do in order to get better yet. It’s a nice honor, but what and to continue to improve. So, really matters is the post season, he’s spent a good, hard long offso I have to keep working to get season working on his weaknesses there,” said Durling. and we think that he has gotten Durling said his ultimate accomeven better than he has been in plishment for his senior year will the past.” be a National Championship.

Egbert also feels Durling has had “Right now we need to take it a significant impact on the team step-by-step to start with playoff and has the leadership skills that max, you know, get the confermake him great, on and off the ence, and work from there.” field. He said other teams prepare The Cougars first home game to play against Durling and know is March 16 against DeSales he is placed in the center of the University. hitting line up.

Osadchyr@misericordia.edu

6 highlandernews.net

Behind the lenses, presses

News

By Morgan Harding, Print Editor

The communications department’s annual student media trip gave attendees a behind-thescenes look at award-winning photography and the nation’s newspaper of record in NYC. The group of 20 students was split into two tours, one of 10 journalists who toured The New York Times while the other 10 attendees visited the International Center of Photography where students were able to learn more about the communications discipline and the many opportunities it offers.

Communications department chair Melissa Sgroi explained that the student media trip is the department’s way of showing appreciation to the students who volunteer their time, without credit, on all student media outlets, which include The Highlander, CougarCast, Cougar Radio and the Public Relations Student Society of America.

Senior communications major Gia Mazur was amazed by simply walking through the historic doors of The New York Times. The amazement spread through the 10 other attendees as the students stood in the newsroom used by the best journalists in the world and the long hallway known as the Hall of Pulitzers. The hall contained summaries of articles and photos that have won Pulitzer Prizes as well as biographies of the reporters and photographers.

Students were also permitted to ask journalists questions about modern-day journalism. Mazur took asked about one of the most infamous days in the history of

the big apple.

“I asked our tour guide about The New York Times on 9/11 and it was amazing to hear about the editors, reporters and photographers who had to go into ‘work’ mode while they were trying to comprehend the tragedy that was happening,” she said.

This gave Mazur a new perspective on the terrorist attack and the work of a reporter.

“I had never thought about how those who were writing about what they had seen had been feeling. It really made me understand what it means to be a journalist.” said Mazur.

While Mazur and the tour at The New York Times were learning about big-time journalism, first year communications major Taryn Talacka and the other group of students were absorbing the photojournalism of the past.

The International Center of Photography was founded by photojournalist Cornell Capa in 1974. It is now one of the nation’s foremost museums dedicated to preserving the past and ensuring the future of art photography. The International Center of Photography presents an extensive array of historical and contemporary images by some of the most talented photographers in the world with approximately 15 exhibitions each year Talacka was taken aback by the style and composition of photographs of times past. “It was really cool to see pictures from different time periods,” said Talacka.

Sgroi felt that the work of extraordinarily accomplished

European photographers and photojournalists demonstrates how photography can serve a society by providing record of sociopolitical events and the ways in which they impact all people.

“The experience of viewing such photography under the guidance of one of the Center’s educators was something our students could not experience anywhere else,” she said.

The trip was not just a chance for students to learn about their professional fields but also to observe the culture of Manhattan. Junior communications major Heather Marsicano had never ventured into the city before. “I have never been to the city and never seen Time Square. I was in awe. It really was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. I grew up in the country, woods and farms surrounding my house, so it was seriously like being in a whole other world,” Marsicano said.

Junior communications major Brittany Lovette and Talacka echoed the sentiment. Though they had been to the city before they never visited the New York Public Library or really explored midtown – both of which they accomplished after the International Center of Photography tour.

“It was really great to get away from everything for a day and to get to learn so much about those whose work has come before ours.

This will definitely change the way I see photos - you never know where yours could end up,” said Lovette.

Hardinm2@misericordia.edu

February 12, 2013

MU Exposure: D.C. rally for life

DEANNA DARLING FOR THE HIGHLANDER

Sophomore DeAnna Darling captured this photo at the March For Life in Washington, D.C. on Friday, Jan. 25th. This year marked the 40th annual March For Life. More than 500,000 people participated in the March. Darling traveled with first year Mary Boyle and Jeffrey Passetti from Campus Ministry. The group remarked how powerful it was to see so many people participating in the event. Everyone from children in strollers to the elderly walked with dedication to the Pro-Life Generation. Before the March, they attended the “Life is Very Good” rally in Fairfax, Virginia which featured musician Matt Maher, and speaker Steve Angrisano. This rally was sponsored by the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. In attendance were groups from Oklahoma, South Carolina, Louisiana, and many other states. The MU group returned to campus with new ideas to plan events to raise awareness of the Pro-Life movement. For more information about MU’s Students for Life group, please contact DeAnna Darling at darlingd@misericordia.edu, or stop into the Campus Ministry Office.

Program encourages volunteers

By Kaitlyn Moltini, Reporter

Campus Ministry is offering students a new way to volunteer with a program called College Kids for Boys.

Lead by juniors Dennis Halpin, Kevin Hoffman and Arthur Dowell, College Kids for Boys is a program that brings young boys from the community to campus on Saturdays. Throughout the day, volunteer students play games with the boys, usually sports such as basketball, football and kickball.

According to Halpin, the program hosts from seven to 10 boys, depending on the day. The program is struggling to gain more volunteer students.

“I think maybe some people don’t like the idea that it’s through Campus Ministry,” Hoffman said. “I think they see that

and think it’s something involving church, but it’s really just about getting involved.”

According to Halpin, new safety regulations and paperwork may be discouraging new volunteers.

Volunteers must now submit a clearance form, which is required because students will be working with children.

“It’s tough because it takes about six weeks to get the forms cleared,” Halpin said. He said there is also a possibility that volunteers can come in and be cleared in about 10 days.

Halpin said he thinks lack of interest may stem from the high number of students who are involved in athletics or have rigorous course loads, but, he and Hoffman stressed that volunteering with College Kids for Boys takes

very little time.

“It’s all about getting out there with these kids and showing them that you care and to have fun with them while also being a good influence,” Hoffman said.

According to Halpin, the best aspect of volunteering with College Kids for Boys is the rewarding experience of helping others.

“At the end of the day, they’re just kids and they want to have fun and it’s important to make a difference, “ said Halpin.

Students interested in volunteering with College Kids for Boys should inquire at the Campus Ministry office in Banks Student Life Center or check the chalkboard outside of the office.

Moltink@misericordia.edu

ley said one of her favorite memories at the program was teaching students about volunteering and helping others.

“We made ‘night time bags’ for children in foster care and included toothpaste, a book, pajamas and lots of other stuff. The kids just loved helping so much.

They kept asking what else they could do and were upset when we had finished the project,” she said.

“It made me feel so grateful to be given the chance to work with them and help to develop them into the wonderful kids that they are.”

Stubits decided to join Starry Knights after hearing Munley discuss the program during her First Year Experience course.

“I hope to just help the kids along and kind of getting a little

more experience with children just because I’m going to be a teacher but then you also see some of the kids who can’t get into the program this semester because there is just too many,” said Stubits.

“You could just tell that they really want to be there so it’s a pretty rewarding experience.”

The Starry Knights program takes place on Monday and Tuesday afternoons at Lake Noxen Elementary School. Grades 3 and 4 participate on Mondays and grades five and six on Tuesdays.

Volunteers meet at 2:15 p.m. in Banks Student Life Center by the Campus Ministry office before they leave for Noxen. Interested students can sign up in Campus Ministry.

Lovetteb@misericordia.edu

Knights in need, continued

Continued from page 1

“The first goal was just to get ourselves established, but now we are striving to see progress in each of the students every semester,” said Munley.

The Starry Knight program is designed to not only help students with their schoolwork but to help them become well-rounded individuals.

“It’s not just a program to help kids get their homework done, it is so much more than that. We help them build interpersonal skills, confidence, healthy relationships with others, and much more,” said Munley. “We want to see them succeed outside the classroom and provide them with a healthy environment to do so in.”

This program also helps to teach the young students of MU charisms, including service. Mun-

Top, the 10 students who toured The New York Times pose for photo in front of the paper’s banner.

Left, the view from the 15 floor of The New York Times.

Right, juniors Brittany Lovette and Peter Falvey try to figure out where to go next in Midtown Manhattan on Jan. 30.

Below, members of The Highlander view the hall of Pulitzers.

MARY BOVE, TARYN TALACKA /THE HIGHLANDER