Each week during the 2010-11 school year, The Merciad selects three stories about the college’s history. These story excerpts from our archives are posted to The Merciad Online on Thursday afternoons.
—–
‘Hurst breaks ground for new building
Thursday, Oct. 8, 1965*
Merciad file photo: This 1965 architectural rendering shows the original plans for the appearance of Zurn Hall.Groundbreaking for the new Science and Arts building to be constructed this year at Mercyhurst will take place Sunday, October 10, at 2:30 p.m. This date marks not only the feast of Mother M. Borgia Egan, founder and first president of Mercyhurst, but also the fourtieth anniversary of the signing of the chapter founding the College.
Present for the ceremonies will be His Excellency, John Mark Gannon, Archbishop of Erie, Sister Mary Carolyn Herrmann, President of Mercyhurst College, as well as the faculty and entire student body.
The actual construction of the building will begin later this month. Designed by Mr. Herbert Heidt, of the firm of Nelson, Goldberg, and Heidt, the contemporary styled structure will be located south of the College’s present administration building.
The three-winged building which will house the Science, Art, Home Economics and Music departments was made possible through a $335,000 grant under the 1963 Higher Education Facilities Act and a $890,000 loan from the Federal Office of Education.
The size and scope of this new building will double Mercyhurst’s existing facilities. The college hopes to open the building for use in the fall of 1966.
*Throughout the 1960s, The Merciad published monthly, often at the start of a month. While this article did not appear during the week of October 14-20, it closely neighbors our current publication cycle.
—
Homecoming dance begins; a new tradition at ‘Hurst
Friday, October 17, 1980
Merciad file photo by Rich Forsgren: Gary Bukowski discusses the upcoming Homecoming Dance.For the first time in history of the college, a Homecoming Dance will be held for the student body and alumni.
“I would definitely like to make this an annual event,” commented Gary Bukowski, director of alumni affairs. “We’re trying to develop a tradition never experienced at the college.”
The semi-formal dance, scheduled for Saturday night, is open to the student body.
“We want students to participate because someday they will be alumni,” said Bukowski.
Bukowski responded to the BYOB policy of the dance which will be held in the Campus Center.
“I would treat our students as mature individuals,” he said.
Bukowski stated further that he expects students to use their heads if they are drinking. He said if students prove they are not capable of handling the situation, it won’t be continued next year. Mixers and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available, he pointed out.
“Even though we don’t have a football team, there’s a lot of potential, concluded Bukowski. “Although, it would be nice to have a football team.”
—
Men’s soccer look toward playoffs
Thursday, October 15, 1988
Merciad file photo by Jessica Russell: Senior Eric Clark is tackled by an Ashland defender. The Lakers won the game 4-1.The men’s soccer team played four important games during the week, netting four wins.
These four wins give the Lakers an overall 10-2-1 record and 4-0 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
On Oct. 7, the Lakers faced Wheeling Jesuit College in Wheeling, W. Va. The Lakers won the game 1-0 with the game winner coming in sudden death overtime with a head shot from junior Robbie Yurkovich and an assist from Mike Shields.
“It was just one of those games. They were ranked 14th in the country, naturally. They are a very good side. We went down there and played extremely well and deserved the win,” said coach John Melody.
On Oct. 8, the team faced Hillsdale College. Six Mercyhurst players found the net in a 7-0 defeat. The Lakers faced Ashland University on Sunday, which ended in a 4-1 victory. And on Wednesday, the Lakers faced Westminster College, netting a 3-0 win. Goalkeeper Derian Tuitt now has six shutouts this season.
The Lakers are ranked fourth in the GLIAC conference. They play Gannon University on Saturday at Family First Sports Park at 3 p.m.