mercer

Pi Kappa Phi fraternity suspended from campus

By:
Published Oct 24, in Campus, News

After Mercer University housing staff found alcohol on the front porch of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house on Friday, Aug. 16, a judicial hearing ruled to suspend the fraternity from campus for the remainder of the semester.
The fraternity house is currently closed and locked, and the organization cannot hold officially sanctioned events such as chapter meetings until the spring semester.
“That night we had some people on our front porch that had a beer can in hand, so our fraternity was found with alcohol on the premises,” said Peter Carrerou, treasurer for Pi Kappa Phi.
Further investigations found evidence of alcohol inside the house as well.
Pi Kappa Phi faced two conduct code violations last year and other violations dating back to 2008.
“Half of my fraternity wasn’t even [enrolled at Mercer]. It was so long ago,” said Carrerou.
At the time of the incident, Pi Kappa Phi was also on University Probation for hazing allegations, which stipulates that further violations of the code of conduct result in an evaluation of suspension, according to Doug Pearson, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
“In this case, the organization had been found responsible for several violations over the last year and already placed on University Probation. The next step was to suspend the organization,” Pearson said.
Drew Haynes, president of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity said the situation is “atrocious.”
Haynes said, “kicking them out of their house is a pretty big sanction just for some alcohol.”
Two years ago, Kappa Alpha Order lost their pledge class for one year when Interfraternity Council (IFC) members walked into an off-campus residence and found an empty beer can.
“It was a private residence and IFC just walked in. You can’t do that,” said Haynes.
Carrerou, who used to be treasurer for IFC, said that during rush this year pictures of alcohol and freshmen were turned in against Sigma Nu.
“They couldn’t take a pledge class for a month, which is nothing. Then we had more pictures turned in of the same thing and nothing happened,” said Carrerou.
“You have picture evidence of people drinking with freshmen and all [Sigma Nu] got was a slap on the wrist. When KA had such a minor infraction, they almost got the death sentence, fraternity wise,” he said.
Haynes and Carrerou both indicated that they think the sanctions given by Mercer have been inconsistent.
Pearson said, “I can appreciate someone thinking that, particularly if they are not aware of the facts.” However, the judicial board determined that, considering the history of violations, suspending Pi Kappa Phi was the “next, and perhaps only, logical step.”
Carrie Ingoldsby, director of Campus Life and Student Involvement, oversees IFC and indicated that the Kappa Alpha Order and Sigma Nu situations differ from that of Pi Kappa Phi.
“The Sigma Nu violation was through IFC judicial and was a recruitment violation that occurred off campus. The Pi Kapp incident was on campus and went through Mercer judicial,” she said. Kappa Alpha Order’s violation was also a recruitment violation and went through IFC judicial.
Haynes and Carrerou also believe that Residence Life is being stricter on fraternities this semester.
“There was one incident where we had a noise complaint at like 8:15, which is ridiculous, but whatever. We turned the music down. They’re just being super [strict] on the rules,” Haynes said.
Jeff Takac, director of housing and residence life, however, does not believe this is true. “Their rules are actually the same as every other student on campus. We have quiet hours and courtesy hours,” Takac said. “If somebody asks you to turn it down we kind of expect people to turn it down whether you live in Mercer Hall, Greek Village or Plunkett.”
“That particular night the incident was [due to] stereotypes that are pushed upon us,” said Carrerou, who believes that Mercer is handling the situation in such a way that perpetuates the stereotype that greek life is based solely on partying.
“Granted, stereotypes exist for a reason. People do things wrong, but you learn from that mistake and you fix it,” said Haynes.
Carrerou thinks the University should focus on the many hours of philanthropy and community service fraternities are involved in.
Ingoldsby said that the organizations who have had issues this semester are “committed to turning things around, adhering to their sanctions and gearing up to come back and do a good job on campus.” Ingoldsby indicated how important it is to promote the positives of Greek Life such as philanthropy, service and involvement on campus.
Pearson said, “In spite of [the Pi Kappa Phi incident], I believe the Greek system produces strong student leaders, engages in solid community service and provides a valuable social outlet for our students. It does not provide them the freedom to violate the law or university policy. I am confident that Pi Kappa Phi will learn from this incident and come back as a stronger organization.”

Students travel to learn Mercer’s history at annual Pilgrimage to Penfield event

By:
Published Oct 24, in News, Student Government

Since the 1900s, Mercer University students have made the annual trip to Penfield, Ga. to participate in the historic Pilgrimage to Penfield event. On Oct. 19, students participated in a cemetery tour, gathering in the chapel, dinner and a display of fireworks hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA).
Students gathered inside Penfield chapel for a service hosted by SGA members and Mercer faculty. The service started off with a short welcoming speech and prayer by sophomore senator Raymond Partolan.
“I can’t help but to think about what kind of footprints and handprints each of you will leave in the large span of Mercer’s history. It’s no surprise that Mercer students change the world,” said Partolan.
Ike Ekeke, a senior at Mercer, gave a speech about his past and how he came to choose Mercer. In his speech, Ekeke talked about what impressed him about Mercer when he came to visit before his freshman year.
The chapel gathering continued with speeches from Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Douglas Pearson, Senior Vice Provost for Service Learning and Professor Mary Alice Morgan and SGA President Mollie Davis.
Former Vice Provost for Institutional Effectiveness and former Dean of Students Barry Jenkins told students during the cemetery tour about the history of Mercer’s founder, Jesse Mercer. The tour also included information about other contributors to Mercer University’s development.
“[Mercer University] started off as Mercer Institute for Men. This was a prep-school for boys 17 to 18 years of age and this was a working community, a working farm.” Jenkins explained.
Jenkins then went on to point out the graves of Jesse Mercer and his wife along with the graves of Spright Dowell and George Boyce Connell, whose namesakes are Dowell residence hall and Connell Student Center, respectively.
Students were enticed to pay close attention to Mercer’s history, as they split up into groups and answered questions competitively.
“Overall, what I enjoyed the most was the walk through the cemetery. It was my favorite part because it set a mysterious mood I enjoyed,” said Avery Lewis, a freshman student.
Raymond Ko, a sophomore who went to Pilgrimage to Penfield last year said, “Last year my favorite part was the Mercer alumna who talked about her experiences as a student. This year though, I really liked the fireworks because that’s when all the groups got to come together.”
Students arrived back on campus with more knowledgeable about their university’s beginnings.

Women’s basketball looks to improve upon last year

By:
Published Oct 24, in Sports, W. Basketball

In the 2012-13 season, the Mercer women’s basketball team is looking to prove their doubters wrong. Head coach Susie Gardner enters her third season at the helm for the Bears, and she assures it’s going to be a great year for the team.
“We’ve been practicing for a long time. Women’s basketball allows us to start the season rather early. We started on Oct. 4 and we were able to have a great fall break where we could have two-a-days, so we’ve gotten a lot of things accomplished,” said Gardner. “Our program’s growing, we’re still building. We’re not there yet but we are taking steps in the right direction.”
For the first time under Susie Gardner’s direction, the Bears will have a veteran squad hitting the court. Consisting of three seniors, four juniors, five sophomores and one freshman, the Mercer women’s basketball team is going to be looking for veteran leadership on and off the court.
“We only have two new players on the team, so I have a majority of people who can run a drill rather than our coaches running a drill. So you can feel the flow of practice going a lot better,” mentioned Gardner.
Unfortunately for the Bears, their leading point earner from last year is not available during this season. Junior guard Briana Williams is out for the 2012-13 season, with a tear in her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Last year, the star guard averaged 17.5 points per game. Her presence will be missed on the court.
“With Briana getting hurt, we had a game plan in place as a coaching staff and that had to be tweaked overnight, but I think we’re heading in the right direction,” Gardner said.
With Williams out, the Bears are going to have to look for other sources to make baskets for the team. One of those sources is senior forward Ry’van Buchanan. Last season, Buchanan averaged 10.8 points per game as well as 5.3 rebounds per game. Her efforts last season were enough to get her named to the Atlantic Sun’s Preseason All-Conference Team.
Another player the Bears are looking forward to having back is redshirt junior, Kendra Grant. Grant has had to sit out due to several knee injuries, but she is back this year and ready to perform at the best of her ability.
“It was very difficult. Going from being able to play out there to just sitting out on the sidelines was difficult. But I’m ready now to get back out there and pick up where I left off,” Grant said.
Last season, the women’s basketball team was within 10 points of the opposing squad in several games. Unfortunately, they were unable to close out the majority of those games.
“You can try to simulate time and score situations in practice,” Gardner said. “Hopefully with the experience of going through those games in the past we can come out on the correct end of those this year.”
The women’s basketball team hits the court for the first time this season on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at Hawkins Arena for an exhibition match versus Francis Marion.

Mercer’s Panhellenic Council hosts first annual Male High Heel Race

By:
Published Oct 24, in Campus, News

On Oct. 16 Mercer’s Panhellenic Council hosted the High Heel Race, its first philanthropic event of the semester. Non-Greek and Greek male participants paid $5 to $10 and raced up the street near Porter Patch wearing high heels. The first person to cross the finish line won a $30 gift card to Margaritas. The Panhellenic Council also hosted a raffle drawing that gave away prizes donated from Macon’s local businesses. The council raised $130, which they donated to Crisis Line and Safe House, a Macon shelter for battered women.
Mercer students lined the street as three young men wearing white tube stocks with glittery high heels lined up for the race. “I am excited about this. It should be funny,” said Panhellenic’s Director of Programming, Suzannah Griffin. Before the race, Panhellenic Advisor, Cindy Drury, gathered and warned the participants about the uneven concrete. Student spectators unanimously agreed that the race could potentially be dangerous. “I think a few people will fall,” said Junior Daniel Dupree. However, the Panhellenic council took necessary precautions to insure everyone’s safety, “Luckily, we have an EMT with a radio…just as a precaution,” said Drury.
After the count down from the crowd, a pair of black stilettos, sparkly strapped-heels, and wedges hobbled towards the finish line. The winner, Philip Flynn, donned a pair of wedges. “I just wanted to raise money for Panhellenic’s philanthropy and help out, ” said Flynn. “I thought I was going to eat it,” commented Flynn when he was asked if he was worried about falling. Flynn said he planned to use the gift card to take his girlfriend out on a date.
The Panhellenic Council, which oversees the four sororities in Mercer University, hosts two philanthropic events each semester. When Drury read recruitment brochures from other universities, she noticed other Panhellenic councils hosted women high heel race competitions for philanthropy. Instead of women racing, Drury thought having male participants race in heels would be more fun.
Although the Panhellenic council wanted the High Heel Race to be entertaining, giving back to the community took chief prominence, “One of the philosophies and goals of Panhellenic, as in most Greek chapters, is philanthropy…we wanted to set a good example to the four chapters that the council as a whole was supporting philanthropy not just the individual chapters,” said Drury. The money that is donated to the shelter gives impoverished women basic living necessities.
According to the National Panhellenic mission statement, the goal of the council is “to create unanimity of thought and action.”
Sarah Richardson, director of Scholarship and Delegate for Alpha Delta Pi, shared in an interview that hosting the event allowed her to bond with girls from other sororities. “You get to know a lot of people and just see more of Mercer’s campus, which allows you to get out of a bubble,” said Richardson.
Although the number of participants for the race was limited, the council hopes to continue the High Heel Race as a Panhellenic Mercer tradition. “I’m hoping this is something we can continue for the next several years and hopefully will get bigger and bigger,” said Richardson.

Mercer Memories: Cindy Drury

By:
Published Oct 24, in Features, Mercer Memories

Fall is upon us and along with it, Mercer looks forward to events such as Mercer Madness, Pilgrimage to Penfield and Halloween. The Assistant Director of Campus Life, Cindy Drury is a Mercer alumna and had plenty of fond Mercer memories to share of the fall.
Cluster: What were you involved in while at Mercer?
Drury: I was involved in Residence Life. I was an RA for two years. I was also involved in Student Government, Quadworks, Alpha Delta Pi sorority and I was highly involved in intramurals. I helped start the Mercer club swim team. I was a lifeguard at Plunkett, which was very nice. I was part of T’s Corner staff, and so I was the informational specialist for the building [student center] for two years.
Cluster: What do you remember about this time of year in fall?
Drury: I remember fall being really exciting. We didn’t have homecoming until February but we had Mercer Madness. I think my favorite memory of the fall was having Mercer Madness in Porter gym. Porter gym is no longer here, but it used to be where Porter Patch now is. The basketball arena only sat about 500 students and it had these awesome wooden benches. And so at midnight, we would all crowd into the gym. It was such a fun event to go to because everyone wanted to be there. There would be fireworks, and the team would come out which was awesome.
Another good fall memory was when I had my FYSX class during the fall. We had 8:00 a.m. classes which was fine for me, but for some of my other classmates, they had struggled at times. I remember one time we had to go over to Roberts to actually knock on the door and wake one of our classmates up because he would like to sleep in a lot. But then we were able to spend the day outside, and kind of sit and have FYSX class in the courtyard area and enjoy the nice fall weather.
Cluster: What year did you graduate?
Drury: I graduated in 2006. So I was here from 2002 to 2006.
Cluster: Do you have any cool costume ideas you did for Halloween?
Drury: I have a twin sister named Samantha and I remember when we came to school our freshman year, a lot of people couldn’t tell us apart very well. We looked very similar and people just didn’t know us well enough yet. So we did a pretty fun play on costume where one was the good twin and one was the evil twin.
We did have a pretty good slogan when we ran together for student government our freshman year. Of course, we had a play on the “double-mint.” It was a really funny slogan and I think it was one of the reasons we probably got into student government that year because we had the catchiest little slogan out there. I think it [the slogan] was, “Double your pleasure, double your fun, vote for Cindy and Sam ‘cause two is always better than one.”

Men’s golf takes third

By:
Published Oct 24, in Golf, Sports

The Mercer men’s golf team recently competed at the AutoTrader Classic at the Berkley Hills Country Club in Duluth, Ga. After finishing sixth at the Brickyard Collegiate, the Bears looked to improve upon their performance in their last tournament of the fall season.
After the first day of play which consisted of the first two rounds, the Bears rounded out the day with a combined stroke count of 595 which was good for third place.
“The guys played good, but we kind of stubbed our toe at the end,” Mercer head coach Steve Bradley said. “The 10th hole is the hardest hole on the course and we made a double and triple on it.  Other than that, we were solid this afternoon and if we play well tomorrow can move into second.”
Junior James Beale led the way for the Bears as he fired a 70 and a 74 in the first two rounds, leaving him in a six-way tie for fifth place overall with several of the country’s top collegiate golfers, including the reigning U.S. Amateur Champion.
“Those guys are good players and so is James,” Bradley said.  “He shot three-over in the second round with a double on ten that I know he wishes he could have back. He’s gone back to just playing golf and let go of self-imposed expectations, and he’s playing great right now.”
Junior Hans Reimers was tied for 19th place overall after finishing with scores of 75 and 72 in the first two rounds of play.  Sophomore Trey Rule was tied for 28th overall after shooting 78 and 71.  Senior Thomas Holmes posted scores of 72 and 78 and was tied for 32nd. Freshman Jeffrey Heinicka, Jr. rounded out Mercer’s competitors with a 36-hole total of 151.  He was tied for 37th place overall.
Senior John Gregory Joseph recorded scores of 72 and 76 while competing as an individual and is tied for 22nd place overall.
“Trey bounced back from a 78 to lead us in the afternoon and Hans also showed a lot of fight,” Bradley said.  “I’m very proud of our effort.”
Mercer shot 289 in the final round of play to complete the tournament with a three-round total of 874.  At the conclusion, the Bears were just eight strokes behind in-state rival Georgia State for second place while another in-state rival, Georgia Southern captured the team title with a stroke count of 859.
Head Coach Steve Bradley credited his players on a well played tournament.
“Obviously to finish third is nice, we had a shot at second, but Georgia State just played slightly better than us over the last five holes,” Bradley said. “Our guys have come a long way over the past six weeks. Trey’s tie for 11th finish was his career-best, James had another top-10 finish and Hans played solid for the second-straight tournament.”
Junior James Beale took home the team’s best individual finish, tying for eighth place overall with a three-round total of 216. Sophomore Trey Rule’s final round 70 combined with scores of 78 and 71 in the opening two rounds to place him tied for 11th overall.   Junior Hans Reimers finished in a tie for 17th at the event with a three-round total of 220, while freshman Jeffrey Heinicka, Jr. used 225 strokes and tied for 31st place. Senior Thomas Holmes capped his tournament with a 79 on Tuesday and tied for 50th place at 229.  His classmate, John Gregory Joseph, shot 76 on Tuesday and tied for 27th at 224.
“Overall I’m very happy with our play in this tournament and happy with the fall and how we’ve gotten better,” Bradley said. “The guys have a competitive fire now and after we take a couple weeks off we will get right back after it to get ready for the spring.”
James Beale’s performance in the AutoTrader Classic garnered him his third Atlantic Sun Conference Golfer of the Week honor this season.
Mercer is now finished with its fall schedule and will take a few months off before resuming play in the John Hayt Collegiate Invitational at the Sawgrass Country Club on Feb. 24, 2013.

Volleyball battles for A-Sun positioning

By:
Published Oct 24, in Sports, Volleyball

In their last 5 matches, the Mercer women’s volleyball team has come up victorious in only two of those competitions. While playing some of their best volleyball to date, some efforts weren’t strong enough to secure those all important conference wins and they now see themselves in a battle to earn a spot in the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament against several other teams in the last few weeks of play.
The first match-up for the Bears was a rematch against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers. Mercer previously defeated ETSU in front of their home crowd, and looked to take the momentum from the previous win into this competition. Unfortunately for the Bears, ETSU came up on the victorious end this time taking the match 3-1.
The Orange and Black lost the first set 19-25, but battled back to win the second set 25-23. The Bears could not muster up enough strength to take the match however, and lost the next two sets (18-25, 18-25).
Leading the way for Mercer was sophomore Caroline Carlton who knocked down 15 kills. Senior Charlayna Braxton put down nine of her own while senior Jenn Katona and freshman Molly Locke each contributed seven apiece.
Senior setter Monica Sanchez was able to dish out 37 assists in the losing effort.
On the defensive side of the ball, junior libero Emily Rochefort contributed 24 digs while senior teammate Jamie Duffy was able to add 18 of her own. Monica Sanchez and Molly Locke aided the team getting seven digs of her own.
After coming up short against ETSU, the Bears looked to rebound against in-state rival Kennesaw State University. The team did just that and won the game in five sets (22-25, 25-18, 25-12, 11-25, 15-8).
Freshman Molly Locke led the team in kills with an impressive number of 16. Sophomore Caroline Carlton was not far off knocking down 15 of her own. Seniors Jamie Duffy, Jenn Katona and Charlayna Braxton also had impressive nights adding 11, 10 and nine kills, respectively.
Senior setter Monica Sanchez had an impressive outing and sent out 51 assists on the day.
Defensively four players reached double digit digs with Jamie Duffy leading the way with 19. Junior libero Emily Rochefort added 16 of her won, while Molly Locke and Monica Sanchez earned 15 and 13 of their own.
With another conference win in the books, the ladies looked to add another tally in the win column against the Spartans of USC Upstate. The Bears came up short and lost the match in three sets (19-25, 19-25, 14-25).
Freshman Molly Locke led the team in kills with eight while senior Jenn Katona was able to knock down seven of her own. Senior Jamie Duffy and sophomore Caroline Carlton also contribute six apiece.
Senior setter Monica Sanchez was able to amass 21 assist in the match, while junior setter Carly Iannarino was able to come in and contribute six of her own.
Junior libero Emily Rochefort added 22 digs in the match while Molly Locke amassed 16 of her own. Senior Jamie Duffy also contributed in the dig category with 11.
In the next match, the Bears saw themselves in a tight competition against the league leaders from Florida Gulf Coast University. The Orange and Black were able to take the match to five sets, but despite a resilient effort, came up on the losing end. The Bears took the first set 26-24 but lost the next two sets (26-28, 25 20). The ladies were able to bounce back in the fourth with a win of 25-18, but ultimately lost the fifth and final set 8-15.
Three players attained double digit kills with freshman Molly Locke pacing the Bears with 21. Senior Jamie Duffy and sophomore Caroline Carlton contributed 13 and 12, respectively.
Senior setter Monica Sanchez was able to obtain 51 assists in the match
Junior libero Emily Rochefort led the team in digs with 21, while Jamie Duffy and Molly Locke contributed 18 and 16, respectively.
After coming up just short against FGCU, the Bears were able to get back to winning ways against Stetson University. The Orange and Black defeated the Hatters in an impressive 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-19) fashion.
Sophomore Caroline Carlton paced the team with 15 kills while freshman Molly Locke was not far behind her knocking down 14.
Senior setter Monica Sanchez dished out 41 helpers in the competition.
Junior libero Emily Rochefort and Molly Locke each were able to add 14 digs in the winning effort.
The next match for the Bears is Oct. 26 vs. the Dolphins of Jacksonville University at 7 p.m. The Bears will also take on the University of North Florida the following day (Oct. 27) at 3 p.m. The game against North Florida will also double as senior night honoring the six seniors on the squad. Charlayna Braxton, Jamie Duffy, Jenn Katona, Madison Petsos, Monica Sanchez and Codi Schepp will all be honored for their service to Mercer University.

Women’s soccer claims second in A-Sun

By:
Published Oct 24, in Soccer, Sports

In the last four games of the season, the Mercer women’s soccer team has won three of those matches, claimed a first-round bye in the Atlantic Sun Conference tournament, and broken a program record for wins in a season with 12 on the year. It is no doubt that head coach Tony Economopoulos has had a successful debut season for the Bears, and he looks to continue that success going into the conference tournament.
On Oct. 12 the women’s soccer team took on the Dolphins from Jacksonville University. The first half of play saw both teams go back and forth. Neither side was able to break through and get the important first goal, although Mercer did have the best chance of the half.
In the 20th minute, sophomore Tess Patton took a shot that hit off the far post and back into play to keep the game level.
The Orange and Black would not waste any time coming out of the halftime break and jumped in front of the Dolphins in the early moments of the second half. Sophomore Lauren Gassie cut inside on the left edge of the 18-yard box and hit a shot that was saved by Jacksonville’s goalkeeper Jill D’Amico. However, the rebound went right to sophomore forward Washida Blackman who drilled a shot into the back of the net to give Mercer a 1-0 lead in the 50th minute.
This was all the Bears needed to claim the victory over their competitors and with this win they clinched a spot in the conference tournament.
“We had a game plan coming in of how we wanted to play against this team because they played a different formation,” said Economopoulos. “We came out and we executed well. We dominated the game statistically, we created quite a few chances, and we knew coming in that if we got a result tonight we would clinch a spot in the postseason,” added Economopoulos.
The next game for the Orange and Black was against North Florida. It was the team’s last home game of the season, so in tradition they honored the seniors who have served this team for four years. Seniors P.A Upson and Danielle Hesse were both recognized prior to the match.
The team helped send out their two seniors in resounding fashion as they claimed a rousing 3-0 victory.
The Bears scored their first goal just 52 seconds into the match. Sophomore Tess Patton collected a loose ball in the UNF box, pushed through two Osprey defenders, and drilled a shot past the UNF keeper to put Mercer ahead.
Patton did not rest on her laurels though as she scored her second goal of the game in the 19th minute. Junior forward Nadja Kolliesuah dribbled past her defender on the right side of the field and sent in a cross to Patton. Patton settled the ball and volleyed it into the back of the net putting the Bears up 2-0.
Mercer earned their third goal just seven minutes later. Sophomore Lauren Gassie sent in a corner kick that found the head of junior transfer Devon Fry to put the team up 3-0.
Mercer held the 3-0 advantage going into halftime and was not able to put in any more goals in the second half. Although the Bears slowed down offensively in the second half, their defense remained strong and was able to keep a clean sheet.
Head coach Economopoulos and his squad then traveled to Deland, Fla. to take on the Hatters of Stetson University. The Bears scored a goal in each half to secure the 2-0 win and a first-round bye in the conference tournament.
“We knew coming [in] that it was going to be a tough environment and they were playing very relaxed,” said Economopoulos. “We knew we had struggled against them in recent years in the regular season, but I challenged my seniors to go out and win and we were able to get the result, so I am very happy.”
The Bears netted their first goal in the 28th minute of the match. Senior Danielle Hesse collected a pass from Washida Blackman and put the ball in the back of the net from eight yards out.
The team would not score again in the first half, but found the net in the second.
Junior Casey Barrett put the game out of reach. Tess Patton sent in a free kick that ricocheted off of the Stetson goalkeeper. The rebound found Barrett in the box and she put it away for her third goal of the season.
The Bears were now in a perfect position. With a win or tie against their next opponents, the Bears would secure the first regular season title since 2008. The team looked to exact revenge as they lost to the same team they would be playing for the regular season conference championship that they played against in the previous season in the conference tournament.
Unfortunately, the Orange and Black could not find the net and lost the match to a talented squad from Florida Gulf Coast University.
“It was a great battle between the two top teams in the conference,” said Economopoulos. “It could have gone either way, but you have to give them credit. They are a great team.”
With the loss the Bears gave up tournament hosting rights to the Eagles of FGCU. After a bye in the first round, the team will hit the field in Ft. Myers, Fla. on Nov. 2 for the semi-finals.

Meet your president: Get to know William D. Underwood

By:
Published Aug 15, in News

In preparation for a new year, The Cluster has asked Mercer’s President William Underwood a few questions.
Cluster: How long have you been President at Mercer?
Underwood: I began July 1, 2006.  This is my seventh year.
Cluster: What attracted you to Mercer?
Underwood: Mercer has great students and a great academic reputation.  My predecessor, Dr. Kirby Godsey, was also a great recruiter.  He very effectively made the case that Mercer is a special place with the potential to accomplish things in the lives of students that could not be accomplished elsewhere.
Cluster:  What does the ‘D’ in William D. Underwood stand for?
Underwood: David.
Cluster:  Describe a typical work day.
Underwood: Fortunately, there is no typical day.  Among my favorite things about being president is that each day presents new and sometimes unanticipated opportunities and challenges.
Cluster: Favorite memory at Mercer?
Underwood: I’ve got many great memories, but my favorite recent memory is of Mercer Village packed with several hundred students and alums watching outdoors on a giant screen television as Mercer defeated Utah State for last year’s CIT championship.
Cluster: What is your choice restaurant in Macon?
Underwood: Macon is fortunate to have many really good restaurants, including all the restaurants in Mercer Village.  My favorite is the Tic Toc Room, which is located downtown.
Cluster:  If you could have any other job, what would it be?
Underwood: I’ve never thought about this.  When I was a courtroom lawyer, I loved that job and thought I would never do anything else.  Then I became a law school professor, and loved that job.  I love my current job as well.  When my time as president is complete, I will probably return to teaching law school.
Cluster: There have been some significant improvements on campus over the last few years, including the new Mercer Village and the football stadium, how important was the implementation of these factors for the future of Mercer?
Underwood: I think these changes have been necessary to create an even more vibrant learning environment at Mercer, something necessary if we are to continue attracting talented students, faculty and staff.  Mercer is rapidly becoming known as one of the most vibrant and energetic universities in the Southeast, which is a very good thing.
Cluster: Where do you see Mercer ten years from now?
Underwood: I see Mercer becoming nationally recognized among the premier private research universities in the Southeast – recognized as a place with an intensive focus on every student being engaged in empowering and inspiring learning experiences.
Cluster: What has been your greatest accomplishment at Mercer thus far?
Underwood: Presidents often get credit for accomplishments that are really the work of others.  I am proud of many things that have been accomplished by members of the Mercer community over the past six years, but I am probably most proud of the Mercer on Mission program, which offers an unrivaled and life changing learning experience for students.  Dr. Craig McMahan has done extraordinary work in leading this program, and many of our faculty members have been engaged in developing exceptional learning experiences for students, combining study abroad, service learning, and research in ways that are unique to Mercer.
Cluster:  What are your hobbies and interests?
Underwood: I enjoy reading, especially good fiction and history.  I’m also very competitive, so I like sports.   I’m a fan of the Mercer Bears and the New York Yankees.
Cluster: What does it mean for you to actually live on campus? What are the advantages? Any disadvantages?
Underwood: There’s always something interesting going on within walking distance – intercollegiate athletics contests, concerts, theatre productions, and provocative lectures.  Also, the UC is nearby, as is my favorite coffee shop – Jittery Joes.
Cluster: Mercer has been stepping it up in sports, what are your expectations for this season?
Underwood: Our men’s basketball team will be favored to win the conference and represent Mercer in the “Big Dance,” following last year’s 27-11 season and CIT championship.  Our baseball team will likewise be favored to win the conference.  Our women’s basketball team will surprise people this year.  And several of our other teams are poised to make major strides this season as well.
Cluster:  What are you looking forward to this year at Mercer?
Underwood: I always look forward to students returning and the campus coming alive.  We have a very strong class of entering students this year.  I’m also looking forward to seeing the completion of the footballlacrosse complex, the opening of the Center for Collaborative Journalism, and completion of the Emily Parker Myers Welcome and Admissions Center.   The CCJ is the single most exciting initiative currently underway in the field of journalism.  I’m proud that Mercer is taking the lead nationally in developing a new model for preparing future generations of journalists that emphasizes experiential learning in the digital age.
Cluster: What advice would you offer freshmen?
Underwood: The same advice I gave my son when he began college last year.  You only get to do college once.  Squeeze all you can out of the experience.  Take advantage of all that college has to offer.  Study hard.  Think about the great questions.  Learn everything you can.  Get to know your professors.  And take time to be involved with student life, religious life, athletics, music, and theatre.  But also get some sleep.

Welcome class of 2016

Get ready for a week of Bear Beginnings

By:
Published Aug 15, in News

Mercer University will welcome the incoming Class of 2016 as the majority of incoming students will begin to move in to their dorm rooms on Aug. 18.
In order to aid the freshman class with transitioning from high school to college, Bear Beginnings is organized to give the incoming students and their families an enjoyable and stressfree experience. The incoming Class of 2016 is expected to have more than 650 students.
“Bear Beginnings is a first-year student’s first few days as a Mercer Bear,” said Amanda Carls, coordinator of new student programs. “Not only will they meet members from the incoming Class of 2016, but they will also experience support in their transition to Mercer as our Peer Advisors, faculty and staff introduce them to academics, campus life and the Mercer community.”
Move-in will begin at 9 a.m. and last the majority of the day as students prepare their college homes in Mary Erin Porter Residence Hall Complex, Plunkett Hall and Roberts Hall. As a Mercer tradition to welcome the new students and their families, Mercer Movers will assist with the moving process. Mercer Movers consists of student and faculty volunteers who help move boxes and furniture from incoming student’s vehicles to their rooms.
Following move-in, incoming student and their families are invited to have refreshments with Toby, the University’s beloved bear mascot, in the University Center. The event will last from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Tot, the female mascot, will also be present to meet the new Mercerians. Families and their students are able to have their photos taken and framed as a gift to remember the first day of college. Students are also able to receive a free Class of 2016 t-shirt for the class photo at this event.
New Mercerians will need their class t-shirts at the welcome ceremony that will take place in the University Center Hawkins Arena at 2:30 p.m. Here, the students will learn the Mercer fight song as well as other Mercer traditions and take a class photo.
As a part of the first day of Bear Beginnings, students will meet with their orientation groups otherwise known as “o-groups” and meet their peer advisor and resident assistant.
The weekend following move-in day consists of many activities for freshmen to keep busy and meet a variety of people.  Freshman favorites include the street carnival on Aug. 19 from 8-10 p.m. on Porter Patch. The traditional event includes a DJ, karaoke and inflatable games.
On Aug. 20, the Class of 2016 will participate in one of their first Mercer traditions as they attend their first Convocation. Convocation will take place in Willingham Hall from 2-3:30 p.m. The traditional academic ceremony will end with the students signing the Class of 2016 banner.
Following Convocation is Bear Fair, an event where new students can meet various student organizations on campus and learn how they can become involved.
“Students enjoy the orientation programming, especially the Sunday Night street party, pizza party, Bear Fair, New Student Convocation, time with O-groups and meeting future friends and classmates,” said Carls.
Bear Beginnings will commence with “Ice Cream with the Underwoods” on Porter Patch from 6-8 p.m. with the Underood family.

« Older Entries