CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
At Mercyhurst University, you can enhance your experience beyond the classroom through Recognized Student Clubs/Organizations (RSCOs). Clubs and organizations offer activities designed for fun and camaraderie and are great ways to meet other students who share common interests. Getting involved on campus is also a unique way to develop leadership skills and is an excellent resume builder.
The purpose of the Accounting Association shall be to provide students with real life accounting experiences through the use of tools and resources such as quickbooks, tax returns, funds, budgets, etc. The use of speakers and experiences will also be included for information to be acquired through experienced professionals and personal student experience. Research will also be conducted to stay up to date on current tax changes, Financial Accounting Standards Board updates, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles updates, etc.
Advisor: Cheryl Moore
Adpro is a group of student designers that work together to expand professional outlook and personal style through free exchange of ideas, experience, mentoring, and cultivating aesthetically pleasing designs for the community to enjoy and experience
Advisor: Jodi Staniunas Hopper
The purpose of this organization is to give the Mercyhurst University community an opportunity to explore the growing field of anthropology through educational activities such as guest speakers and educational field trips, all of which will be open to any interested student, faculty, or staff member of Mercyhurst University. This will provide members opportunities to be involved first hand, in the field of anthropology, as well as develop possible professional career goals. This organization will stress an interdisciplinary approach to anthropology through its many applications by encouraging students from all related majors to join and participate.
Advisor: Allison Byrnes
The purpose of Anti-Money Laundering Club shall be to raise awareness in the Mercyhurst community about money laundering and its social and economic impact, as well as to generate interest in the national and global efforts to combat this crime. The club aims to introduce students to potential career opportunities in the field of Anti-Money Laundering through the conduction of research, the competition of products, and the participation in various networking opportunities.
Advisor: Leslie Guelcher
The purpose of Applied Forensic Science Club shall be to give the Mercyhurst community an opportunity to explore the growing field of forensic science through educational activities and community outreach, all of which will be open to any interested student, faculty, or staff member of Mercyhurst University. This will provide members opportunities to be involved first-hand in the field of forensic science, as well as develop possible professional career goals. This organization will stress an interdisciplinary approach to forensic science by encouraging students from all related majors to join and participate.
Advisor: Christine Lench
The purpose of the Art Therapy Club shall be to come together, with fellow students from this department and anyone else interested, to learn more about this major through trips, exercises, and workshops. We want to expose the community of Mercyhurst University and Erie to the many benefits of Art Therapy and to also broaden our appreciation for our chosen future field. To do this, we would like to raise money to attend conferences and workshops in and around Erie.
Advisor: Heather Denning
The purpose of the Chemistry Club shall be to expand student’s involvement with the scientific community around them. We want students to have opportunities to associate with fellow students that share the same interests. We shall provide students with opportunities to do community service activities, attend seminars, and raise awareness of the importance of chemistry in the world around us. If the need for tutors and/or mentors arises, the Chemistry Club will contribute students to help others with the subject. The club will promote enthusiasm about the chemical sciences and encourage pride and spirit among the members.
Advisor: Amy Parente
The purpose of the Business Club shall be to focus on helping student members get experience in the business and accounting industries through speakers, events and excursions related to the field of business.
Advisors: Jessica Spanogle
The Mercyhurst Competitive Intelligence Club is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to creating and managing business knowledge. Our mission is to enhance the skills and knowledge of students and professionals so that they may help their companies achieve and maintain a competitive advantage. Mercyhurst Competitive Intelligence Club provides education and networking opportunities for students and business professionals working in the rapidly growing field of competitive intelligence.
Advisor: Lindy Smart
The purposes of the Criminal Justice Club shall be to recognize and promote learning within field experiences; to assist students in preparing for a career in the criminal justice field; and to recognize and appreciate the necessity of education along with practical experience and training in becoming professional criminal justice practitioners.
Advisor: Emmaleigh Kirchner
The purpose of this RSCO will be to provide opportunities to gain knowledge regarding cyber security all related facets of technology. The club will do this by taking advantage of the knowledge and experience of the membership base. A primary goal of the club is to encourage hands on learning and experimentation with cyber security tools and software. Instead of just learning about these topics we encourage the ethical use of these tools in closed environments.
Advisor: Robert Pearson
The purpose of this organization is to build and strengthen the network of fashion majors/minors and others interested in fashion that surround the MU community. The Fashion Council provides a professional organization for Mercyhurst University students to enhance and promote fashion knowledge and awareness in fashion related fields. The Fashion Council commits to provide a space where individuals with an interest in fashion can gain useful knowledge of the Fashion industry.
Advisor: Amy Weaver
The purpose of the Mercyhurst History Club is to promote historical interests and recognition throughout Mercyhurst Campus and the surrounding Erie community; serve the Erie community with meaningful service both related and not related to historical preservation; and provide an environment for the History department to strengthen the educational opportunities and opportunities to teach and enrich minds outside of the classroom.
Advisor: Benjamin Scharff
The Holistic Nursing Club (HNC) is an extension of the Lake Erie Chapter of the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA). We are a group of Holistic Nurses dedicated to promoting holistic health and healing as well as raising awareness about Holism, Self-care, and Loving-kindness.
Advisor: Sara Finchio-English
The purpose of HMA/PCMA shall be to provide professional development for hospitality Management students at Mercyhurst University. The HMA side of the club concentrated on service and the Chicago Food & Restaurant Show. As a club, we will do philanthropy events throughout the year organized by the HMA side. Philanthropic events may include, but are not limited to: Zumba-thons, March of Dimes, Relay for Life, volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank, and Adopt-a-Highway clean-ups. The PCMA side more focused on events management education. Our university club is part of the POWER Chapter of PCMA (Pittsburgh, Ohio, West Virginia, and Erie Region) and will attend said chapter meetings whenever they may occur in order to further member education.
Advisor: rsco@mercyhurst.edu
To give the members an opportunity to apply what they have learned throughout their business classes.
Advisor: Mark Simpson
The purpose of this organization is to provide opportunities for language practice, cultural exploration, community service, and fun.
Advisor: Alice Edwards
The Law Enforcement Intelligence Club was the earliest student club to exist within the Intelligence Studies programs at Mercyhurst University. Building on its long tradition, the club regularly meets for special events, guest speakers, and seminars on the field. The overall mission of the LEIC is to educate undergraduate students on the field of law enforcement, provide internship opportunities to our club members through our visiting guest speakers and connect with peers through law enforcement interest. Some of the guest speakers that the LEIC has hosted in the past include analysts from the CIA, FBI, HIDTA, and PSP.
Advisor: Dalene Duvenage
A group of PA students who meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of common interest that often deal with health care, the PA profession, or other social issues. The group works to promote the PA profession and PA students within the PA profession.
Advisor: Robin Newhook
The purpose of the MU Music Therapy club shall be to educate students, as well as the general community, about the benefits of research-based music as it applies in a therapeutic setting. We strive to operate on a theme of inclusivity in which we will address various populations beyond ourselves through community outreach both on and off campus. We also strive not only to advocate and educate others but also to promote advocacy for ourselves within the development of our careers and profession.
Advisor: Brittany Barko Krugger
The National Security Club (NSC) will be an umbrella organization that will bring together several national security related organizations and associations on the Mercyhurst campus. The NSC will promote the development of its members through organized events and functions that will educate and inform about national security issues.
Advisor: William Brosius
The purpose of the Pre-Health Society shall be to prepare pre-health students for the furthering of their education in the medical field after graduation from Mercyhurst University. In addition, the Pre-Health Society will provide guidance and support in the decision making process for future medical students. Activities and programs sponsored by the organization will be expected to fulfill the organizations' stated objectives.
Advisor: Michael Elnitsky
The purpose of this organization is to encourage intelligent discussion and debate, and create increased awareness about the law and legal processes at Mercyhurst University. We intend to hold general meetings at which we will discuss current events including Supreme Court cases and other law-related discussions. We will also provide study sessions for applicable courses, LSAT practice exams, and host guest speakers (via Zoom or in-person) such as lawyers, judges, educators, and other professionals in the field, as well as other educational experiences.
Advisor: Eric Wagner
The purpose of Psychology Club is to promote high standards among psychology students, to encourage professional growth and development, and to provide opportunities for members to associate with persons engaged in psychology and its related fields.
Advisor: Melissa Heerboth
The purpose of the Public Health Club is to engage the community and students in public health activities in and around Erie in order to gain more knowledge. The objective is that through community service and partnership with the community, students can help to improve the quality of life for others, helping to reflect on themselves as community members.
Advisor: Maria Torres
The functions of the Social Work and Applied Sociology Club are to aid in the development of the individual student and urge students of social work, as future helping professionals, to be aware of, and contribute to enhancing the social functioning of all people.
Advisor: Michelle Kephart
The purpose of Sports Business Management Club shall be to educate and expand hands-on and social experiences for those interested in Sports Business. The club will also help those in the major to experience firsthand, outside of the classroom, what all levels of Sports Business entails.
Advisor: John Parente
The Sustainability Club will promote to the Mercyhurst community the principles and practices of responsible environmental policy and sustainability. The club will also assess and improve the environmental awareness, ecological responsibility, and environmental performance of the campus with the goal of advancing sustainability on campus and the community.
Advisor: Molly Tarvin
The functions of the Mercyhurst University Dance Club shall be to promote and encourage involvement within the community in order to gain recognition outside the college, hold fundraising activities to make additional performance opportunities and benefits possible, provide a close bond and unified spirit among dance department members, gain recognition from and unity with the other departments and attempt to work with other college organizations in order to raise funds for this organization and other charitable organizations, promote and encourage student participation in interdisciplinary activities and also to inform members of any dance-related opportunities.
Advisor: Danielle Kaiser
This club will be formed to create a inclusive yet fun and competitive environment for those who have a passion for video games and what talents they can bring to the table. This club was formed with the thought of wanting to target and create a place for those individuals who may not have the open space or have as many friends to play and or compete in video games with, and allow those people to learn new skills through competitively and or recreationally playing these games.
Advisor: Amy Parente
Our organization strives to share our passion for nature and the outdoors while giving students the opportunity to make new friends and find a community of people who share an interest in the outdoors. Our main goal is to be outside, regardless of the weather (so long as no danger or hazards), and experience the beautiful area we live in. We encourage those who are well-versed in the outdoors to educate those who have less experience in an appropriate way. Some activities we plan to do are hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, skiing/snowboarding/sledding, biking, exploring, cookouts, outdoor games, and more.
Advisor: Bryan Prindle
Hurst Harmonics will be a student led acapella group. It will be for music majors, and non music majors to come together to make music and share their love of acapella. We would hope to hold performances with the mercyhurst ensembles in the future.
Advisor: Brittany Barko Krugger
The purpose of Laker Student Media shall be to create a student-run community that revolves around media. Laker Student Media is a platform that brings together Mercyhurst University and Erie, PA. The club features multiple branches that include audio/radio, blogging, gaming, graphic design, TV production, social media, sports broadcasting, broadcast journalism, and videography/photography.
Advisor: Brian Sheridan
The purpose of the Liturgical Dance Ensemble is to give students an opportunity to utilize dance to explore and share their religious beliefs. Additionally, the ensemble provides exploration to flourish. This organization is based on volunteerism in which members receive service hours for their participation.
Advisor: Corenna Partusch
The purpose of Mercyhurst University Disc Golf Club is to: 1) Build a community of students with a shared interest in the sport of disc golf, 2) Facilitate the skill development of new and experienced players Support and encourage the participation in disc golf tournaments and events locally in the Erie area, regionally, and nationally, and 3) To compete against other collegiate disc golf teams at local invitational events and regional qualifying events in hopes of competing for a national championship.
Advisor: Joseph Johnson
The purpose of the Military and Operational Intelligence Club (MOIC) is to introduce students about the intelligence that is required for planning and conducting military campaigns and major operations to accomplish strategic objectives within theaters or operational areas.
Advisor: Brian Fuller
To provide a forum for all students who love film to discuss all things related to the film industry.
Advisor: Kris Gossett
The purpose of Photo Club is to promote photography and marketing on campus and in the community. Photo Club is also a place for aspiring photographers to gather and share work, learn from one another and be a part of likeminded artists.
Advisor: Gary Cardot
The purpose of P.U.C.K shall be to create an environment that allows students interested in playing semi-competitive ice hockey with their friends a chance to thrive. Our prime objective is to promote exercise and social growth through small non-contact games of ice hockey. We aim to create a social environment that is inviting as well as engaging to all those who participate.
Advisor: Thomas McKinnon
The purpose of Running Club is to give people the opportunity to run on a club team recreationally. The club will also work toward getting involved in community clubs, race, volunteering events, and hopefully starting a 5k on campus.
Advisor: Robert Von Thaden
The purpose of Soccer Club is to bring the Mercyhurst Community together through playing soccer, forming friendships, and having fun. The club will promote physical and mental wellness, allowing students to take a break and have fun. We plan to host scrimmages, games, and fun soccer-related activities.
Advisor: Matthew Weaver
This RSCO is devoted to the research and recreation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, and culture. Members in this club will learn about these things through research, project-based learning activities, and historical recreation
Advisor: Amanda Mulder
The purpose of Table Top Games Club shall be to foster an environment where students can come together to enjoy board games, card games, and role playing games (this includes but is not limited to, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic the Gathering, and Chess) free of judgement and condescension.
Advisor: William Meyer
The mission of the Theatre Appreciation Club is threefold: to provide hands-on learning experiences in all aspects of theatre appreciation, production, and management, to foster a sense of community among students interested in theatre, and to entertain and educate through productions and direct involvement with the community, thereby enriching the cultural life of the Erie area.
Advisor: Brett Johnson
The purpose of Video Game Club shall be a social gathering for students that like to play video games. Students can meet other gamers and connect with groups of people in order to play video games on any platform (computer or gaming console).
Advisor: Peter Ostrander
The purpose of Hurst Volleyball is to bring together students from all different backgrounds to play friendly (and sometimes competitive) volleyball.
Advisor: Bethany Woods
To engage students in yoga and get to know other students on campus.
Advisor: Solveig Santillano
Alpha Epsilon Delta is the National Health Preprofessional Honor Society dedicated to the encouragement and recognition of excellence in preprofessional health scholarship. Our Society welcomes all students engaged in the pursuit of professional development, provides a forum for students with common interests and extends a program of service to benefit the college/university community. We are a branch off of the Pre-Health Society and follow suit with events, volunteering and any other opportunity given.
Advisor: Michael Elnitsky
The purpose of Alpha Phi Sigma shall be to recognize and promote high scholarship among students actively engaged in collegiate preparation for professional services; to keep abreast of the advances in scientific research; to evaluate the ethical standards of the Criminal Justice professions and to establish in the public mind the benefit and necessity of education and professional training.
Advisor: Adam Saeler
Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is a society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.
Advisor: Katie Kilmer
The purpose of this organization shall be to promote the welfare and education of exceptional children and youth.
Advisor: Kortnie Fisher
The basic goal of the Mercyhurst University campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity, hereafter referred to as Habitat, is to work in partnership with people in need, belonging to any religion, race, gender, national origin, and sexual orientation, to improve the conditions in which they live. To meet this goal Habitat seeks to work with the local affiliate, other campus chapters, the International headquarters, and on various sponsored projects, work in cooperation with people in need to create a better human habitat in which to live, and work and provide social services to the community.
Advisor: John Campbell
The mission of the Honors Council shall be to support the mission of the college and that of the Mercyhurst University Honors Program, to represent the interests of all Mercyhurst University Honors Scholars.
Advisor: Justin Ross
Kappa Delta Pi aims to help our members reach academic excellence and dedication to the teaching profession. Members can join the world’s largest association of outstanding education professionals. Kappa Delta Pi is the only organization that represents all educators—regardless of subject area specialty, degree obtained, grade-level focus, or years of teaching experience. Though diverse, all KDP members share a common purpose: We are a dynamic community of exceptional educators committed to promoting excellence in the education profession by recognizing and advancing scholarship, leadership, and service.
Advisor: Amy Bauschard
To increase interest, knowledge, and productivity in all areas of music education. The club will make available opportunities for professional development available to members.
Advisor: Nathan Hess
The National Society for Dance Arts is the premiere honor society recognizing university dance scholars/artists and professionals for their academic and artistic achievements. It is sponsored by The National Dance Association, an affiliate of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).
Advisor: Solveig Santillano
Phi Alpha is an honor society for social work students who have met the various academic qualifications within the major. Our goal is to connect social work students with one another and recognize their hard work and dedication to their studies and the social work profession. Likewise, we aim to engage in various actions and advocacy projects that uphold the core values of social work and change the societal misconceptions surrounding the profession.
Advisor: Michelle Kephart
To promote a higher standard of learning and to encourage high scholastic attainment among freshmen in our institutions of higher learning.
Advisor: Justin Ross
Psi Chi is a national honor society whose purpose shall be to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology.
Advisor: Melissa Heerboth
The purpose of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, Beta Upsilon Chapter, shall be to uphold the values of the Sigma Tau Delta International Honor Society. We strive to promote academic achievement among English majors/minors. As Sigma Tau Delta’s mission states, we are “dedicated to fostering literacy and all aspects of the discipline of English.”
Advisor: Christina Rieger
The purpose of Active Minds at Mercyhurst is to increase awareness about mental health, mental illness and resources available; to become a point of reference for information on Depression, Bipolar Disorder, etc.; and to become a liaison between Mercyhurst and the mental health community.
Advisor: Michelle Kephart
The purpose of AIM for Friends (AFF) shall be to create a campus-wide community of acceptance and inclusivity for neurodiverse students. We shall promote these ideals through social events, flagging, and awareness campaigns. We want to create safe spaces for both students that are neurotypical and students that are neurodiverse to socialize together. We will use flagging to create safe spaces at events around campus and we will join with the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) for AIM sponsored events. We will also collaborate with other RSCOs in promoting Autism Awareness Campaigns.
Advisor: Laurie Baker
To expose members to the Japanese language and culture as expressed through Japanese medium, particularly the animated arts. The organization will look at the historical background of Japan and examine it in relation to pertinent period anime. Similarly, it will examine some cultural norms as expressed through the media, focusing most strongly on current popular social trends. Our organization seeks to give its members a chance to watch foreign visual media it would not otherwise normally be exposed to.
Advisor: Robert Von Thaden
To promote the unification and prosperity of Mercyhurst students of African descent through a means of enhancing the experience of minority students on campus, creating an environment that allows minority students to network with other students from similar cultural backgrounds, allow students to discuss sensitive affairs in a safe nonjudgmental setting, and feel a sense of comfort among their peers.
Advisor: Jessica Hubert
The purpose of French Club shall be to promote personal as well as social development thought the use and understanding of the French language and culture. French Club activities will include a peer mentoring program, exposer to the everyday French language through the use of well known movies and movies of French origin, and activities to increase students’ academic proficiency in French. The club will be open to students of varying levels of French proficiency. From beginning to advanced including native speakers, who have interest in French and the cultures of countries that use French.
Advisor: Douglas Boudreau
The Intelligence Inclusivity Initiative aims to create a culture of empowerment and intersectionality with a respectful environment where all feel comfortable and heard. The initiative will teach members about the powerful trail-blazers that came before us, leadership skill sets, and the experiences of others. The events this club plans to host is learning opportunities, and to host speakers who can share their experiences with the club. The goal is to leave meetings feeling empowered and with a toolset to handle difficult situations. Once the club is established, club members will be able to present a topic and host a discussion on meaningful topics of their choosing.
Advisor: Dalene Duvenage
The purpose of ISA is to celebrate the cultural diversity and richness of the Mercyhurst community by furthering relations between international and domestic students. We celebrate world cultures in a fun, educational, and inclusive way to provide a space for everyone to explore what it means to be an international student or to experience international culture.
Advisor: Courtney Olevnik and Maria Antunez Centeno
The purpose of Irish Dance Club is to learn the different dances of Irish Dance and to learn about how it a part of Irish culture. The mission of this club is to let those who have interest in Irish Dance experience it and for those who do have prior experience, they will be able to share their love of the art with others and continue dancing. This club will like to have events that show off the members' hard work and knowledge of Irish Dance, like performances. there will also be events where nonmembers will be able to come and learn dances as well.
Advisor: Jennifer McNamara
This club is for anyone who has, will, or is interested in studying or traveling abroad. The purpose of Lakers Abroad is to continue the cultural immersion and education established during the time members have spent or will spend abroad and to educate members of the Mercyhurst community on the importance and benefits of studying/traveling abroad. We aim to hold events that promote intercultural communication and education such as intercultural food night, story time with international students and faculty, cultural tradition night, and much more.
Advisor: Kaitlin Dolak
The purpose of Mercyhurst Equality of Women shall be a group of women (and men who choose to join) supporting women. This concept will be part of the activities, events, and meetings the club holds. Activities and programs sponsored by the RSCO will be expected to fulfill the RSCO’s stated objectives. The purpose of the RSCO should also be related to the promotion of personal development and intellectual growth and should not conflict with the mission, core values and policies of Mercyhurst.
Advisor: Michelle Scully
To enhance the student experience with the Russian language, history, culture, and people.
Advisor: Kathryn Duda
The LGBTQIA Equality Club wishes to bring awareness and acceptance of all sexual orientations to the Mercyhurst University community. We also focus highly on support of people who do not feel comfortable or ready to "come out" to their peers.
Advisor: Richard McCarty