Laker Traditions

Celebrate the Laker Life

At Mercyhurst University, traditions aren’t simply dusty old relics from our past—they are living, breathing celebrations that represent our vibrant campus community. As time goes on, we constantly evolve what it means to be a Laker and how to celebrate our legacy, embrace the present, and look forward to a brighter future. From serious observances to spontaneous celebrations, you’ll find that Mercyhurst values our long history, and creates opportunities for all of our campus community to come together to have fun and grow in community. We are revitalized with every new class of students who suggest new ideas, bring new perspectives, and share in traditions that make up life at the Hurst. These touchstones of common experience endure, bringing us together and reminding us of what it means to be a Laker.

Laker Traditions

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Homecoming Weekend

Homecoming Weekend is a great opportunity for alumni and current students to come together to celebrate being Lakers, in addition to parents/guardians joining us on campus for Family Weekend festivities! Special Homecoming events include athletic competitions, social events, a Homecoming bonfire, games and contests, and tailgates.
Family Weekend

Homecoming Weekend is a great opportunity for alumni and current students to come together to celebrate being Lakers, in addition to parents/guardians joining us on campus for Family Weekend festivities! Special Homecoming events include athletic competitions, social events, a Homecoming bonfire, games and contests, and tailgates.
Unity Week

Multicultural Student Services partners with MSG Programming Board (MSGPB) and other campus constituents for a Unity Week each academic year. This weeklong series of events aims to celebrate the uniqueness of each individual in our community.
Day of Service

Service and community are at the heart of our Mercy tradition. At the end of New Student Welcome, new Lakers spend a day out in the community engaged in hands-on service with their peers. Students experience a variety of service opportunities in Erie including cleaning up litter on Presque Isle beaches, stocking shelves in food pantries, and visiting local nursing homes.
Carpe Diem Retreats

Often termed “the weekend you didn’t know you needed,” the Carpe Diem (CD) retreats allow students to get off campus, build connections, and develop their relationship with their faith. This weekend experience is the perfect way for students to make new friends and step outside their comfort zone! CD retreats are open to students of all backgrounds and religious affiliations.
Christmas Tree Lighting

There's nothing like a Mercyhurst Christmas. Campus is always beautifully decorated with festive trees and shimmering lights from Old Main to the gates to our residence halls. The whole campus community comes together to celebrate the lighting of a decorated tree in Trinity Green each December, complete with cookies, coffee, and hot cocoa!
Sister Damien Spirit Bell

Located in Trinity Green, the Sister Damien Spirit Bell commemorates Sister Damien, a Sister of Mercy and devoted fan of Laker athletics known for boisterously ringing a cowbell at every game. Now, after every athletic win, the team gathers in Trinity Green to ring the bell and sound out their victory
Springfest

Midway through the Spring Semester, everybody could use a break from the rigors of academic study, making it the perfect time to cut loose and have a little fun. We’ve got you covered, thanks to SpringFest, a campus-wide dance party with thousands of your closest friends and a headlining music act. Artists including Bryce Vine, T-Pain, Timeflies, MKTO, Sean Kingston, and Jesse McCartney have performed on the SpringFest stage. Maybe your favorite artist will be here next year!

Hurst Day

Each fall semester, classes are cancelled for a day and students cut loose with games, inflatables, and a campus-wide party, for one of our favorite Laker traditions, Hurst Day! Watch the video below for more on the storied (and silly) history of Hurst Day.

Campus Life