Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy
Welcome to the Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy! Here, we aren’t afraid to ask the big questions and challenge students to dig deeper to find the answers. Our courses enhance students’ critical and creative thinking to prepare you to engage with a diverse and ever-changing world. Our education in ethical reasoning and cultural literacy will help foster your intellectual, personal, and social development, as well as your ability to adapt to new environments both personally and professionally.
Programs
The Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy hosts a variety of programs and coordinates across these programs to enhance your education. While our programs can be pursued as individual majors, students often find studies in Philosophy and Religious Studies to be an excellent complementary major or minor to other programs as well. Many students have paired one or more of our programs with majors in Anthropology, English, Biology, Chemistry, Political Science, Social Work, Intelligence Studies, Criminal Justice, Interior Architecture & Design, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and Cyber Security.
Religious Studies Programs
Institutes for Community and Global Engagement
The Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy also includes two affiliated institutes—the Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society, and the Sennett Institute for Mercy and Catholic Studies. These institutes provide programming including lectures, panels, films, and faculty and student seminars for our university and the larger Erie community.
The Evelyn Lincoln Institute for Ethics and Society
The Sennett Institute for Mercy and Catholic Studies
Romero Award
The Religious Studies Department has a longstanding tradition of conferring an award to the person or organization whose life and commitment reflect, in an extraordinary manner, the values of faith and justice, which were courageously demonstrated in the life and death of St. Oscar Romero, Archbishop of El Salvador.
- 2025, Erie City Mission
Presented by Brian Johannson, President and CEO. “The Privilege of Serving our Homeless Neighbors.” March 24.
Read the News Article - 2023, Molly Burhans
Ecology and land management activist working with the Vatican. March 21.
Read the News Article - 2022, Barber National Institute
Presented by Maureen Barber-Carey. “Continuing the Legacy of Making Dreams Come True.” March 24. - 2019, Carl Malischke
Social justice activist in El Salvador. “The Reality on the Other Side of the Wall: Transformational Encounters and Our Salvadoran Connections.” March 21. - 2018, Mary Hoffman ’74
Retired special education teacher. “If You Could, You Should.” March 20. - 2017, Dr. Douglas Villella
Optometrist and founder of Vision for the Poor. “Let Our Eyes Be Opened.” March 23. - 2016, Sr. Mary Miller
OSB, director of Emmaus Ministries. “Icons at Emmaus.” April 8. - 2015, Sr. Mary Claire Kennedy
SSJ, Social Justice Coordinator, Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern PA. “Sex Trafficking.” March 25. - 2014, Sr. Simone Campbell
Executive Director of NETWORK. “Justice in America.” March 26. - 2013, Sr. Mary Lou Kownacki
Long-time advocate for peace and justice, former Director of Pax Christi, co-founder of Emmaus, co-founder of Neighborhood Art House, author, poet, and catalyst for local neighborhood revitalization. “Turned Into Fire.” March 19. - 2012, Sr. Mary Scullion and Joan McConnon
Co-founders, Project HOME. “No One is Home Until All of Us Are Home.” March 22. - 2011, Erie L’Arche Community, Fr. George Strohmeyer
“Parable of Community in a Troubled World.” March 24. - 2010, Sr. Marilyn Lacey
Founder of Mercy Beyond Borders. “Mobilizing Mercy Beyond Our Borders: An Invitation to Justice and Joy.” March 9. - 2009, Sr. Helen Prejean
Author and penal reform advocate. “Dead Man Walking.” April 15. - 2008: Kathleen Erikson
R.S.M., co-founder of the Women’s Intercultural Center, Anthony, NM. “Call to the Borders: Justice and Faith at the Margins of Society.” March 18. - 2007, Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton
Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit. “Faith and Justice in a World of Conflict.” March 22. - 2006, Maura Smith
RSM for her work on environmental issues at Mercyhurst College and in the Erie Community. - 2005, Marie Dennis
- 2003, Kathy Kelly
Anti-war protester, director. “‘Voices in the Wilderness:' Broken Hearts, Broken Policy: U.S. Sanctions and War in Iraq.” Received in absentia (she was in Iraq) by Joanna Berrigan. March 24. - 2002, John Dear
S.J., former director, Fellowship of Reconciliation. “Non-violent Action and Global Terror: The Relevance of Radical Compassion.” - 2000, Roy Bourgeois, M.M.
- 1999, Christine Vladimiroff, OSB
- 1998, Edwina Gately
- 1997, Pax Christi
- 1996, Robert Hoderny
- 1995, Mary Jo Leddy
- 1994, Elizabeth McCallister
- 1992, Philip Berryman
- 1991, Daniel Berrigan, S.J.
Verna Ehret, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Religious Studies and Philosophy; Professor
