Clubs & Organizations

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 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 Campus Ethical Purchasing Club shall be a group of students working closely with Mercyhurst faculty and staff to widen the campus' commitment to ethical purchasing in all decisions. Priorities of the club will be to examine procurement decisions in areas such as the bookstore and dining, as well as formulate a list of ethical purchasing suggestions for use at all levels of the university. Ethical purchasing includes products which are sustainably produced, locally sourced, collaborative with a diverse community, or made with union labor. The club will also host events related to ethical purchasing, visit classes, and work to expand campus and personal knowledge on the subject. This club has been formed to help address Mercyhurst's commitment to sustainability and to Laudato Si', in which ecological economics is a key priority.

Advisor: Elizabeth Pyne

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: Nimalan Paul

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: Michael Sliker

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: Peter Zohos

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 interests. Some of the guest speakers that the LEIC has hosted in the past include analysts from the CIA, FBI, HIDTA, and PSP.  

Advisor: Behsat Ekici

The purpose of this organization is to provide opportunities for language practice, cultural exploration, community service, and fun.

Advisor: Alice Edwards

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: Fred Hoffman

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

This is a unique chance to merge your talents and create impactful work in the community. We are blending the talents of visually creative students with the strategic skills of other disciplines to produce amazing things. Together, we will be working on real-world communication/design/marketing problems for actual clients.

Advisor: Jodi Staniunas-Hoper

Physics Club aims to encourage and promote an understanding of how everything behaves at its most fundamental level. During meetings, we will observe the phenomena of the universe and provide a comprehensive explanation to broaden members' knowledge. We intend to hold "game nights" to create a social and inviting environment for students to engage with like-minded peers and staff. If the opportunity arises for off-campus trips, there are conferences and laboratories that students can visit and experience. As a chapter of the Society of Physics Students, we intend to help undergraduate students with an interest in physics develop skills and provide resources for them to excel professionally.

Advisor: Dyan Jones

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

Women in Cybersecurity (WiCys) is an academic student chapter that is a professional organization and community-focused on empowering women in the cybersecurity field. The main mission of WiCys, as a whole, is to advocate and empower women in the cybersecurity field, and with the CIS department growing, a WiCys chapter would be beneficial to bring to Mercyhurst. The chapter is open to everyone of all majors and genders, and allyship is even encouraged as the point of this chapter is to build a greater community while celebrating success. The plan is for meetings to be once or twice a month and will work closely with Mercyhurst's Cybersecurity Club.

The types of events that we will do will focus more on the educational aspect of cybersecurity; however, getting hands-on experience and geared more to obtaining certifications and other skills that are not taught within the CIS curriculum.

Advisor: Abigail Gavadin

The purpose of Commuter Student Association shall be to create a community for commuter students at Mercyhurst to provide programming and social opportunities to meet other commuter students, as well as interact and engage with resident students.

Advisor: Jessica Hubert

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

The Extreme Sports Club is dedicated to bringing together students who share a passion for adrenaline-pumping activities and outdoor adventures. Our goal is to create a supportive community that encourages exploration, skill development, and a love for extreme sports.

Our mission is to foster camaraderie among members while promoting physical fitness, mental resilience, and safety in extreme sports. We strive to provide opportunities for students to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and forge lasting friendships through shared adventures.

We organize a diverse range of events to cater to various interests within extreme sports, including:

• Group Outings: Trips to local climbing areas, skate parks, or surfing spots
• Workshops: Skill-building sessions led by experienced athletes, covering activities like rock climbing, snowboarding, or BMX biking
• Competitions: Friendly contests to encourage teamwork and challenge members’ skills
• Fitness Sessions: Training workouts focused on building strength, endurance, and agility specific to extreme sports
• Safety Seminars: Educational sessions on risk management, first aid, and proper equipment use
• Social Events: Gatherings to build community, share experiences, and plan future adventures

Through these activities, we aim to create an engaging and enriching environment for all members, promoting both individual growth and a strong club community.

Advisor: Matt Stoey

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

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: Kristofer Gossett

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 Mercyhurst Rugby Club shall be to allow anyone interested in rugby to have the opportunity to participate, play, and compete in assorted rugby events throughout the year. 

Advisor: Melissa Lustic-Long

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 Mercyhurst Sailing Club offers a truly enchanting and magical experience that redefines the concept of adventure and creates a lasting sense of family. If you're looking for a chance to get on the water and harness the power of the wind, look no further than the Sailing Club. With the Mercyhurst Sailing Club, you can experience the thrill of the open sea, explore distant shores, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Joining our club offers a chance to bond with fellow crew members and strengthen the Erie community. This club will demonstrate the mission of Sisters of Mercy through volunteering with the Bayfront Maritime Center by helping with the up rig and down rig of their tall ships and other projects. Club activities will consist of learning sail training on small sailboats with the help of the Penn State Behrend Sailing Club and with the help of the Erie Yacht Club Foundation, knot-tying, volunteering, learning the history of the Great Lakes, building bonds with the Erie community, and creating a team of skilled and valuable sailors.

Advisor: Benjamin Scharff

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.

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: Greg Brown

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).

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

Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy climate change organization focused on national policies to address the national and global climate crisis. Each CCL chapter is made up of volunteers who build political support for climate action in their communities. Volunteers are trained in lobbying, media relations, and grassroots outreach. Our main focuses include carbon pricing, healthy forests, clean energy reform, and building electrification and efficiency.

Advisor: Christopher Dolanc

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: Katie Neely

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

We will be an organization for Democrats here at Mercyhurst. As part of the club, we will watch debates, campaign, and canvass for local Democratic candidates; this will include knocking on doors and handing out material from candidates.

Advisor: Seyma Akyol

Guided by the fundamental principles of the American Red Cross and its mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors, the Mercyhurst University Red Cross Club will learn, practice, and exemplify humanitarian values through mission-related service projects.

Advisor: Elizabeth Patnode

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: Scott Meier

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

The purpose of Pi Sigma Alpha shall be an honor reserved for a select group of students. Member students will convene to suggest direction for the Political Science Department of Mercyhurst, communicate with faculty, and develop valuable skills to prepare for a life in the political world. 

Advisor: Joseph Morris

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 Riley-Brown and Althea Gaarden

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

American Sign Language (ASL) Club's purpose is to teach members about deaf culture while also learning sign language. In doing this, members will be educated on a new culture they might not know about. It also encourages learning a new language, utilized by various individuals within our communities! The mission of this club is to provide individuals with a new form of communication used by various cultures. Our events are educational and group-based, as we are all learning something new at our own pace.

Advisor: Douglas Boudreau

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 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: Seyma Inan

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

The purpose of LOM is to destigmatize lesbianism through an alliance of lesbians and allies across campus. We aim to advocate and support the lesbian community at Mercyhurst University and the greater Erie area through outreach and on-campus events. 

Advisor: Katie Neely

The purpose of Mercyhurst Neurodiverse Community Alliance (MNCA) 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 who are neurotypical and students who are neurodiverse to socialize together. We will use flagging to create safe spaces at sponsored events around campus and join 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