Welcome and thanks for visiting the Clubs and Organizations page at Penn State York, your one stop shop for many of our involvement opportunities on campus! Penn State York offers various co-curricular activities for the social, cultural, educational, and recreational needs of our students. The Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center is the main hub of these activities. Within the Student Center, you'll find the offices of Student Affairs and Student Government Association (SGA). Both Student Affairs and SGA sponsor many campus activities (usually at no charge) including musicians, speakers, comedians, and much more.
As a student, you are highly encouraged to participate in these activities and to join groups that might share some of your interests. Getting involved in campus life is an important part of your college experience and we sincerely hope that you take advantage of the opportunity.
If you are attempting to start a new club or need to re-register your club to remain in active status, please fill out the Student Club Registration online submission form.
For more information on how to start your own club, or any other club/organization related questions, view policies and rules for student organizations.
Active Clubs
Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) Honor Society
Alpha Sigma Lambda’s aim is to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work. ASL stands as an inspiration to scholastic growth and an invitation to associate with similarly motivated students.
Contact: Scott Simonds
Any Other Word (Literary Magazine)
An online journal of the arts, Any Other Word is a creative outlet for members of the Penn State York student body. It is designed to showcase students’ talents and to unite artistic minds. Any Other Word publishes the best short stories and poems submitted by Penn State York students. Visit Any Other Word.
Contact: Dr. Noel Sloboda
Biology Club
The Biology Club is a group of students who are interested in career opportunities in the biology and life sciences area. Students examine novel research findings, take field trips to local laboratories and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and speak with professionals in the life sciences careers.
President: Kajal Solanki
Advisers: Jessica Petko and Emily Blanke
Blue & White Society
The Blue & White Society was established as a student organization that aims to enhance student life through promoting Penn State pride, community service, and dedication to the University. Specifically, the Blue & White Society provides our communities with Penn State pride and civic leadership, enhances the student's Penn State experience by building relationships within the University and the community, and instills the concept within students that their involvement with the University can and should be a lifelong commitment.
President: Theres Alfano
Adviser: Iona Conlon
Botany Club
The Penn State Botany Club expands the learning experiences in botany and facilitates networking between students with a common interest in botany. We are committed to sustainability practices, https://sdgs.un.org/goals. Anyone is welcome to join, learn, or participate in the activities the club has to offer.
President: Evelyn Renner
Adviser: Jorge Santiago-Blay
CARE Club
The Care (Compassion, Awareness, Resources, and Education) Club raises awareness for mental health on campus by spreading compassion, awareness, resources, and education. The club’s mission is to decrease the stigma and encourage students to be more open about their mental health and seek help if needed. Most of all, the CARE Club strives to create an accepting environment on campus, so all students feel seen, welcomed, and loved.
President: Avery Volz
Adviser: Stephen Foster
Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG)
The York campus SGA is a member of CCSG, a University-wide organization whose membership includes the SGAs of all the Penn State campuses. Six times a year, local delegates attend statewide conferences and workshops to develop, coordinate, improve, and promote the academic and co-curricular activities program of the University; to train and maintain a cadre of student leaders at each campus; and to improve the lines of communication among the Penn State campuses.
For more information, visit psuccsg.org.
Cybersecurity Club
The purpose of the Penn State York Cybersecurity Club is to provide a hands-on environment for any Penn State York student to participate in cybersecurity-related activities and to promote opportunities to compete in cybersecurity events. This club shall seek to recruit, create, and retain excellence in cybersecurity as tested through success in security-related competitions.
President: Emily LeVan
Adviser: Joe Royer
Dance Club
President: Amanni Lozano
Adviser: Dawn Koons
DiscipleMakers
The purpose of DiscipleMakers is to reach out to students and to have communion over the word of God.
President: Karoul Garas
Adviser: Jon Price
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate
Formerly Phi Beta Lambda (PBL).
President: Olivia Giltner
Adviser: Megan Lorenz
Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) Club
The HDFS Club is for anyone who is interested in making a difference in the local community through volunteering and service projects.
President: Logan Opitz
Adviser: Sonia Molloy
Lion Ambassadors
The Penn State York Lion Ambassadors are current students who promote the campus to prospective students, their parents, and the community. Besides being a part of the SGA, the group works closely with the Admissions Office. Activities include campus tours, fundraisers, and social events on behalf of the school. Members are expected to keep a 2.5 grade-point average (GPA). For more information, please complete the Lion Ambassador Application.
President: Zachary Paulhamus
Advisers: Erin Nelsen
Multicultural Club
The Multicultural Club strives to show others all the different cultures around the world and a place for Penn State York students to come and gather with one another.
President: Tanisha Meena or Jessica An
Adviser: Nikki Sanchez
Penn Players
The Penn Players presents several plays and performances throughout the year at the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center. In addition, the club travels to local theatres and enjoys dramatic presentations and theatrical events.
President: Rachel Wojnarski
Adviser: Anne Vardo-Zalik
Penn State York Robotics Football Team
Come join us to design, construct and operate remote-controlled robots for the Penn State York Collegiate Robotic Football Conference team. Play football, with robots!!
President: Corey Neeper
Adviser: Patrick Hein
Podcast Club
President: Nihhar Sonee
Adviser: Joel Burkholder
Racket Sports Club
President: Jesse Martin
Adviser: Jeff Barkdoll
Students for Computer Recycling to Outfit Underrepresented Nonprofit Groups in Education (SCROUNGE)
SCROUNGE takes computer donations from local businesses and refurbishes them. The computers are then distributed to nonprofit organizations in the community.
For more information, visit the SCROUNGE website.
President: Noah Rutters
Adviser: James Oplinger
Student Government Association (SGA)
SGA is the representative voice of the student body. Composed of an elected senate, SGA deals with campus-wide issues and governance to promote student welfare. SGA is the organization that charters student clubs and organizations. Any group who wishes to start a new club must go through SGA in order to gain approval. SGA also acts as an advisory body to all chartered organizations on matters such as rules and policies and fund disbursement. In addition, SGA sponsors activities, programs, and student forums which allow for the fullest expression of student opinion.
President: Joshua Gomes
Adviser: Jeff Gerstein & Scott Simonds
Student Veterans of America (SVA) - York Chapter
Since SVA’s founding in 2008, over one million veterans have returned home to pursue a postsecondary degree. Penn State York is proud to host a chapter of this national organization, sharing best practices, success stories and supporting one another to further strengthen the student veteran community. We focus on veteran welfare to ensure student veterans are supported in their transition to education and employment. Through advocacy, partnerships and alumni support, SVA strives to help all student veterans succeed and contribute to civilian society.
President: John Murphy Jr.
Advisers: Joe Royer and Christina Lee
Penn State York Benefiting THON (Penn State Dance Marathon)
The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, or THON, is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. THON is a year-long effort which raises funds and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer. With the support of students from all across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and supporters all around the world, THON continues to make great strides towards finding a cure for childhood cancers. These efforts culminate in a 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon in February. THON™ was first organized in 1973 by a group of students seeking an opportunity to give back to their community. Each year, more than 16,500 student volunteers participate in the year-long fundraising efforts to benefit the sole beneficiary, Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. To date, THON has raised more than $204 million to find a cure.. At the campus level, Penn State York Benefiting THON carries on the mission of THON and works throughout the year raising funds and awareness about pediatric cancer. The York group travels to THON Weekend each February at the Bryce Jordan Center and takes part in the University-wide dance marathon.
THON Chair: Ashlyn Smith
Advisers: Jeff Gerstein, Scott Simonds, Nikki Sanchez, Sarah Bender
University Programming Board (UPB)
The University Programming Board is comprised of students who are interested in planning programs and activities for the student body. There are no special skills required to be involved with the board, just a willingness to “get your hands dirty” and make things happen on campus. Past events include multicultural performances, bingo, karaoke, movies, speakers, novelties, and so much more.
Chair: Rebecca Lazo
Adviser: Jeff Gerstein
Volleyball Club
President: Xin Bai
Adviser: Jeff Barkdoll