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, see Sarah Guillen in the Student Affairs office or view policies and rules for student organizations [pdf].
Active Clubs
Agricultural Science Club
The Agricultural Science Club strives to provide an interactive setting for students interested in the agricultural sciences to meet with experts in their discipline, go on trips and tours of local agricultural related venues, to organize campus events, and to outreach to the local community through service projects.
President: Marley Stonesifer
Adviser: Andy Landis
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: Brad Irizarry
Adviser: Anne Vardo-Zalik
Black Student Union (BSU)
The BSU provides an academic and social network for the black student population and the celebration of African American culture. Goals of BSU members include: developing leadership skills; becoming culturally aware; participating in activities that assist the community; and beginning the process of career planning. BSU sponsors a number of campus activities and programs including: an African American cultural festival; an African American poetry reading; community-wide discussions on racism; and a number of fundraisers.
President: Rose Makor
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: Huntur Woodard
Adviser: Iona Conlon
Chinese Undergraduate Student Association (CUSA)
President: Jingnan Huang
Adviser: Sheri Yode
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.
Futsal Club
President: Maksim Zingman
Adviser: Jeff Barkdoll
Gaming Club
President: Ban Khuc
Adviser: James Oplinger
HDFS/Psychology Club
The CFR is for Human Development and Family Studies and related majors. The club sponsors social activities and service projects with children.
Co-Presidents: Nikolina Nonkovic and Charissa Strode
Adviser: Nikolina Nonkovic and Amber Seidel
Heroes of Penn State (HoPS)
Heroes of Penn State is a student club intended for superhero fans to enjoy a shared interest together and become more than just a fan. The club’s purpose is to inspire students to step-up and be the heroes of their own communities by working together on community service projects and promoting positivity through acts of kindness.
President: My-Hoa Do
Adviser: Hillary Nelson
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, visit the Lion Ambassadors’ website.
President: Gabrielle Wolgamuth
Adviser: Terri Van Slyke
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: Jenna Kim
Adviser: Sukhdeep Gill
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: Lauren Thornton
Adviser: Stuart Stelly
Phi Beta Lambda
President: Zach Weinstein
Adviser: Megan Lorenz
Rainbow Paws
Rainbow Paws supports equality and respect among all sexualities, while providing a safe place where students can relax and be themselves.
President: Kenneth Chikezie
Adviser: Joan Smeltzer
Robotics Club
President: Palmer Pesta
Adviser: Amy Harmon Krtanjek
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: Sierra King
Adviser: Joe Royer
Secondary Adviser: James Oplinger
Student Athletic Club
Penn State York students enjoy being active, and they have the perfect outlet to do so with the Student Athletic Club! This active club provides athletic and recreational activities on campus, while allowing students to develop their own athletic skills and their sports knowledge.
President: Samuel Moore
Adviser: Jeff Barkdoll
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: Khara James
Adviser: Sarah Guillen
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: Cameron Flemmens
Adviser: Joe Royer
THON (Penn State Dance Marathon)
For more than three decades, the students of the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) have raised more than $101 million and have helped thousands of children and families fight pediatric cancer. The largest student-run philanthropy in the world, THON is a year-round fundraising event benefiting The Four Diamonds Fund, at the Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey, Pa. The year culminates in a no-sitting, no-sleeping, two day dance marathon held every February.
For more information, visit the THON website.
Primary Chair: Jelena Young
Co-Chair: Lily LeVan
Adviser: Barbara Dennis
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. UPB has sponsored coffee houses, movies, comedians, lectures, trips, and much more.
President: Cameron Dedrick
Adviser: Sarah Guillen
Weightlifting Club
The purpose of the Weightlifting Club is to promote healthy weightlifting, strength training, and lifestyles through a positive environment.
President: Cody Southivong
Adviser: James Crivaro