By Laura Klotzkin, Managing Editor
Disclaimer: There are over forty active student groups on the Daemen main campus. This is a non-exhaustive list of the active groups here.
Animation and Story Production Club
The Animation and Story Production Club is a club open to all majors with an interest in animation.
“From Animation Club, you can expect weekly presentations regarding all aspects of animation, from clean up to practicing the principles and mini activities relating to what we cover that week,” Kris Duval, junior animation major and club president, said. “For example, during our last meeting, we studied scenes from live action and animated movies and reverse storyboarded them to study composition choices.”
The club also has activities, such as guest speakers and a yearly “reanimate project,” in which the club reanimates a scene from existing media.
“Our overall goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where people of any major can bond over a shared love for animation and learn new things,” said Duval.
The club meets on Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in room V20, located in the Visual and Performing Arts Building. If you are interested in joining, you can email Duval at kristin.duval@daemen.edu.
Beta Beta Beta/Tribeta
Beta Beta Beta, or Tribeta, is a national biology honors society. They do activities such as bringing in science specialists from all over the country to talk to the students, induction nights, and occasionally collaborate with the premed groups, dental groups and the environmental club.
“We are one of the oldest organizations on campus, as we have always been, we are here to represent the people studying Biology, Biochemistry, Natural Sciences, PA and PT,” said Bradyn Winters, junior biochemistry major and club president. “As a national biology honors society, it is to promote scholarship, research and dissemination of biological knowledge among undergraduate students.”
Tribeta members also have the opportunity to use a publication company called BIOS to publish their undergraduate research.
If you would like to join, you can check them out at the organization fair at the beginning of the year, or you can come to a Tribeta seminar series, where you can leave your name and contact information.
“It is also important to know that you would have to be a Nat Sci or Health Professionals major to join,” said Winters, “as non-majors could still come to a seminar series if they please, but wouldn’t be able to be inducted.”
Education Club
The Education Club is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for education majors to get support and connect with their peers. The group has educational and laid-back activities, such as bringing in guest speakers, playing games for prizes, and making treats like s’mores and root beer floats.
“People from any major can get something out of our club. Whether it’s coming to chill during midterms and eat snacks and play bingo, or learning about how to work with people with disabilities,” said Danielle Wagner, fourth-year social studies adolescent education major and club president. “You can take these friendships with you, along with the knowledge you will learn from this club, into your remaining time here at Daemen and into your future profession.”
If you want to join this club, you can attend any meeting. You can find meeting details listed on their Instagram @dueduclub, or on flyers hung up on bulletin boards throughout campus and in Wildcat Weekly.
Figure Drawing Club
The Figure Drawing Club meets weekly with a live model to practice drawing the human figure. The club is open to any major and any skill level.
“It’s meant to be a fun environment to practice and hone our art skills with fellow creatives in our community. It’s intended to be less pressure than taking a figure drawing course itself, but still provides an opportunity to learn with peers,” said Jen Glass, senior illustration major and club president. “I am open to giving feedback if requested, but no one is obligated to show off their work unless they choose to do so.”
The club meets every Friday at 4:30 p.m. in V115/17 in the Visual and Performing Arts Building.
If you are interested in joining, you can reach out to Glass at jennifer.glass@daemen.edu or the club advisor, Professor Mike Parker, at mparker2@daemen.edu to be added to the email list.
Nursing Student Association
The Nursing Student Association aims to encourage and support current nursing students. They provide stress-free activities to help students unwind.
“The Nursing Student Organization plans and participates in activities that support and uplift the community. In the past, we have taken part in events such as A Walk For Jenny, which was a campus-wide walk held to raise awareness for suicide prevention,” said Zoe Burget, freshman nursing student and secretary of the nursing student association. “We also took part in the Trunk or Treat at the Family Promise Shelter downtown, where children living in the shelter could dress up in costumes and could enjoy fun trick-or-treating!”
Any nursing student should automatically be a part of the group.
“Consider volunteering and coming to our events! They are a fun way to relax after a long day and also meet new friends!” Said Zoe Burget, first-year nursing student and secretary of the Nursing Student Association.
If you’d like to get involved or volunteer, you can reach out to the group organizer, Professor Nicole White, at nwhite1@daemen.edu.
Paralegal Club
The Paralegal Club is a student group open to anybody interested in law and paralegal work.
“The Paralegal Club focuses on helping students explore legal careers and build practical skills,” said Gaitrie Singh, senior paralegal studies major and club president.
The club aims to have discussions surrounding different areas of law, bring in guest speakers, provide networking opportunities and support others with any law-related coursework and career-related things, such as resumes and interviewing.
“The Paralegal Club is meant to be welcoming and accessible. Even if you’re just curious about the legal system or thinking about law school, you’re invited,” said Singh. “We’re excited to continue growing and helping students feel more confident about their future in the legal field.”
Students can join by reaching out to Singh at gaitrie.singh@daemen.edu.
Pre-Law Student Association
The Pre-law Student Association aims to help students better understand which part of the law interests them.
“We do things like voter registration drives, invite guest speakers like lawyers or judges to come to the school,” said Mackenzie Clogston, senior political science major and president. “We plan on taking a trip to the Buffalo City Court in the spring as well as holding a moot court event, and in election years, we hold get-togethers where people can watch the debates or the election results in real time with food and friends.”
If you would like to join the group, you can email Clogston at mackenzie.clogston@damen.edu or join on Daemen Connect.
Pre-Vet Club
The Pre-vet Club is a group dedicated to helping animals.
“Our club meetings focus on sharing animal-related volunteer opportunities, news related to the veterinary field, and we help with vet school applications,” said Arielle Zagranichny, a sophomore biology major on the pre-vet track and club president. “We have a therapy dog visiting campus next Thursday, and I hope to plan more animal-related events at Daemen in the future.”
Anybody is welcome to join, even those who aren’t on the pre-vet track.
“We want to promote the relationship between people and animals, and to teach people to treat animals with kindness, if not respect,” said Zagranichny.
If you are interested in joining, you can email Zagranichny at Arielle.Zagranichny@daemen.edu and be added to the roster and email list.
Psychological Science Student Association
“Members will have the ability to connect with teachers, peer mentors, and alums as they prepare for their academic and professional goals,” said Lexie Drum, senior psychology major and club president.
This association aims to raise interest and understanding of the psychological sciences. They host events such as presentations on Sigmund Freud and Jefferey Dahmer. They’ve also discussed advances in psychological research, such as the use of animals in psychology-related studies. They have also recently collaborated with the HOPE Center to table an event for World Mental Health Day.
“The PSSA is a student-run organization that is open to all students across the university, regardless of academic major or level, so joining is super easy! All you have to do is search ‘Psychological Sciences Student Association’ on Daemen Connect and hit join! Doing this will allow members to receive club updates, such as event and meeting dates,” said Drum.
You can stop by their monthly meetings or email Drum at alexandra.drum@daemen.edu. You can also reach out to the vice president at hannah.bourgeois@daemen.edu or the advisors at kkhan@daemen.edu and kzelazny@daemen.edu.
Sports Management Club
The Sports Management Club has worked with Wildcat Thrifts, located in the business building, and donated sports equipment, including jerseys. They have attended sporting events as well and are working to attend more this year.
“The overall goal of our club is to bring together students who have a passion for sports or an interest in management so they can network with professionals,” said Ella Chamberlain, sophomore business administration major and club president. “We also aim to help members gain experience and develop skills for a professional setting.”
If you would like to join this club, you can reach out to Chamberlain at ella.chamberlain@gmail.com or to the department chair, Professor Rodriguez. You can also stop by Wildcat Thrifts during its hours.
Comics Club
The Comics Club is meant to bring about an environment for artists to support each other’s comic skills. They also have presentations centered around the process of comic creation and find guest speakers from the industry to inform students and give advice.
“Our goal is to try and be the substitute for having a comics major at Damen,” said Mia Weller, junior animation major and club president, “Fostering an environment where artists interested in comics can grow through peer education and the positive sharing of work!”
If you would like to join, you can show up to a meeting at 3 p.m. every Friday in room V09 in the Visual and Performing Arts department.
Daemen Campus Rescue Squad
The Daemen Campus Rescue Squad is a group focused on emergency medical services. They also aim to educate community members to develop skills to use in an emergency.
“We provide on-campus emergency response, participate in hands-on EMS training, run simulations to practice critical skills, and engage in community service events that promote health and safety,” said Bruno Ramos de Campos, president of the group and sophomore PA major. “The primary goal of our organization is to ensure the safety and well-being of the Daemen community by providing prompt and professional emergency medical care.”
The club is open to all current majors.
Anybody interested in joining can reach out to Bruno Ramos de Campos at bruno.ramosdecampos@daemen.edu.
Dungeons at Daemen
Dungeons at Daemen is Daemen University’s Dungeons and Dragons (DnD) club. DnD is a tabletop role-playing game normally played in individual groups, commonly referred to as sessions.
“Our group mainly hosts DnD sessions, and that’s about the extent of it,” said Benjamin Orrego, junior animation major and club president. “We merely provide a space where DnD can happen and let the smaller campaign groups take the friends for their own personal things.”
It is generally an independent club in which each small DnD group can choose when they meet to play the game.
“The main goal of this club is to provide a space where people can play DnD and… not police how anyone’s campaign is played. The beauty of DnD is the game is so player-driven, no two sessions are ever alike, as well as acting as a sort of introduction to those who are curious about DnD but have never had the chance to play,” said Orrego, “the close proximity of a college campus makes for the perfect environment to start a dnd group, and we want to give people that opportunity.”
It’s easiest to join if you already have a group wanting to play. If you do, you can contact Orrego at benjamin.orrego@daemen.edu and the club can get you set up with a room. If you don’t have a group, then Orrego can help set you up with one.
Environmental Club
The Environmental Club enables Daemen students to connect with the environment.
They do “Eco-trail clean up, hikes, Previous hikes: (Whirlpool State Park, Allegany State Park, Letchworth State Park, Eternal Flame Falls), Earth day and Arbor day events, presentation night (each student brings a presentation to help with presentation skills with low stakes),” said Rachel Dyche, senior biology major and club president.
If you would like to join, you can request to join the group on Daemen Connect, or you can email Dyche at rachel.dyche@daemen.edu.
Humanitarian Association
The Humanitarian Club aims to support humanitarian efforts both globally and locally through volunteer work, community education and fundraisers.
“We’ve hosted first aid drives, bake sales, and our signature ‘Carnations for a Cause’ fundraiser,” said Niveen Zidan, senior natural science/health major and club president. All these benefit local organizations, including Journey’s End Refugee Services and the Buffalo City Mission.
“Members of our organization have the opportunity to create real change—whether through volunteering, fundraising or sparking meaningful conversations that help educate others about the issues we address,” said Zidan. “We value every person and believe everyone deserves support.”
Anybody who would like to join can reach out to them through their Instagram, @daemenha, or you can email Zidan at niveen.zidan@daemen.edu. Interested parties can also contact the vice president, Kendra Beaumont.
Iconoclast
The Iconoclast is a student literary and art journal. They publish at the end of every semester and hold a launch party with an opportunity for student contributors to discuss their work with other students.
“The overall goal of our group is to encourage the artistic abilities of students here at Daemen,” said Kaity Hersee, sophomore English major and head editor of the iconoclast. “We hope to create a space where all students can submit work they are proud of and see it published for all to see.”
Iconoclast also attends various campus events, such as the organization fair and Scholars Day.
“Becoming an editor for the Iconoclast is especially rewarding, as it allows a student to learn about publishing and editing without any added stress,” said Hersee.
If you would like to join, you can reach out to Hersee at kaity.hersee@daemen.edu or the Iconoclast email, Iconoclast@daemen.edu. They also put information on the Wildcat Weekly and on their Instagram, Daemen.iconoclast. The club is for anybody, regardless of major or artistic skill.
Multi-Cultural Association
“In the Multi-Cultural Association, we’re trying to redefine what people see culture as by steering away from the ethnic and nationality aspect, and more towards the background aspect. Meaning, hip hop culture, fashion culture and Buffalo culture,” said Harlem Geiger, sophomore business administration major and vice president. “We want to create a space where students can express themselves with no judgment and learn about other cultures in the process.”
They’ve done a flag-painting activity as well as hosted a TGIF with a Kahoot that focused on cultural questions.
“We understand that lots of students come from various places, including overseas! So we made it our mission to build a family-like environment,” said Geiger. “If you want a place that feels more like a family gathering and less like another scheduled event, MCA is the place for you.”
If you would like to join, you can reach out to the association’s president, Faith Oranye, at faith.oranye@gmail.com, or to Geiger at harlem.geiger@daemen.edu, and they will discuss with the rest of their board.
Creative Minds Club
The Creative Minds Club is a newly restarted club that aims to bring together people who enjoy theatre, acting, and improv.
“We are hoping to do improv activities, variety shows, theatre games and much more,” said Aly Dalton, a sophomore childhood and inclusive education major and the club president.
If you are interested in joining or have any questions, you can email Dalton at alyson.dalton@daemen.edu
Student Veterans Alliance
“Our goal as a club is to help bridge the gap between Veterans, Dependents and the rest of the Daemen community. Coming out of the military and re-entering civilian life can be an isolating experience…” said Gracelyn Bishop, junior political science major and club president. “Dependents and families see this struggle, depression and loneliness, which significantly impacts their lives too. So, the SVA aims to be that support system for those who are familiar with this.”
They provide resources, mental health support and a vibrant community of peers. This group aims to organize activities that benefit students’ mental health. They’ve brought therapy horses to campus and taken a trip to The Great Big Pumpkin Farm in Clarence. They also hold club meetings to discuss ways to support their community.
If you would like to join, you can reach out to Bishop at gracelyn.bishop@daemen.edu or to the director of veteran services, rswan@daemen.edu. You can also stop by the Veteran Lounge in Dun Scotus 131.
“The Student Veterans of America at Daemen isn’t just for those who were in the military or have a military affiliation. We are for everyone,” said Bishop.
Campus Activities Team
The Campus Activities Team (CAT) frequently hosts campus-wide events for the Daemen Community.
“Some of our recent events include the Farmers Market, Founders Bingo, Lasertron, Boba Tea Give-Away and more,” said Elliot Stephenson, junior adolescent English education major and CAT chair. “The overall goal of CAT is to ensure that the Student Activities Fund in student tuition is going toward events on campus that foster community and provide our busy students moments of rest.”
If you would like to join, an application is sent out every spring semester when the Student Leader Positions open. The application can be found on MyDaemen and includes an in-person interview.
Student Alumni Ambassadors
Student Alumni Ambassadors is a club that participates in both on- and off-campus events, including the student organization fair, TGIF, class reunions, and more.
They are also involved in the annual holiday party at the president’s house and the annual Daemen Gala.
“The main goal of our organization is to create a bridge between current students on campus and alumni in the community,” said Catherine Robarge, third-year graduate student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program and chief student alumni ambassador.
The club aims to bridge the gap between current students and alumni, as well as provide support for alumni activities and student programs.
If you want to join, you can apply through the Student Leadership applications released during the spring semester.
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
“The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) provides Daemen varsity athletes with a substantial role in the overall Daemen Athletics and East Coast Conference policy-formation processes, as well as helps to build the athletic, university and overall Daemen communities,” the Daemen Wildcat sports website states. “Specific responsibilities of the SAAC are to advise the department on issues of importance to student-athletes and to help carry out community-building events.”
Wildcat Wellness
Wildcat Wellness offers mental health and self-care related activities for students.
“We want to provide students with opportunities to engage in self-care during this college experience,” said Eynee Waterman, junior social work major and Wildcat Wellness peer leader. “It may be hard at times to prioritize yourself, so we give some reminders and resources for students to do so.”
Throughout the year, they organize self-care, wellness and awareness events such as self-care grab bags, destress rooms during finals week, and various resources for general awareness.
They are always open to hearing new ideas from anybody who would like to join and help with their activities. You can join by filling out their interest form, which can also be found on Daemen Connect by searching for “Wildcat Wellness.” You can also email Peer Leaders Eynee Waterman, eynee.waterman@daemen.edu, and Jenna Fiaretti, jenna.fiaretti@daemen.edu.