After the closing of the Carolyn Hermann Student Union, some Mercyhurst student club meetings came to a stand-still.

The Mercyhurst Video Game Club (VGC), which utilized the Student Union Great Room as their primary meeting space, has been one of the clubs adversely affected by the February pipe burst and has not been able to hold a club meeting this term.

The club, which has been active on campus since 2010, is run by its current president Barbara Kish, as well as club officers Shakiera Middleton and Taylor Penpek. The VGC‘s mission has been to include and bring together gamers of all backgrounds.

“Our mission is to unite people of various backgrounds through the common interest in video games,” Penpek said.

With at least 20 regular members attending the meetings, the lack of a meeting location has put a stop to the club sessions where members play a massive variety of games, including popular titles and the latest games. Some of the games include: Just Dance, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, and Mortal Kombat. Members are also free to bring their own games and systems.

“What I want future members to know is that the club is a great way to de-stress, make new friends, test their skills and have fun,” Penpek said.

Member Amanda Gunkle said the in her opinion, the main goal of the club has been to bring people together.

“I want new members to come and have fun, relax, get to know people,” said Gunkle. “We might have nothing else in common other than we want to sit down and play video games, but sometimes that’s all it takes, finding that one thing in common… that one common thing can create friendships that could very well last a lifetime.”

With the reopening of the Student Union scheduled for this Thursday, the club will once again be able to meet, according to Gunkle.

New members are encouraged to check out the Mercyhurst Video Game Club’s Facebook page to find out the club’s upcoming schedule.