Mercyhurst University Athletics

Sister Damien Mlechick was an iconic figure on campus and served as the Mercyhurst campus switchboard operator for more than 20 years. Sister Damien was, without a doubt, the biggest supporter of the school's athletic teams. She would be seen at most athletic events with a cowbell in one hand and holy water in the other. She was a legend to both Mercyhurst students and to opposing schools that would play against the Lakers. Her spirit lives on with the Sister Damien bell in Garvey Park that is rung to signify important occasions on campus – both academically and athletically. Also, the Sister Damien Spirit Award, which started in 2005, is given out annually at the Senior Sports Banquet, to a Mercyhurst student and to an honorary adult winner who best exemplifies Sister Damien's spirit.

The following was taken from an editorial published by the Erie Times-News on August 26, 2004 and was printed in the program for Sister Damien's Memorial Mass on September 8, 2004:

No one is "just" a switchboard operator. Every life has meaning. Multiply that a thousand-fold for Sister Damien M. Mlechick, RSM, Mercyhurst College's longtime switchboard operator, who died August 20, 2004 at the age of 83.

Sister Damien was so much more than the campus switchboard operator, though that is where she excelled. She was a woman of God, a teacher, and, for more than 20 years, the beloved and acknowledged spirit of Mercyhurst College and the Laker athletic teams.

From a student's perspective, Sister Damien was even better known than Mercyhurst President William P. Garvey. Dr. Garvey himself described Sister Damien as being in many ways "the spirit of the college."

"She represented the best ideals of the past, but she lived very much in the present. You just don't replace those kinds of people," Garvey said.

Not only did Sister Damien attend many sporting events with her signature cowbell and holy water, but also she created a warm intimacy with every Mercyhurst student.

Born a coal miner's daughter in DeLancey, Pennsylvania, she dedicated her life to young people, teaching school for many years before crowning her career at Mercyhurst, her alma mater.

For 14 years on the first Friday of December, Sister Damien - an honorary member of the Times Old Newsies - donned an Old Newsies ski cap and apron over her religious habit, collecting thousands of dollars so the less fortunate in our community could have a better Christmas.

Sister Damien, in her 65th year of religious life, was laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of all those who call themselves the Mercyhurst community. And so many others she touched through simply knowing how to cherish and celebrate life.

On the front of the Memorial Mass program, a quote from Sister Damien was printed to sum up her life: "Throughout my career, I thought I would like to someday get to the point where I could just spend a lot of my time looking at God. Now I can do it every day. He granted my wish."