Walk with the Mercyhurst AIM Ignite Team
The AIM program was established to support the vast influx of students on the autism spectrum that are applying to Mercyhurst and other universities worldwide in record numbers. The AIM program is housed in the division of Student Life and was originally housed in the Learning Differences Office. Since 1984, The Learning Differences Program at Mercyhurst University has educated and assisted thousands of students with disabilities to succeed in college; earn a degree and go on to make a difference in the world. In 2008, Mercyhurst introduced AIM to meet the unique needs of the growing population of college students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The AIM Program focuses on building a foundation of self-advocacy, social skills, and sound academic progress. Mercyhurst has become a leader and a resource for many other institutions across the country. Very few colleges and universities across the United States offer a program of collegiate support like AIM for this cohort of students. Too few are equipped to educate college and post-secondary students diagnosed with ASD.
Mercyhurst and the AIM program have become one of the primary resources in the country for autism support services in the higher education setting. The broad expansion of AIM’s success and large influx in applications to our program have surpassed even our strongest aspirations from when we started back in 2008 with just four students. The AIM program serves over 70 students on campus every academic year. Since the inception of the program we have added numerous components to AIM to enhance the experience and success of the AIM students on campus and after graduation.
DATE: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Registration Time: 9:30 am to 10:45 am
Walk Begins: 11:00 am promptly; Pre-Walk Announcements at 10:45 am
LOCATION: Lake Erie Speedway – 10700 Delmas Drive NORTH EAST
Join us for the 24th Annual Walk for Autism! This empowering two-mile walk aims to raise awareness about Autism while funding crucial programming and activities for individuals with Autism in our community. All proceeds, a full 100%, remain here in our local area.
Why should you be a part of this? Our 24th Annual Walk for Autism on April 26, 2025, is more than just a walk—it's a celebration of community, support, and empowerment. This event stands as the Autism Society NWPA's flagship fundraiser, enabling us to provide vital Family Sensory and Social Outings, Family Support Activities and Education, and Therapeutic Programs for individuals on the autism spectrum across their lifespan.
By registering, donating, or participating, YOU help make these crucial services possible all year long. This year’s walk promises to be another exciting and fun-filled event for families, friends, and the community! Join us on April 26, 2025, and together, we’ll make this the BEST Walk for Autism yet.
What’s Happening?
~ Easy access & secure venue
~ Plenty of onsite parking
~ Indoor restrooms
~ Kidz Exploration Station
~ Team Photo Backdrop station!
~ Selfie photo stations – snap a photo and share
~ Local Food Trucks
~ Registration options (t-shirts, long sleeves, or hoodie)
~ Walk team prizes
~ Deluxe basket & themed basket auctions
~ Complimentary coffee & hot chocolate
~ Together We Walk custom banners/yard signs
Walk Registration Information: (2025 Walk apparel ONLY available with pre-registration on/or before April 1, 2025.)
PRE-REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 1, 2025
Adult (age 15 and older) registration donation:
– $22.00 – Pre-registered includes 2025 Commemorative Walk t-shirt
– $26.00 – Pre-registered includes 2025 Commemorative Walk long-sleeve t-shirt
– $36.00 – Pre-registered includes 2025 Commemorative Walk Hoodie
Tween (age 10 – 14) registration donation:
– $12.00 – Pre-registered includes 2025 Commemorative Walk t-shirt
– $16.00 – Pre-registered includes 2025 Commemorative Walk long-sleeve t-shirt
– $26.00 – Pre-registered includes 2025 Commemorative Walk Hoodie
Youth (age 0 – 9) walk for free
– $10.00 optional YOUTH 2025 commemorative Walk t-shirt – pre-order only by the pre-registration deadline of April 1, 2025.
*Anyone aged 0-9 who would like an ADULT SIZE shirt needs to register as a TWEEN Walker.
2025 Commemorative Walk t-shirt, long sleeves, or hoodies – pre-registered walkers (deadline APRIL 1, 2025) will receive one commemorative 2025 shirt (selected at registration). Walk registrations will be accepted after the April 1, 2025 deadline but will not receive the 2025 Commemorative Walk apparel option. EXTREMELY Limited vintage Walk t-shirts will be available for pre-registrations received after the APRIL 1 deadline but not guaranteed.
On-site registration ($25.00 per Walker age 15 and older; $15.00 per Walker age 10 – 14) will be available at the Walk on April 26, 2025, but will not include the 2025 Commemorative Walk apparel options. NO Vintage Walk t-shirts will be available at on-site registration.
Our Annual Walk for Autism is made possible by our families, team captains, community, and sponsors.
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Please double-check your Walk registrations carefully, especially when selecting apparel sizes and types. Unfortunately, we are unable to exchange wrongly ordered sizes or types of apparel. Due to rising costs, we are no longer able to order extras for these instances. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the correct selections are made. If you find a mistake in your Walk registration, please contact our office at (814) 455-3540. We are happy to make changes to your registration up to and including April 1, 2025.
Supporters | |||
Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
Tacie Thomas | 04/26/2025 | $20.94 | Go team! You make such a difference in the world! | Lynn Stephens | 04/26/2025 | $26.11 | Nathan Weber | 04/21/2025 | $22.00 | Rick Delmonaco | 04/13/2025 | $25.00 | Go AIM Team | Michele Garvey | 04/10/2025 | $132.00 | Jodie Guerra | 04/05/2025 | $36.00 | Ashlyn Houghton | 04/01/2025 | $26.00 | Ryan Palm | 04/01/2025 | $103.24 | Carpe Diem! | Mercyhurst University | 03/31/2025 | $.00 | Mercyhurst University | 03/31/2025 | $1,500.00 | Erik Delmonaco | 03/28/2025 | $22.00 | Lauren Katz | 03/28/2025 | $22.00 | Laurie Baker | 03/28/2025 | $22.00 | June Durkee | 03/28/2025 | $36.00 | Crystal Shaffer | 03/27/2025 | $25.00 | Michele Garvey | 02/10/2025 | $48.00 |
Total | $2,066.29 |