Saint Vincent has a lot to offer, and I mean A LOT. I wish I could list every great thing that I have experienced in my two years here, but there simply isn’t enough time. The next best thing I could think of is to give a small sampling of my personal favorite things that make SVC so special! What better way to list them than one for each letter of the alphabet?
A – Arnold Palmer
The man, the drink, the legend. Arnold Palmer is one of the most famous people to call Latrobe home, and Saint Vincent won’t forget it. Every student is sure to learn about his legacy from seeing his picture all over campus to even drinking an “Arnold Palmer” (half iced tea, half lemonade) at any campus event.
B – Banana Split
The best part of any visit to SVC is the sweet treat you will often find on campus. Latrobe is known for being the origin of the banana split sundae. With bananas, ice cream, and toppings galore, no one can resist this mouth-watering Latrobe delicacy.
C – Caf
Every college needs an eatery, and our college provided us with “The Community Center Dining Hall”. Knowing that we don’t have time for all those words, we came up with “the caf”. While we always love a good home cooked meal, the caf is there for us when we need it.
D – Dairy Queen
In front of our Basilica sits a statue of Saint Vincent College founder Boniface Wimmer with his arm stretched out. Some may think this represents his famous forward movement, but they would be wrong. He is really pointing straight towards Dairy Queen. Requiring only a short walk through Winnie Palmer, no student can resist taking the trip to SVC’s hidden gem.
E – Everlasting Friendships
College is the time where you will make friends to last a lifetime, and SVC is certainly no exception to this rule. Not only do place freshman in pods to promote community, but our small size makes us closer than ever. No matter the time or place, you can always look here for a friendly face or shoulder to lean on when you need it most.
F – Fred Rogers
Here at SVC, we easily have the greatest neighbor to ever exist. Fred Rogers was best known for spreading kindness to anyone and everyone he could. Since he was from Latrobe, our school couldn’t resist celebrating him and everything he stood for. With an exhibit dedicated to him in our conference center and his name all over our campus, we truly hope to spread his kindness as far as possible.
Image Credit: The Atlantic
G – Gerry Waffles
Nothing tastes better than a fresh waffle… except for when you can’t have a waffle maker in your room. The solution? Gerry waffles! You can always count on the sweet smell of waffles coming from Gerard Hall every morning to satisfy your sweetest cravings.
H – Homecoming
This is quite possibly the best weekend of the year for SVC. Not only do we have the big game hoco king and queen, but so many of our alumni return for a weekend of tailgating and good times!
Image Credit: Saint Vincent College
I – Intermurals
College students do love free t-shirts, but nothing gets us going more than the coveted shirts that display a champion of an intermural sport. From dodgeball to volleyball, we have it all, and nothing will stop us from fighting for that extra special free shirt.
J – Jym Walters
Speaking of intermurals, we can’t forget about the man that runs them… but what doesn’t Jym run? From women’s lacrosse to exciting adventures to literally running on campus, this guy does it all. We are pretty sure he secretly lives here, but we aren’t mad about it.
K – Kindness
Of course, it’s nice to see some friends on campus, but that’s not the kindness I’m talking about here. Think back to the last time you walked across campus without someone holding a door for you or smiling and waving at you as you walked by. You can’t? Me either. These things seem so small, but SVC wouldn’t be the same without them.
L – Luh-trobe vs. Lay-trobe
Ok, this one is just asking for an argument to start up. Latrobe is the town our little campus calls home, but how do we pronounce it? (Hint: there is DEFINITELY a right answer)
M – Monks
I can’t imagine a day on campus without saying hello to one of the friendlies members of the SVC community. With a monk in every dorm and so many others that teach our classes, it’s hard not to love the monks, especially when they are always there for you, no matter what you need.
N – New Library
We won’t lie, the construction on campus is getting old, but I’m sure it will all be worth it this time next year! SVC will soon be home to a gorgeous new library with private study areas and all the free printing you could ask for.
Image Credit: Saint Vincent College
O – Off Campus
Sure, our campus is tiny, but that doesn’t mean we are bored. From a trip to Walmart to Wednesdays at Falbo’s to the mall, and so much more, Latrobe and Greensburg have so much to offer, and with Pittsburgh only an hour away, the opportunities for fun are endless!
P – Prefects
Being one myself, I couldn’t help but mention prefects. While no one wants to give up the freedom that college offers, it is always nice to know someone is looking out for you. From getting locked out of your room to making sure everyone is safe, prefects are always there to lend a helping hand.
Q – Quotable
“Forward, always forward, everywhere forward” Sound familiar? No matter where you go on this campus, you’re bound to hear something that you’ll never forget. Boniface Wimmer may have started it all, but we have certainly kept things going.
Image Credit: Saint Vincent College
R – Resources
Every college tries their best to accommodate the needs of its students, but I feel that Saint Vincent goes above and beyond. From our career center to wellness center, anything you could possibly need is here on campus. We even offer unlimited free printing in our library. What more could you ever ask for?
S – Steelers
SVC may not be as well known as schools like Pitt or Penn State, but we do have some fame. Each summer, our campus becomes home away from home for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fans will come from far and wide to watch as the NFL team host a training camp to prepare themselves for the fall season.
Image Credit: Saint Vincent College
T – Trolley
As I mentioned earlier, Fred Rogers is an important icon of Saint Vincent, so it only makes sense that we have his famous red trolley driving around campus. With friendly drivers and adorable wooden benches to sit on, the trolley is one of the best ways to get around campus.
Image Credit: TribLIVE
U – Upcoming Events
Where could I begin? With 70+ clubs on campus there is always something happening here at SVC. From bingo night to trivia games and everything in between, our students are always busy with something fun.
V – The Voice
Ok, so we couldn’t get Adam Levine to come to Latrobe, but this is probably the next best thing. APB hosts a singing battle just like the real show, with judges, voting, and even blind auditions. Finalists will even get a special drink at the barista or sandwich at the shack named after them! Do you have what it takes to win?
Image Credit: Saint Vincent College
W – Wimmerfest
What student doesn’t love when all evening classes are cancelled? What about a free dinner that tastes ten times better than the caf? Christmas decorations? Fireworks? That’s Wimmerfest for you! Students of all kinds love celebrating the founding of our college in the best way that we know how.
X – eXcellent Therapy Dogs
Tucker, Dougie, Buddy, Peanut… The list goes on and on. Weekdays from 11:30-1:30 are likely one of the most popular times for students to be walking through Carey Center to head to class, get some lunch, or meet up with friends. So it only makes sense for there to be furry friends to greet us as we walk past. This small interaction can make a student’s day
Y – Yoga
Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, our student activity center is filled to the brim for Julie’s Yoga with a Twist! Considering exams, classes, and trying to prepare for the future, college students have more stresses than they’ll ever need, and Julie knows just how to help. All you need is an hour of your time, and you will be relaxed before you know it!
Z – Zzzzzzz
With everything going on here at SVC, you’ll probably need to make time for a nap. Just ask any college student, and they will show you endless tips and tricks for catching your Zs here at SVC!
As you can see, I wasn’t kidding when I said that our school has a lot to offer. If I had the time, I could go on forever, but sadly I do not. Hopefully this list has inspired you to break out of your shell and experience an all new aspect of SVC!
HCXO,
Taylor