A school, a community, a family. These are the words that one may use to describe Saint Vincent College. However, Saint Vinny’s is more than what meets the eye; at first glance one would see a small, but beautiful campus composed of an amazing basilica, old buildings and monks roaming around. Sporting events, trips around the world, dances, club activities, and life changing opportunities are all held within the tiny space we Bearcats call home. But what actually happens on campus that outsiders are unaware of?
In my opinion, Saint Vincent has some of the most outstanding opportunities provided by our wonderful faculty, staff and even students that work so hard in helping us to reach our goals. Here are some things you should know about St. Vinny’s. For eight consecutive years running, we have been ranked in the first tier of National Liberal Arts Colleges. Also, SVC has been rated under the category of “Best Colleges for the Money” as 1st in Pennsylvania and 30th Nationwide! Our success rate is out of this world, totaling a grand 98% for the 2016 graduates. Interested in staying involved? We have you covered; with over 50 clubs and programs you are sure to find something you love. Our Student to faculty ratio is 12:1 so you can receive all the help you need during your time at the school. All of this information can be found on our school’s website http://www.stvincent.edu/home so check it out for more facts!
After you realize how awesome Saint Vincent is from the educational point of view, here are some things you do not see on the website. Sure, you can be enrolled as a student at SVC, but you will find you are a part of something bigger. Friendships are formed all over the place, literally. Almost every inch of the campus has a smiling face eager to great you as you simply pass by. Professors are more than just instructors, they are acquaintances that only want what is best for you. In my experience, I have had professors that come meet with me outside of their office hours, help me find new ways of studying, and even send me personal emails just to wish me a good day. I always leave their offices confident and most of the time smiling because some of them have a wicked sense of humor. Yes, the prefects can be your friends too. I have had amazing prefects over the past three years that have helped me with roommate situations, relationship issues, bee infestations (not fun) and any kind of stressful circumstances. The workers in all of the offices and dining areas are nothing short of kind and helpful. The people who live across the hall from you (whose name you seem to always forget) are probably hilarious and they might also have the same taste in music or food. I have made so many friends here at school and they are all so great!
Personally, being a bearcat has allowed me to find myself. I honestly believe that if I had attended a different school I would not be the same person I am today. I have grown as a person in my faith and in my behaviors and the reason for this is because of the Benedictine culture that surrounds us on campus. Every classroom has a crucifix; reminding us that God is with us wherever we go. Members of the SVC family can visit the basilica and connect with Him through so many ways. As a liberal arts catholic college, we are required to take three theology courses. Honestly, most of us are annoyed by this at first, but at the end of the semester I think we all are somewhat thankful for the things we are taught in these classes. For my theology courses I had the chance to really learn about the structure of the basilica and what each aspect of the building meant and this was something I found extremely interesting (the crypt is a great place to go during stressful midterms!). The class I am in right now is taught by a wonderful professor, and we has visited a homeless shelter along with traveling to the Diocesan Heritage Center and both were very humbling experiences. I think being submerged in this kind of environment really helps us struggling college students to feel a sense of peace every now and then.
Saint Vincent is our home. A place where we laugh together, learn together, grow together. An environment where we challenge ourselves in the classroom, in the gym, on the fields etc. Always surrounded by the grace of God. Yes, sometimes I wish the campus was a little bigger, that the library did not smell weird or that every restaurant did not close at 1 am and that the cafeteria had some better options, but this is where I have made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.