By Elizabeth Van Pilsum, Arts and Culture Editor
On Sept. 15-17, Saint Vincent College (SVC) celebrated its annual Homecoming Weekend. The weekend included many festivities, from tie dye and sand volleyball on Friday,Sept. 15, a petting zoo and a parade on Saturday, Sept. 16, and a 40 Years of Women Kickoff Brunch on Sunday, Sept. 17. The Benedictine Hallmark of community was certainly in full effect as alumni flocked back to the school for events and families joined their current students on campus to celebrate Fall Family Weekend.
During halftime at the SVC football game against Allegheny College, the Homecoming Court was announced. The members of the Court, all nominated by their fellow seniors, are Sean Pavlic, biology major; Rachel Andreola, mathematics major, Christian Ciecierski, biochemistryand engineering major; Olivia Persin, mathematics major; J’Shawn Taylor, psychology major;Alyson Frank, mathematics and education double major; Austin Slye, business economics major; Margaret Edwards, business management major; Vincent Lombardi, psychology major; and Grace Luikart, mathematics major.
Lombardi has positive memories from the court. “The experience was really fun,” Lombardi said. “The parade was a blast, and it was fun to get to bond a bit with the other people in the court. Any reason to congratulate or be excited about someone is one of the best ways to build community.”
Lombardi greatly appreciated the opportunity to be on the court.
“It was exciting. At the end of the day, nothing changed...but on the other hand, it’s really meaningful. It’s a platform to talk to other people. If being on the court puts me in the spotlight and allows me to interact with me more people, I see it as a huge plus,” Lombardi said. “I want to be able to help people that I interact with. If someone lifts you up as a leadership figure, I want to use that as effectively as I can.”
Ciecierski and Edwards were crowned the Homecoming King and Queen, respectively. Ciecierski is from Murrysville, Pennsylvania. He is a four-year starter on the football team, vice-president of the Student Government Association (SGA), and a member of the Orientation Committee.
“I am honored and humbled to have been selected as this year’s homecoming king from an amazing group of nominees that I have long admired and respected,” Ciecierski said.
After graduation, Ciecierski will be attending medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
“I’m looking forward to finishing up my senior year, enjoying everything that Saint Vincent has to offer, spending time with my friends, and finalizing my research projects,” Ciecierski said. “It’s hard to believe these four years have gone by so fast.”
Ciecierski is grateful for the experience he has had these four years at SVC, particularly the element of community that is so strongly present. “Every person I’ve met along the way, offers so many positive perspectives on life,” Ciecierski said. "Everyone is accepted and valued with their thoughts, ideas, and contributions held in high regard. It’s easy to learn and study new subjects in this type of environment, which creates a remarkable support system.”
Edwards is from North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. She is captain of the women’s lacrosse team and involved in the Women in Business, Operational Excellence, and Outdoors clubs. She is also part of the SAP Business One Program and Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society.
“Being named Homecoming Queen this past weekend is a great honor that I am very thankful for,” Edwards said. “I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to represent the Saint Vincent community, and I want to thank Deanna Wicks for all of her wonderful efforts in preparing for this homecoming.”
After graduation, Edwards plans on pursuing a full-time job within the SAP industry as a consultant. She is looking forward to this upcoming year at SVC to expand her network and create memories.
“I would best describe my experience at Saint Vincent College through one common theme of community,” Edwards said. “Throughout every aspect of my college career, Saint Vincent has helped enhance my experience through its commitment to creating a close-knit, family like community.”
Edwards’ mention of the theme of community was emphasized by all members of the Homecoming Court, and the weekend generated much support and excitement for the Court and the other festivities. A 23-19 win against Allegheny College to end the Homecoming football game was a welcome follow-up to the king and queen crowing, and a continuation of the community’s excitement. SVC demonstrated school spirit and community throughout the course of the weekend, making it yet another successful Homecoming.