Winter 2026 | News Briefs
Groundbreaking Ceremony
On June 13, the SVC community celebrated the start of construction on Rhodora and John Donahue Hall, which will house the Department of Nursing, and Library Tower, which will be a modern renovation of the historic Sauerkraut Tower containing study space, book and archival storage, and a public gallery. Alongside this groundbreaking ceremony, the College hosted a beam-signing ceremony for the Dunlap Family Athletic and Recreation Center.
New Faculty
Saint Vincent College welcomed eight new staff members this academic year: Dr. Yara Acaf (communication and media studies); Dr. David Adams (management: operational excellence); Lisa Atkinson (nursing); Dr. Elizabeth A. Baker (history); Dr. Elizabeth Barker (art history); Dr. Sarah Hejnosz, C’18 (chemistry); Father Matthew Lambert, O.S.B., S’16 (theology); Dr. Kimberly Whiteman (nursing); and Katherine Pomerleau, C’07, Esq. (business law). The College also named Father Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B., S’91, as the new director of Campus Ministry.
Alumni of Distinction
Saint Vincent College was pleased to announce its 2025 Alumni of Distinction. The honorees included Dr. Thomas Antos, C’65 (medical chief, US Army Reserves Medical Corps veteran); Cheryl Harper, C’88, G’08 (award-winning physics educator); James Ryan, C’70 (executive and Broadway producer); Gordon Scherer, C’65 (CPA and financial leader); Thomas Will, C’65 (consumer products executive); and Dr. Harry Null, C’65 (general surgeon). They were honored on October 3 as part of homecoming weekend.
College of Distinction
Saint Vincent College earned College of Distinction status in 2025-26, which marks the third consecutive year. The College earned recognition both overall and in several subcategories: Catholic Colleges, Pennsylvania Colleges, Career Development, Business Programs, and Education Programs. This honor highlights SVC’s successful commitment to engaged, experiential, and holistic education.
AICUP Impact Report
A recent study released by the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania estimated that Saint Vincent College generates $144.6 million annually for Pennsylvania’s economy, supports 1,128 jobs, and produces $11.5 million in tax revenue. The results indicate SVC’s significant economic impact and reflect its focus on community involvement.
Stethoscope Ceremony
On Friday, September 5, the College hosted its first Stethoscope Ceremony and Blessing of Hands. Second-year students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and first-year students in the Direct Entry – Master of Science in Nursing program received stethoscopes and recited the Saint Vincent College Nursing Pledge of Excellence. For a full list of recipients, please visit stvincent.edu/news.
New Honors Program
Starting fall 2026 semester, Saint Vincent College announced the launch of a new honors program, named “SVC Honors.” Students in the program will receive a $2,000 renewable scholarship, special housing, opportunities to attend special trips and events, and recognition at graduation. After their first year, student will choose one of four academic paths: Aurelius Scholars of Western Civilization; Benedictine Leadership Scholars; Faith, Science and Technology Scholars; and SEEK (Service, Exploration, Experience, and Knowledge) Scholars.
Increased Threshold for Bearcat Advantage Program
Seeking to increase accessibility to higher education, the College announced that the household income eligibility threshold for the Bearcat Advantage Program is increasing from $60,000 to $80,000 for the 2026-27 academic year. The program, launched in 2023, covers tuition for qualifying students through grants and scholarships, and SVC is excited to extend its support to more families.
Homecoming
Saint Vincent College hosted its annual Homecoming Weekend Oct. 3-5, during which Reese Gadsby, biology major from Mercer, and Kyle Murray, nursing major from Altoona, were crowned queen and king. Also named to this year’s court were Colt Easterling, communication major from Queenstown, MD; Hope Farley, marketing major from Saint Marys; Andrew Gelin, sports management major from Lauderhill, FL; Lance Hall, marketing major from Powell, OH; Malley Kotula, biology major from Washington; Jakob Krumenaker, biology major from Lowber; Julie Peterson biology and political science double major from Ridgway; Grace Scoville, biology major from Broadview Heights, OH; Kennedy Sheriff, English major from Carlisle; and Braden Thomas, biology and business administration double major from Carrolltown.
