Like I have to explain it to anyone around here…but here goes:

Watching Steelers football in the greater Pittsburgh area is a complete and absolute way of life. We Pittsburghers are nuts about our “Steelers”. Some so-called experts would declare Dallas as “America’s Team”, but we humbly know better. Our pride runs deep. It starts within our own family and transcends through to our friends. It all makes sense. We bleed black and gold.

But, I do not have to explain it to you…

On my end, watching football is a refuge; an asylum from the stresses and rigors of everyday life. Some of the best memories were forged watching football. I remember playing catch with my brothers in the yard at halftime of Superbowl XIV when we beat the Rams. (Yes, I said we, you know what I mean…) Hey I was eight, but I remember it like it was yesterday.

But, I bet you remember where you were that day also…

I’ve even been to a few playoff games in my day. The most memorable, is a game where Jets Kicker Doug Brien shanked two field goals (43 and 47 yards) in the final two minutes of regulation. The Jets would have won. Brien’s miscues enabled the game to go to overtime, and it was  when Steelers took over. I was right under the field goal post Brien was kicking towards. I never hugged so many strangers in my life. I also remember being at a playoff game against the Patriots in 1998. It was 7 degrees. We were lined up at 5:30 AM waiting to get in the parking lot. The Steelers won 7-6. Oh, Steeler home games do bring back memories.

But I don’t have to tell you, I’ll bet you remember those games too…

Ah…  Steeler home games.

What a picture, a myriad of people coming together to cheer on a common entity to victory. The white noise of the traffic on the overpass above your head creates a trance-like state. There are police and ambulance sirens off in the distance, hopefully coming to someone’s aid… but usually adding to one’s misfortune. There are horns honking and people chanting.  The atmosphere is brought alive with frequent hoots and hollers. The smell of charcoal saturates the air. There is cold beer for breakfast and you have frozen hands all day, but the thoughts of a Steeler victory fuels a spark inside one’s body. This spark serves as a heating element all day long.

But, I do not have to explain it to you…

You know exactly where I am coming from.

I would just like to remind everyone to take a step back and look at the bigger picture this Sunday. As you are watching the game with friends and family, keep in mind that it will be a moment in your life that you will cherish forever. A memory you can tell your grandchildren about. Win or Lose. I know I will.

It will also be the moment I will be labeled “The Great Prognosticator”.

My prediction: Steelers 31 Cards 27

MVP: Nate Washington

Check out these links for more info surrounding the big game and the Steelers in general:

http://www.steelerconnection.com/
http://www.steeleraddicts.com/
http://steelers.dve.com/main.html
http://www.steelertribute.com/LINKS.HTM Please feel free to comment and state your prediction....

PhotoBlog
This entry is a photo blog, click here to view all thumbnails.
 

Transition Day 2008

Well, the spring semester is upon us. There is a certain hustle and bustle all through the air on the hill. Along with all the new faces in the crowd, there is sense of boundless enthusiasm descending on campus. With a group of 20 incoming freshmen, the “Spring Transition Day” at Seton Hill reflected the overall identity of the University.

“Spring Transition Day” is the day when incoming students get acclimated with the Seton Hill community. After a continental breakfast in Reeves Library all parties were introduced to a number of staff and faculty to discuss their transition into college life here on the hill. Sherri Bett, the director of the Admissions Office welcomed students and thanked them for choosing Seton Hill. Next, student Katie Fritsch welcomed the group from the student’s perspective. Dr. Lois Sculco, SC, the Vice President for Mission and Student Life, transitioned the “welcomes” into “hellos” in true Seton Hill fashion. Sister Lois had everyone stand up and introduce themselves to each other. After chatting briefly, the students and their families felt more at home within their new community. Then, Dr. Mary Ann Gawelek, (the Provost and Dean of the Faculty) and Sister Lois took turns presenting to the audience an informative presentation shedding light on the history and identity of this remarkable campus.

Continuing along with the transition theme, Sister Lois teamed up with Dr. Charmaine Strong (Dean of Student Services) and Ms. Marcia Platt (the Associate Dean for student life and the Director of the Collegiate Academic and Personal Success program), to discuss the complexities of one’s transition into college life. The first-year experience at a college campus can be a challenging one for both the student and for the parent. These information sessions were designed to curb those feelings. This theme continued through the session “feeling safe and letting go”. This session, led by a multitude of the universities staff including Dr. Charmaine Strong, Ms. Terri Bassi, (The Director of Counseling and Disability and Health Services), Mr. Michael Dell (The Chief of Campus Police), and Ms. Cindy Boland (Director of Campus Ministry), focused on the variety of concerns one faces when going to college, and how to manage some of the issues parents face while sending a student to college.

Along with one-on-one sessions with faculty and staff, and a presentation on residence life, the students were able to access the Financial Aid office to answer any questions. The Registrar’s office was also busy handling any scheduling needs for the students. Various other offices were available for the students and their families including Student Accounts, Dining Services and the Student Bookstore.

All in all, the day was a complete success, truly a tribute to the faculty and staff dedicated to this achievement. The next orientation will take place in the fall. Refer to the admissions page for more information as we move closer…

You do remember the fall; the warm sunsets casting long shadows, when the leaves are turning golden reds and bright yellows… and the smells of autumn are in the air…

Check out the Photo Blog for some pictures captured throughout the day…

It amazes me when I hear about the countless opportunities Seton Hill University provides for its students. Equally impressive is the quality of students who attend Seton Hill and how they seize these opportunities. Jaime Hickton, 2006 alumna, is a prime example of such a student. I just read about Jaime today in the January 17-18 edition of the Latrobe Bulletin. I noticed on the front page of the paper an article titled “Local SHU alumna will attend inauguration”. As an alumni myself, I love to hear about other alumni and the journeys they are engaged in, so I immediately read the article. It’s hard not to be impressed by everything Jaime has accomplished and experienced. Click here to follow Jaime’s blog.

 

 

The snow is falling.  The temperature is dropping and I am sitting here wondering how I am going to keep that New Year’s Resolution to exercise.   I decided to head over to the Katherine Mabis McKenna Center at Seton Hill University which is open to all students holding a valid student I.D.  The McKenna Center is equipped with an indoor track, aerobic room, weights, treadmills, and a pool.  I hit the track for a couple quick laps. The Men’s Basketball team was practicing below me on the court.  The view of the snow coming down was amazing.  From one window you can see the construction of the University Center for the Performing Arts. The warmth of running inside was invigorating.  I hope everyone stays warm, and I’ll see you in the Mckenna Center.

Welcome to the admissions blog here at the Seton Hill University. The admissions department would like to wish everyone a safe, happy and very prosperous new year. 2009 will start off with a bang here at Seton Hill as we have so many new things going on, stop back often to our new and improved website to stay informed!

This is the time of year where the applications are pouring in fast.  Some of the most popular majors over the years have been Business and Education. Those have remained popular with our incoming freshmen, but lately we have been experiencing a large trend toward the visual and performing arts. It is no wonder; Seton Hill University’s dedication to the arts has been well documented over the years. And now this dedication will be elevated to the next level, a new realm, The University Center for Performing Arts is on track to be completed later this spring. This brand new facility is devoted to using the latest technology to educate students in the visual and performing arts. Check it out here.

In addition to this exiting news, Seton Hill has teamed with LECOM to offer students the opportunity to complete a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine. This news only strengthens our regional position as leaders in the field of medical education, which currently is solidified by our popular Master of Science in Physician Assistant program.  

Things are moving fast in 2009, and we here in the admissions department are ready and poised for the challenge.

Stay tuned for more information from the admissions team (including pics and flicks) from functions and events throughout the year!