Last fall, a Seton Hill University (SHU) student or faculty member might remember the little jars placed near the cash register in the dining hall, or the signs posted in Maura featuring advertisement about a senior class gift of a clock. This fall, along with a brand new parking lot, standing at the entrance to Sullivan Lawn is the clock that we heard so much about last year.
On Saturday October 7, members of the newly graduated class of 2006 came together to dedicate their class gift to SHU: a tall, black, street clock that lights up at night and provides a landmark for people to recognize when they come to the university.
By Andrea Perkins,
Staff Writer
Last fall, a Seton Hill University (SHU) student or faculty member might remember the little jars placed near the cash register in the dining hall, or the signs posted in Maura featuring advertisement about a senior class gift of a clock. This fall, along with a brand new parking lot, standing at the entrance to Sullivan Lawn is the clock that we heard so much about last year.
On Saturday October 7, members of the newly graduated class of 2006 came together to dedicate their class gift to SHU: a tall, black, street clock that lights up at night and provides a landmark for people to recognize when they come to the university.
�I�ve followed this class through the beginning stage process and I wanted to support their accomplishments. And I enjoy traditions, so I wanted to be here for the dedication,� said Kristen Zappalla, a member of the class of 2006 and one of about 20 who attended the dedication.
The story of the clock begins with the freshman year of the class of 2006. Justin Norris, president of the class of 06 stated a quote from Rev. Daniel Sullivan, SHU’s fourth president, saying, �I opened not merely the door of this house, I swung the gates of an era.� The class of �06 was the first class to come to SHU with its new title of �university�, rather than �college.�
They were, in their eyes, a part of opening the gates of a new era, and the clock helps to symbolize that opening.
�We were a transitional class-we were in the heap of change. We were very critical in facilitating that change, and being able to nurture newer students to uphold the older traditions and values as well as provide an example to older students that will maintain the essence of SHU,� said Norris about his graduating class.
The class of 06 began considering what they would do for their gift in their first year at SHU.
They had considered all kinds of ideas, from making improvements to campus, planting trees, and scholarships. The class found the idea of a clock through literature they had received advertising it.
Adrienne Scarsella, treasurer of their class and Gina Eachus, secretary, talked about how the class worked to raise money for the clock. They sold Sheetz coupons, Sophomore care packages, raffle baskets, ran concessions at basketball games, as well as receiving gifts from student ambassadors and Sheetz Incorporated. The former class officers were not sure if the other classes realized how much went into the clock.
�I think if they even realized where it’s from, I think they�d be surprised that it is possible to do something so grand,� Scarsella said.
Jaimie Steel, director of activities and commuter life at SHU also attended the event. �This class did so much for the university-not just for the clock, its what they were involved in-we come to make sure they know we appreciate what they�ve done.�
With the clock being at the entrance to the main campus, it is an object that numerous SHU students, staff and faculty use on a regular basis.
�I think it was a great gift. It is functional; everyone uses that clock-even if it is just a glance. And even if they can glance at a Setonian’s dedication, hard work and zeal for Seton Hill, then it empowers other to carry out the mission of Elizabeth Ann Seton,� said Zappalla.
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