2008 Woodie Awards
A look back on four years atop Hawk Hill
Chris Sullivan '07
Issue date: 12/1/06 Section: Features
Hey Seniors- one semester left. What do you think? The ride has been - in a word- interesting. I know right now between Policy, looking for a job, and simply trying to graduate on time means reflection is not high on the priority list.
But the truth is, we've seen a lot of Saint Joseph's history in our four years. We've seen things that happen rarely, and we've seen things that may never happen again.
In the fall of 2003, the university was literally at a new beginning. Fresh off of "Rocking Out at SJU," we began life as students at Saint Joe's. While we were learning about chicken wraps and the maze that is Barbelin, Father Lannon began life as the school's new president.
In our first weeks on Hawk Hill, we were able to participate in the inauguration of a new school president. Who knows the next time that will happen? Five, six, seven, even eight classes may come and go before the Joe sees a new president being inaugurated.
Flash forward six months. I'm sure some of you have thought of this, but we are the only students on campus who still have first hand experience of what this place was like during Jameer and Co. The Perfect Season- oh, where to begin:
Beating Gonzaga at Madison Square Garden.
The Sports Illustrated cover.
The 82-50 stomping of St. Bonaventure at the Fieldhouse to clinch 27-0.
#1 in the country.
#1 seed for the Dance.
The Elite Eight.
The National Player of the Year.
The Naismith Coach of the Year.
Two first round draft picks.
We had front row seats to one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of college basketball. The Hawks did not lose a regular season game until November 23rd of our sophomore year. I remember coming home for freshman spring break and being the envy of all my high school friends. The whole country wanted to be us.
Fall of sophomore year introduced the "New Hotness" to the scene. While the apartments on City Avenue may not be a huge deal to some, it was to me because I lived in 5200, and after having spent the past two years in Presidential and Pennbrook; new construction is a great thing. If only I knew then what I do now.
Finally, the last and perhaps the most significant event that we witnessed in our four years, was the purchase of the Episcopal Academy. That purchase- which essentially doubles the size of SJU- will forever change the complexion of this university. We were present for one of the most important decisions this school has ever made. That's a big deal.
And these are only the experiences we shared as a class. Throw in your personal memories, and your four years at the Joe will be even more unforgettable. So while jobs, graduation, course selection and finals may seem to dominate life right now - take a look back and enjoy the ride. One semester left, guys, let's make a few more memories.
But the truth is, we've seen a lot of Saint Joseph's history in our four years. We've seen things that happen rarely, and we've seen things that may never happen again.
In the fall of 2003, the university was literally at a new beginning. Fresh off of "Rocking Out at SJU," we began life as students at Saint Joe's. While we were learning about chicken wraps and the maze that is Barbelin, Father Lannon began life as the school's new president.
In our first weeks on Hawk Hill, we were able to participate in the inauguration of a new school president. Who knows the next time that will happen? Five, six, seven, even eight classes may come and go before the Joe sees a new president being inaugurated.
Flash forward six months. I'm sure some of you have thought of this, but we are the only students on campus who still have first hand experience of what this place was like during Jameer and Co. The Perfect Season- oh, where to begin:
Beating Gonzaga at Madison Square Garden.
The Sports Illustrated cover.
The 82-50 stomping of St. Bonaventure at the Fieldhouse to clinch 27-0.
#1 in the country.
#1 seed for the Dance.
The Elite Eight.
The National Player of the Year.
The Naismith Coach of the Year.
Two first round draft picks.
We had front row seats to one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of college basketball. The Hawks did not lose a regular season game until November 23rd of our sophomore year. I remember coming home for freshman spring break and being the envy of all my high school friends. The whole country wanted to be us.
Fall of sophomore year introduced the "New Hotness" to the scene. While the apartments on City Avenue may not be a huge deal to some, it was to me because I lived in 5200, and after having spent the past two years in Presidential and Pennbrook; new construction is a great thing. If only I knew then what I do now.
Finally, the last and perhaps the most significant event that we witnessed in our four years, was the purchase of the Episcopal Academy. That purchase- which essentially doubles the size of SJU- will forever change the complexion of this university. We were present for one of the most important decisions this school has ever made. That's a big deal.
And these are only the experiences we shared as a class. Throw in your personal memories, and your four years at the Joe will be even more unforgettable. So while jobs, graduation, course selection and finals may seem to dominate life right now - take a look back and enjoy the ride. One semester left, guys, let's make a few more memories.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Dan Galligan
posted 12/01/06 @ 9:33 AM EST
Does anybody really call the 5200 apartments the "New Hotness"?
Post a Comment