Over the summer months, Saint Vincent received various upgrades on campus to its athletic fields, resident halls and other facilities.
Completed in late July, the UPMC Field replaced the existing artificial turf field, which was installed in 2008. The new field was completed just in time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to use during training camp.
In addition, upgrades were made to the Student Activity Center (formerly Alcuin Hall), the Carey Center lounge, Saint Benedict and Rooney Halls and Prep Hall.
Suzanne English, vice President of marketing and communication at Saint Vincent, commented on the upgrades.
“It’s very important for us to take good care of our facilities and to provide a good experience for our students. And for attracting new students as well,” English said.
In addition, English said that the upgrades are important for alumni who have a vested interest in the college.
“We want them to know that we’re taking good care of the facilities and that Saint Vincent is an institution they can be proud of, not only for the great academic experience but also for the facilities,” English said.
UPMC Field (approximately $525,000)
Completed late July
The improvements include the installation of a new turf field to replace the existing artificial turf field. As part of the renovations the field was outfitted with a new scoreboard and shot clock, and walkways were relocated and improved to make the field more accessible.
The field received its name because UPMC was the leading donor.
In addition, English said that the turf field is the most used athletic field on campus.
“The field is used by our varsity sports of soccer, football and lacrosse, as well as by many intramural sports,” English said. “With the wet summer we had, the Pittsburgh Steelers also used it more than usual, and many summer camps utilize it.”
Renovations to the Student Activities Center (approximately $100,000)
Completed late July
The improvements included upgrades to the air conditioning, audio visual technology, new flooring, new window blinds and painting. This building is used very little by the Steelers, but the renovations are important to make it a more viable space for student events.
HVAC upgrades were made to Rooney and Saint Benedict halls (approximately $250,000)
New Saint Vincent sign - $150,000
Carey Center lounge upgrades (approximately $30,000)
The Student Government Association (SGA) funded the purchase of new couches and chairs for the Carey Center lounge as part of its capital project. The upgrades replaced the existing furniture which was installed 10 years ago, according to the SGA March Minutes.
Upgrades to the Mac Lab in Prep Hall
The Communication Department received 18 new iMac computers in Room 219. The new computers are equipped with new software including Adobe Creative Cloud and After Effects.
David Safin, assistant Communication professor, said that the upgrades make the room more “user friendly.”
In addition, a new flat-screen TV is to be installed sometime this semester, according to Safin.