LATROBE, PA – When students begin searching for a college, they hold onto the thought that they will be spending the foreseeable future at their chosen location, away from home and family for likely the first extended period of time. Cameron Hyde, a 2023 graduate with a major in accounting and minor in finance, began his search for a college with that same thought in the back of his mind, looking for a college that would alleviate some of the gravity that came with being away from home; Hyde found his answer in Saint Vincent College (SVC).

“The first time I stepped foot on campus, I felt that I was at home,” Hyde mentioned when asked why he decided to come to SVC. “The community atmosphere that SVC has built up is incredible and welcoming to anyone who comes to campus, not just students. Both of my parents graduated from Saint Vincent, so it was very special to me that I fell in love with SVC, just as they did when they were in college.”

Hyde revealed that the campus layout and the “breathtaking views” it provides not only aided in his decision to come to SVC, but it remains one of his favorite aspects of the college.

“Everything is in one place, with all the sports fields in the middle of campus, making it very easy for everyone to gather and cheer on the Bearcats,” he said. “I also love the dedication that the professors show to their students. These people put in a lot of time and effort to ensure that students are best suited for success.”

Like many students, Hyde began his time at SVC with ideas for one major before swapping for another, finding a path that he otherwise had never considered previously.

“I originally started college as a finance major but switched to accounting after my sophomore year,” Hyde noted. “I chose accounting because I love the problem-solving aspect of the work in the industry, as well as being able to help people with their finances, putting their minds at ease.

Hyde credits Dr. Rob DePasquale, Professor of Business Administration in the McKenna School of Business, Economics and Government, with helping him find an interest in accounting, as well as for the memories he has of them talking about baseball together.

With many interests, Hyde formed a number of memories across his time at SVC as he continued to become involved on campus.

“During my time at SVC, I picked up playing pickleball with my friends as a hobby, which I still play today,” he recalled. “One of my favorite memories was winning the Intramural Flag Football Championship my senior year, with most of my teammates being the very first friends that I made at

SVC during my freshman year. Baseball has also given me some great memories, such as making the Championship Game in two out of three seasons we played.”

While a student at SVC, Hyde also took charge as a part of the Student Government Association (SGA), bringing the campus and its students together through numerous events, such as Casino Nights in the Carey Lounge or taking trips to PNC Park to watch the Pittsburgh Pirates. During his senior year, Hyde took on more leadership roles compared to his prior years, serving as both the SGA senior class president and the captain of the senior varsity baseball team.

After his recent graduation, Hyde will begin working as a tax analyst at Schneider Downs in the fall, while this summer he is studying for the CPA Exam to become a certified public accountant.

Though many new students will begin this fall uncertain if SVC can act as their second home, with many opportunities to participate in the community and make new friends, hopefully they will find a home in SVC just as Hyde did. We look forward to seeing where Hyde’s future takes him, knowing that he’ll always have a place to return to.

Madison Kozera, English major, of Abingdon, MD