Introduction:
Mount Aloysius College is a small liberal arts college located in Cresson, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1853 by the Sisters of Mercy, it has a rich history and a commitment to providing quality education. While the college is known for its academic rigor, there are also many fun facts that are not as well-known. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most interesting and entertaining facts about Mount Aloysius College.
Fun facts about Mount Aloysius College
The Campus
The Mount Aloysius College campus is situated on 193 acres of land in Cresson, Pennsylvania. It is a beautiful, serene setting with a mix of modern and historic buildings. One of the most interesting buildings on campus is Alumni Hall. This building was originally built in 1906 and was used as a hospital during World War II. It was later purchased by the college and converted into a residence hall for students.
Another unique feature of the campus is the Harry and Marla Decker Natural History Museum. This museum houses a collection of over 10,000 specimens of birds, mammals, and insects. It is a great resource for students who are studying biology or environmental science.
Athletics
Mount Aloysius College is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III and competes in the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC). The college offers a variety of sports programs for both men and women, including basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
One interesting fact about Mount Aloysius College athletics is that the women’s volleyball team has won the AMCC championship six times in a row. This is an impressive accomplishment and speaks to the quality of the coaching and talent of the players.
Another fun fact is that the college has a unique mascot – the Mountie. The Mountie is a reference to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and is a nod to the college’s founding by the Sisters of Mercy, who were of Canadian origin.
Academic Programs
Mount Aloysius College offers a variety of academic programs in areas such as nursing, business, education, and criminology. One interesting fact about the nursing program is that it has a 100% job placement rate for graduates. This speaks to the quality of the program and the demand for healthcare professionals in the region.
Another unique program offered by the college is the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in game development. This program combines computer science with game design and development, preparing students for careers in the gaming industry.
Community Engagement
Mount Aloysius College is committed to giving back to the community and has a number of initiatives that promote community engagement. One such initiative is the Mountie Bounty program. This program collects food and personal care items for students who are experiencing food insecurity or financial difficulties. It is a great way for students to support each other and give back to the community.
Another fun fact is that the college hosts an annual Community Day. This event is open to the public and features food, music, games, and activities for all ages. It is a great way for the college to connect with the local community and promote a spirit of goodwill.
Student Life
Mount Aloysius College has a vibrant student life program that includes clubs, organizations, and events. One interesting fact is that the college has a Quidditch team. Quidditch is a sport based on the game played in the Harry Potter series and involves players flying on broomsticks. While the Mount Aloysius College team does not actually fly, they do play a modified version of the game that is played on the ground.
Another unique feature of student life at Mount Aloysius College is the Mountie Mercantile. This is a student-run store on campus that sells a variety of items such as apparel, snacks, and school supplies. It is a great way for students to gain real-world business experience and to support the college community.
History
As previously mentioned, Mount Aloysius College has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1853 by the Sisters of Mercy. One interesting fact is that the college was originally called St. Aloysius Academy and was an all-girls boarding school. It was not until 1939 that the school became a four-year college and began admitting men.
Another unique aspect of the college’s history is its connection to the Titanic. The college’s founder, Sister M. DeChantal Leis, was originally supposed to travel on the Titanic’s maiden voyage but was unable to due to illness. Her ticket and stateroom have been preserved and are on display in the college’s library.
Campus Events
Mount Aloysius College hosts a variety of events throughout the year that are open to the public. One of the most popular events is the annual Madrigal Dinner. This is a holiday-themed event that features a five-course meal, live entertainment, and a medieval-themed atmosphere. It is a great way for the college community to come together and celebrate the holiday season.
Another fun event is the Spring Fling. This event takes place at the end of the academic year and features food, music, and games. It is a great way for students to relax and unwind before the start of summer break.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Mount Aloysius College is a small college with a rich history and a commitment to providing quality education. While the college is known for its academic rigor, there are also many fun facts that make it a unique and interesting place. From the campus to athletics, academic programs, community engagement, student life, history, and campus events, there is something for everyone at Mount Aloysius College.
