Students in the Class of 2027 have officially started their college journey. Over the past two weeks, SFU welcomed 398 first-time freshmen to Loretto.
While 29% of these students are from Blair and Cambria counties, the freshman class consists of students from 222 different high schools in 24 different states. Outside of the continental U.S., students hail from Argentina, Italy, Germany, Spain, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Freshman Anna DeFazio is studying biology on a pre-medicine track while also competing on the SFU cross country and track and field teams.
“I chose SFU because it was the best combination of academics and athletics for me,” said DeFazio. “I’m really excited for all of the science opportunities at Saint Francis and to pursue my major and passion for medicine.”
Exercise Physiology student Morgan Rothrock is also looking forward to continuing her education and athletics career at SFU. The DuBois native said she has formed valuable connections over the past three weeks.
“My favorite part about SFU so far is the people,” said Rothrock. “Everyone I have met has been so kind-hearted, and there is just a great community here.
“No matter who you are talking to on campus, you can always tell that they have your best interest in mind.”
While 20% of this year’s incoming freshmen graduated from a Catholic high school—an increase from previous years—many students in the Class of 2027 said that they are looking forward to growing in their faith throughout their time at SFU.
“I did not attend a Catholic high school, so there are a couple things that are new to me,” said freshman Physician Assistant major Lauren Lomago.
“I went to a Christian school and I am thankful that I get to continue some parts of that like praying before sports, events and meals.”
While DeFazio also did not attend a Catholic high school, the Pittsburgh native is excited to be enrolled at an institution that places a high priority on students growing in their faith.
“I am Catholic, so going to a Catholic institution was something that I was really looking for during my college search,” said DeFazio.
“It’s been great having my faith be at the base of everything that we do here at SFU.”
DeFazio, Rothrock and Lomago all encourage high school students to look at their options and to trust their instincts during the college search process.
“SFU was the first university I visited, and I knew from the start that it was the right place for me,” said Rothrock. “I visited other schools afterwards, but I still ended up choosing SFU because of the first impression that I got.”
“I would encourage every high school student to look at SFU because there are so many opportunities for everyone here,” said DeFazio.
“It is such a welcoming place.”
