alumni no t es
You’ve cheered for a goat: +10 Points
Although the university’s mascot has changed over the years, the mountain goat has been officially intimidating opponents from its perch on the Hilltop for the past 10 years. Topper may not have the roar of a tiger or the size of a longhorn, but he has spirit. The baseball, softball and soccer teams all have made names for themselves, and the basketball teams always draw a crowd. If you don’t know the Hillraisers yet, you will. They’re at every home game, and even some of the away games. Fear the goat! Bart Cronin ’60, of Tulsa, Okla., recalls the camaraderie of campus sports. There was a bonfire prior to the first varsity basketball game, pick-up Frisbee on the lawn and tug-of-war. “An extremely competitive intramural sports program was also a big part of campus life.”
You’ve marveled at the lights: +10 Points
Over the years, events have come and gone, but the really great ones have stuck around. Longestrunning celebration on campus? The Festival of Lights, now coming up on its 31st year, may have all others beat. Nothing compares to the glow of campus when it is adorned with lights and filled with choir music at Christmas time. Other recurring events worth remembering? The freshman Medallion Ceremony, Hillfest and Midnight Breakfast, just to name a few. Austin Lytle ’09, of Austin, remembers drinking hot chocolate and listening to the St. Edward’s choir during the annual Festival of Lights celebration. “It truly is the spirit of Christmas.” Neil Brown ’02, of Chicago, reminisces about Midnight Breakfast. “Before exams, some of the professors and staff would serve us breakfast at midnight to help us through the late night of studying ahead of us.”
You’ve tasted the queso: +10 Points
Perhaps it was the foresight of our founders or just dumb luck, but when it comes to finding a place to eat, the location of St. Edward’s is one to be envied. The university boasts one of the hottest addresses in town, and eclectic dining options abound just down the street. Many college memories have been fortified with the legendary food of SoCo. Just down the street from campus, many a Hilltopper has devoured pizza slices as big as your head at Home Slice. At Magnolia Café, tired students have indulged in breakfast in the early morning (or late-night) hours. Alumni also reminisce about Hill’s Café, a classic greasy spoon, just perfect for those late-night cravings: buttermilk biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, or a big burger. G&S Lounge, on South First Street, might not look like much on the outside, but inside Hilltoppers hang with friends while eating free popcorn and playing air hockey. No St. Edward’s experience would be complete without a hearty helping of Tex-Mex, and nearly all students have experienced El Gallo Restaurant, just across from campus. But everyone has their favorite place for chips and queso, and high on many lists is Curra’s Grill, located just north of campus on East Oltorf. 28 St. Edward’s University
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9/30/11 12:20 PM