LATROBE, PA – Saint Vincent College students, alumni, faculty and friends hit the road following Spring Commencement for a 360-mile bicycle journey on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and C&O Canal Towpath trails from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC, in support of the College’s Students First Fund.
The May 9-15 initiative was developed by Dr. Jeff Mallory, C’06, G’13, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Saint Vincent College, and Dr. Greg Bisignani, a member of the College’s Board of Directors and Boyer School Advisory Council. Mallory has biked parts of the GAP trail with his father and brothers while Bisignani has completed the trail a handful of times alongside his wife, Audrey.
The participants arrived in the nation’s capital on May 15 after pushing through stretches of rainy weather. Along the way, the bikers soaked in picturesque views and strengthened their connections with one another as they averaged roughly 60 miles a day.
“The trip allowed us to experience incredible generosity, meaningful conversations, and to see the strength of the Bearcat community,” Mallory said. “Every rider, donor, supporter and volunteer played a role in making this journey possible.”
Planned stops included Connellsville and Meyersdale in Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, Hancock and Brunswick in Maryland before arriving in DC. The trip paused on May 10 for participants to spend Mother’s Day with their loved ones.
The journey included a special alumni gathering in Cumberland, bringing the Bearcat network together on the road.
Donors raised over $16,000 in support of the new event, which not only provided encouragement for every mile traveled but also helped to create boundless opportunities for Saint Vincent College students.
“Our hope is that Bearcats on Bikes continues to grow and inspire others to get involved,” Mallory said. “Whether you ride, donate, volunteer or simply cheer us on, you become part of something bigger than yourself. Together, we’re investing in the future of Saint Vincent College and the students whose lives will be transformed by the opportunities we help create.”
The event will continue on an annual basis and feature segmented or full rides on the GAP and C&O trails.
In addition to Mallory and Bisignani, additional participants included Audrey Bisignani; Dominique Tedrow, associate director of women’s ministry and coordinator of formation programs; Aidan Fraser, a junior environmental science and philosophy double major of Fredericksburg, Virginia; Fr. Frederick C. Byrne, O.S.B., S’82; Grace Scoville, C’26, of Broadview Heights, Ohio; Cassandra Lanza, C’26, of Marysville; Jim Jeffries, a benefactor who has produced work for the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve; Joseph Ivory, C’25, of Spotsylvania, Virginia; Greg Fajt, C’77, of Pittsburgh; Brennan George, who joined via Fajt; and James Walters, associate director of campus life and student recreation (driver).
Those interested in supporting the Bearcats on Bikes initiative may do so on the Saint Vincent College Crowdfunding site.
