Student Achievement

Student Run Orchesis

Grove City College students present a student-run dance performance. This production is brought to the stage in both the fall and the spring. Each production has its own unique theme from the academy awards to colors to a murder mystery in the style of the board game Clue. These productions allow student excellence to shine, from the directors to the choreographers to the dancers. All students are welcome to audition for parts in Orchesis, regardless of experience and skill level.

Lux Mea Film Festival

The Lux Mea Film Festival at Grove City College is a shining example of student-driven excellence, originating from the Special Events and Promotions class led by Professor Gregory Bandy. This unique project allows students to dive headfirst into the world of event management, applying classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. They form dynamic teams, tackling various aspects of the festival, from marketing and social media to video production and graphic design, essentially turning their visions into reality.

Launched in 2021, Lux Mea—meaning “my light”—not only reflects the college’s cherished motto but also puts a spotlight on the burgeoning talent within its student body. The festival has quickly grown into a beloved annual tradition, creating a platform for student filmmakers to showcase their creativity and storytelling prowess. Their films, submitted for faculty review, get the chance to be screened and evaluated by industry professionals, vying for awards across 12 different categories.

By involving students at every stage, from concept to execution, Lux Mea celebrates not just the art of filmmaking but also the students’ hard work, creativity, and collaborative spirit. It’s an immersive experience that underscores the importance of student involvement in enriching the college community and fostering an environment where young filmmakers can explore profound themes of truth and humanity.

Exercise science majors win poster competition

Grove City College students placed first and third for best undergraduate student research posters at the American College of Sports Medicine Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference in Lancaster, PA.

A group of Grove City College Exercise Science students came to the annual professional conference, which covers a plethora of fitness and health research topics. Five of the students presented research posters judged against those created by hundreds of other students from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.

Grove City College student translators preserve Holocaust accounts

Grove City College students, led by Dr. Kelsey B. Madsen, tackled a heart-tugging project translating documents from the Holocaust era in Amiens, France. These documents, discovered by historian Dr. David Rosenberg, reveal the dark days when the Gestapo arrested dozens of Jews, most of whom were sent to Auschwitz. The students, using their French skills, brought to life the personal stories hidden in these records, contributing to Rosenberg’s exhibit “The Fruits of Hate: A French City During the Holocaust.”

The project hit hard for students like Marcus Henry and Cara Scott, who found themselves deeply moved by the personal tragedies they translated. It was a stark reminder of the Holocaust’s impact on individual lives, beyond the cold facts of history books. This experience not only enriched their understanding of history but also sparked interest in further translation work. Their efforts now help preserve the memory of those lost, making a real difference in how we remember history’s darker chapters.

GCC Debate Team

The Grove City College Debate Team recently competed in the National Christian College Forensics Association (NCCFA) Invitational in Nashville, in March of 2024,  securing three national championship titles. Out of ten debaters, three students claimed titles, and the team won the Quality Award for the best winning percentage. The team is now preparing for the National Educational Debate Association National Tournament in April in Detroit.

The Grove City College Debate Team secured a national championship at the Pi Kappa Delta National Tournament held at West Chester University in March of 2023, hosting 37 colleges and universities. Grove City College’s team, consisting of 11 students competing in NPDA and IPDA formats, achieved second place in the Tier One Debate Sweepstakes, While freshmen Ginger Schiffmayer and Joshua Xu claimed the NPDA (National Parliamentary Debate Association) championship. 

GCC Entrepreneurship Department

Grove City College students won first place at Techstars Startup Weekend Pittsburgh with their idea for a place-based dating app called Meet Cute. Sponsored by the Center for Entrepreneurship + Innovation (E+I), the students competed against a field of entrepreneurs and business professionals from top colleges. Meet Cute connects people based on shared locations rather than looks or personality traits. The team’s victory earned them office space at Avenu Workspaces and up to $5,000 to incorporate their business. Techstars Startup Weekend Pittsburgh, hosted by InnovatePGH, is part of a national program supporting early-stage entrepreneurs.

Grove City College football excellence is displayed in an undefeated regular season and a conference championship. They continued to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs. Player Gabe Dunlap earns First Team Academic All-America and Vinny LePre Second Team Academic All-America. LePre also earns AP All-American. Their head football coach, Andrew DiDonato, is a 2018 Presidents’ Athletic Conference Coach of the Year and is entering his eighth season with GCC. Students have held a great deal of leadership and have lead the success of this team.