Geneva College
- Local Atmosphere

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Beaver Falls is a typical Western Pennsylvanian town of about 10,000 people. Like many cities around it, Beaver Falls boomed when steel was king, then crashed when the industry fell. Factories closed, jobs disappeared, and half the population sought better luck elsewhere. Downtown Beaver Falls today is a far cry from its blossoming former self, with boarded-up windows on empty storefronts and ornate old brick and stone buildings still beautiful but now deteriorating. But the residents have a spunky faith and pride in their little town, especially rallying around the Steelers and the Beaver Falls Fighting Tigers. Several efforts are working to improve the town, such as the Center for Creative Arts Expression downtown and the Beaver Falls Forever group that meets regularly at BFCAT (Beaver Falls Coffee and Tea). The College also seeks ways to help, but there is still a yawning gap between downtown Beaver Falls and the College up on the hill.

Beaver Falls has a reputation for being a rough neighborhood, which is partially deserved, but Geneva students often don’t give the town a chance. Sure, walk in groups, especially at night, because incidents have happened, but you can walk to the middle school and back multiple times without issue. In fact, the residents are quite friendly. Many Geneva students are involved with community after-school programs such as Tiger Pause, Young Life, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and there’s an unofficial movement toward supporting local businesses rather than chains like Wal-Mart—the local businesses are nearer than the chains, as well.

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Local Atmosphere at Geneva College

ShatteredAvenger

'15

Electrical Engineering Technician

2.7

C+

A Classic Town That Has Fallen Into Deterioration

Alas, Beaver Falls has the feel of a classic town that has simply fallen into decay and deterioration. Many of the old buildings have been demolished, but it does still have the feel of a town that was very prosperous at one time.

Dec 24, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at Geneva College

Onemorebard

'14

History

1.5

D+

Haven't Yet Seen a Beaver. Not Surprised.

Because I'm relatively sure that beavers, given their lack of fiscal restraints, have already moved out of Beaver Falls. It's not as if it's horrible, but it's not "nice" either. It has a few nice points, but the "area attractions" pretty much amount to Sheetz, a Korean restaurant (which is admittedly excellent), pizza, and a rather nice campus. The campus is definitely a winning point. Given that its near Pittsburgh, it's not hard to go out and soak up some cultural experience if you want to--the college will even facilitate a few. The town, however, is a product of the depressed steel industry, and since the 60s its population size has decreased to about a sixth of its former glory. This is evident in the shoddy storefronts and unkempt houses. If you're a girl who doesn't live on campus, you'll probably feel more secure with a guy to walk you the few blocks to your house or the Geneva apartments after twilight. If you're a guy, this is a great chance to meet girls.

Aug 19, 2011

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Local Atmosphere at Geneva College

kmharmon

'11

Chemical Engineering

2.7

C+

Its Ok...

There are plenty of things to do if you put in the effort to look for them. Leisure activities are generally hard to find especially in the winter. When the weather is nice there are several locations available for recreational activities. Shopping is virtually non-existent unless you want to drive well over a half-hour. Walmart, however, is conveniently just a few miles away.

May 02, 2011

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Photos of Geneva College's Local Atmosphere

Freshman Orientation boat...

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Freshman Orientation boat cruise A sunset view of Pittsburgh from the water, taken on the annual river cruise at the close of Freshman Orientation.

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Humans versus Zombies

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Humans versus Zombies Zombies gather outside of Alexander Dining Hall during Geneva's annual game of HvZ.

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Be Hope to Her

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Be Hope to Her Geneva students participate in Be Hope 2 Her, an anti-poverty event sponsored by Nuru International.

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Photo by skfelton

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