Hilltop Hot Takes: Dons Edition
Where Do Dons Go? Favorite Locations Revealed at CelebrateUSF
During the Welch Field Festival at CelebrateUSF, the Advancement Communications team asked USF students, alumni, parents, and family to weigh in on a quick-fire interview about their university.
With nearly 700 people checking into the Welch Field Festival and nearly 2,600 people for the entire CelebrateUSF weekend, many Dons had strong opinions on what spots on campus to treasure, parks that have won their hearts, and the surrounding cafes that fueled their early mornings.
So, which beloved USF spots came out on top?
The University Center earned a nod as the best place to hang out between classes, while Lone Mountain took the prize for the best place for sunset views.
Beyond the Hilltop, Dons weighed in on their favorite ways to spend a weekend, with a nice day at Ocean Beach getting more votes than food and thrifting on Haight Street.
When it came to coffee near campus, Rise & Grind Coffee and Tea located in the Inner Richmond was the clear local favorite for fueling early mornings.
Many Dons considered the eternal San Francisco debate: Golden Gate Park or Dolores Park? Golden Gate Park took the lead in the showdown, earning more love from Dons than the famous Mission District park.
And, of course, no quickfire round about USF would be complete without a few tough choices. When asked to choose between an 8 a.m. class and a Friday night class, Dons favored the early start.
In a debate over which is more haunted, St. Ignatius Church or Lone Mountain, Lone Mountain won by an overwhelming margin, thanks to its rich history, its location atop a former cemetery, and its Spanish Gothic architectural details.
As for the best way to CelebrateUSF, many found it hard to choose between returning to campus and reconnecting with classmates. Ultimately, though, it’s the bonds formed with classmates that keep Dons connected to USF long after graduation.
There’s always a reason to come back to the Hilltop. Discover upcoming alumni events and find new ways to connect with the USF community.