Campus Rides 2.0: Rating Vehicles at SVU
By Tenley Baxter
The students and faculty of SVU tend to be very partial towards their sweet rides. Not only because of the effort and sacrifice that is put into obtaining the vehicles, but for the fond memories and music blasted with friends. Let’s look at a few more iconic rides on campus… and, of course, rate them.
Kelsie’s Truck
Who are you?
Name: Kelsie Owens
Grad. Year: 2027
Major: Undecided
Hometown: West Columbia, Texas
Fun fact: I’m obsessed with pink ribbons.
What is your vehicle?
Kelsie owns a 2007 Toyota Tundra that is ‘Snow’ colored. She says, “The name changes every time I get asked about it. I give it any ‘t’ name. Today, it’s Tiffany.” Her family purchased the truck when the model first came out but she did not personally own it until her junior year of high school. She describes it as tough but feminine. This car is a good choice for anything from Walmart runs to all-terrain camping trips.
“It’s a very dependable vehicle. It will be there for you through thick and thin.”
How good is it?
Favorite thing: The bass when playing music
Least favorite thing: It stalls a little when shifting gears sometimes.
What do you rate it? 1,000 out of ten. No question.
It is clear that this car means a lot to its owner. While not extraordinarily flashy, it seems reliable and beloved with relatively few downsides. I give it an 8/10.
Professor Zebulen Riley’s Tractor
Who are you?
Name: Zebulen (“Zeb”) A. Riley
How long have you worked at SVU: Since Fall 2015
Profession: He teaches all economics courses including Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics, as well as intermediate levels of both the micro and macro courses, Game Theory, Public Choice and Econometrics.
Hometown: Lexington, VA. Zeb jokes with students that, “I haven’t gone far in life” (which is probably only geographically true).
Fun fact: He loves to cook. Especially French Cuisine.
What is your vehicle?
Zeb owns a John Deere 2038 R. He purchased it four years ago to work on his land. It can be used for mowing grass, tilling the garden, and plowing snow. He also has a stump grinder and wood chipper for cleaning up the property.
“Mostly it’s a big toy that I convinced my wife I needed.”
How good is it?
Favorite thing: Give rides to my children.
Least favorite thing: Expensive sacrifice upfront but requires only very simple maintenance.
What do you rate it? “It’s definitely a 10/10.”
This magnificent tractor appears the most ideal ride for landscaping. As seen in Zeb’s picture, it makes an entertaining joyride as well. I think — with definitely no fear of receiving a bad grade in my micro class with him — this flawless vehicle deserves an 11/10.
Lauren’s Moped
Who are you?
Name: Lauren Fowler
Grad. Year: 2026
Major: Major in Spanish with a teaching license in Spanish
Hometown: Saratoga Springs, Utah
Fun fact: Lauren has been skydiving!
What is your vehicle?
Lauren’s vehicle is a Lance Havana Classic Moped. It is Butterscotch Yellow with silver detailing and has been lovingly named Camila. She bought it in early January 2024. It has fantastic gas mileage, easy parking, and stylish European summer vibes, which make it perfect for date nights in the city.
How good is your car?
Favorite thing: “I’m outside all the time.”
Least favorite thing: Helmet hair
What do you rate it? 10/10!
This has an incredible amount of character and originality. It can go up to 60 mph which is more than most mopeds. It has become quite an iconic vehicle on campus and is probably one of the best replacements for a car. I give it a 9/10.
The SVU students and faculty share unique aspects of their personalities through the vehicles they drive. How do you get around campus? What is the background of the car you own? Tell us what makes your vehicle special.
Feel free to email The Herald at theherald@svu.edu
