It would be hard for the Churilla brothers -- Andrew, Stephen and Corey -- to trick their teachers at Saint Vincent College in Unity if they had to fudge some class time, get creative with assignments or pull a practical joke.

But that's only because the 20-year-old triplets, sophomore engineering majors, have all the same classes this year. They're nearly identical in appearance, so teachers are used to seeing three Churillas in class.

	Post-Gazette The Churila triplets, who are attending Saint Vincent College. This is their sophomore year. They are graduates of Fox Chapel High School. Seated is Stephen, Andrew, left, and Corey, right. Click photo for larger image.

They don't do a switch too often, all three agreed. Corey recalled one particularly funny episode when they were students at Fox Chapel Area High School. All three showed up for a class only one of them had and sat there until the teacher was forced to check ID's to eliminate the interlopers.

Mostly the Indiana Township men help each other with homework if need be, participate either singly or as a trio in various school events and volunteer for their hometown Middle Road Volunteer Fire Department, as well as the Saint Vincent Fire Department.

They all made the fall semester Dean's List this school year, the first time all three made it at the same time and maybe the first time triplets have done that in the school's history.

They do get along.

"We have to," Stephen said.

The sons of Ed and Gwen Churilla, only Corey thought about attending a different college than his brothers', and that was only for the briefest moment.

Andrew is hearing impaired and his brothers thought it would be easier for his transition to college if they were there.

It's been a successful decision all around, they say.

"We'd rather be around each other," Stephen said.

That's not to say they aren't they're own people or don't have their own friends.

Andrew and Corey room together while Stephen has another roommate in a room next door to his brothers'. Stephen has a serious girlfriend.

While they're all engineering majors, Stephen wants to specialize in electrical engineering, Andrew in architectural engineering and Corey in mechanical engineering.

"Our personalities are a bit different," Stephen said. He described himself as "a little sarcastic" and the take-charge kind of guy in a group. He's also a little taller than his brothers, he said.

Andrew is quieter, Stephen said.

"I like to work hard and let my work do the talking," Andrew said.

Corey is more competitive and physical, Stephen said.

When he took the firefighting exam, he did better than his brothers, Corey said.

"I scored 98 out of 100," he said.

Neither of their parents attended Saint Vincent College -- Mr. Churilla went to Clarion University and Mrs. Churilla to Pitt-Johnstown -- but the triplets chose the school because of its size, the programs it offers and the people it attracts.

All three young men want to stay in the Pittsburgh area if they can, but if one or all three end up in different cities and states, they're not really concerned.

They know they can keep in touch and visit. Separation isn't an issue for these brothers who share a Sept. 4, 1986, birthday.

"It's not a big deal," Corey said.