A Campaign for Today and Tomorrow
University drives home the immediate impact supporting the SOAR campaign has on current students.
As Saint Joseph’s University’s historic $300-million comprehensive campaign concludes its second year, a renewed emphasis on the immediate impact of giving has struck a chord with donors. The campaign currently sits at $184 million raised, which reflects a more than $30-million increase over last year. The key to success? Donors who believe in St. Joe’s and give generously to advance the University.
That sentiment was the driving force behind a companion initiative to the overall campaign: SOAR for Today. There are three main priorities of the campaign: $75 million for investments in campus facilities, $100 million for funding new and existing academic programs, and $125 million in support for student financial aid.
This undertaking to raise $125 million for scholarships and financial aid has put renewed emphasis on the largest of the campaign’s priorities. For many, financial aid is a bridge to a transformative Saint Joseph’s education. To date, the University has raised more than $60 million for this initiative and has added more than 78 new endowed scholarships. Equally important are current-use funds that donors contribute through the Annual Fund, as this support provides immediate support.
“Financial aid is often the difference maker for a student who wants to attend St. Joe’s and, in my opinion, there is no greater gift a donor can provide than that of a Saint Joseph’s education,” says Joseph Kender, senior vice president of university relations. “It’s a game-changer. Fortunately, our alumni and friends understand this, and we are all grateful for their generosity.”
The efforts of the SOAR for Today initiative have invigorated philanthropic support for these vital goals. The result is donors like Lori Nicoletti Peruto, Esq., BS ’83, general counsel for the Philadelphia Suburban Development Corporation, who has chosen to make a second current-use gift, despite already having made a gift in support of an endowed scholarship.
“Scholarship support has always been my highest priority. If a student is otherwise qualified, the ability or lack thereof to write a check for tuition should not get in the way of their receiving an excellent SJU education,” says Peruto. “I included a current-use gift because that takes care of today's students while the endowment takes care of tomorrow's students.”
SOAR for Today, and the Saint Joseph’s community’s reception to it, have resulted in a campaign that is both poised to improve the campus and programs for future generations, while simultaneously funneling immediate support to current students today.