Saint Joseph’s Crowdfunding Introduces 6 Ways to Give Back

Saint Joseph’s crowdfunding initiative returns on National Philanthropy Day in celebration of working together toward the common good. The campaign, which kicks off on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, features six funds that directly impact Saint Joseph’s students, from financial aid and academic scholarships, to athletics support and campus ministry programming.

The University’s new School of Health Professions and the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy — the first college of pharmacy in the country — have set out to raise $10,000 each to support the next generation of healthcare leaders, while the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support aims to raise $14,000 in honor of the Center’s 14th year educating autism professionals and supporting neurodiverse individuals and their families.

“I would like to thank the donors who support scholarship programs, as I am very honored to be a recipient,” says doctoral pharmacy student Luz Rosario ’23, ’25 (PharmD). “Thank you for enabling me to continue my education, as well as reach greater professional and personal goals.”

Additional funds include the Saint Joseph’s Fund, a vital source of financial aid for high-potential students; the Women’s Varsity Athletic Fund, which supports student-athletes through academic, medical, mental health and sports performance services; and the Campus Ministry Fund, which supports both retreat and service programs.

“I am extremely excited for this year’s crowdfunding campaign to begin," says Adam Gault, director of annual fund campaigns. "I am grateful for all of the hard work of our team members and campus partners in collaborating together to advance the mission of Saint Joseph’s University and, most importantly, support our current and future Hawks. Being newer to the University and getting to both meet and learn more about our students in preparing for this campaign has been a joy and motivator.”

Last year, 1,199 donors contributed $181,917 toward student-focused projects. Gault hopes the University meets or exceeds the goals of all six funds this year, which would mean raising over $189,000.

“Just as important, I hope all alumni and friends feel compelled to give what they can and realize that all gifts, no matter the size, make a positive difference,” he says.

1. Saint Joseph’s Fund - Scholarship and Financial Aid

The Saint Joseph’s Fund is a vital source of financial aid and scholarships for current students. Gifts to this fund open access to a Saint Joseph’s education for high-potential students and are awarded based on a combination of talent and need.

“I am extremely grateful to have received a scholarship to attend Saint Joseph’s University,” says Dante Cioci ’23. “As I continue to navigate my senior year, I am confident in saying that SJU has been a place I have grown and thankfully call home.”

2. Philadelphia College of Pharmacy Scholarship Fund

A gift to the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy Scholarship Fund provides partial scholarships for students in the doctoral program, which prepares them to be practice-ready pharmacists through a competency-driven curriculum and training in over 400 sites worldwide.

“My scholarship has provided me with great financial support and has motivated me to work even harder toward my goals,” says Luz Rosario ’23, ’25 (PharmD). “I also hope to give back to the University as an alumnus, as I am filled with gratitude for the support, help, opportunities and education I am receiving.”

3. School of Health Professions Scholarship Fund

The School of Health Professions Scholarship Fund supports the next generation of leaders, innovators and skilled practitioners in healthcare and science. Contributions to this fund will help prepare compassionate healthcare providers in the fields of occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies and more.

“St. Joe’s is fostering the future researchers and healthcare leaders of tomorrow,” says Alexis Visco ’23. “The professors provide their students with the tools necessary to not only excel at the undergraduate level, but to also succeed in future endeavors.”

4. Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support

The renowned Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support is a community-facing organization that educates the next wave of autism professionals while supporting neurodiverse individuals and their families. In honor of the Center’s 14th year, the University has set a goal to raise $14,000 to support Kinney’s services and programs.

“The team at Kinney provided immeasurable support and guidance for us and our son. They not only provide traditional guidance around social skills and anxiety-causing situations, such as test taking, but this exceptional group of people also took the time to know the whole of him. … The Kinney Center helped our son emerge from Saint Joseph’s University a completely different young man. We will forever be grateful,” says Cheryl McCullough P ’22.

5. Women’s Varsity Athletic Fund

The Saint Joseph's Department of Athletics is proud to announce a fundraising initiative to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX and all it has meant to the University community. Gifts to this fund provide direct support to student-athletes through academic, medical, mental health and sports performance services ensuring a tradition of competitive excellence.

“Without Title IX and those who did the heavy lifting before us, my teammates and I would not have had the opportunity to play competitive softball at the collegiate level for a school like St. Joe’s. We never would have had that student-athlete experience that was incredible at St. Joe’s, and I would not have been equipped with so many life skills that playing a team sport at the Division-I level imparts on you for the rest of your life,” says Hall of Famer Teresa Andreani ’02.

6. Campus Ministry

A gift to Campus Ministry strengthens the Jesuit mission at Saint Joseph’s by supporting both retreat and service programs, specifically the Appalachian Experience (APEX) and Winter Immersion Program.

“APEX has given me a whole new perspective on life. It has taught me very valuable lessons, educated me on the disparities people in our country are facing, but, most of all, it has shown me the compassion people have for one another,” says Danielle Niblock ’24.

Visit giving.sju.edu/crowdfunding to make your gift and become a Hawk with and for others today.