Alumni, parents and friends of Saint Joseph’s University gathered on campus on Saturday, April 16, for a series of celebrations that marked several milestones in the University’s history. The day’s events included dedication ceremonies honoring the benefactors of the James J. Maguire ’58 Campus; the unveiling of the official portrait of University President Timothy R. Lannon, S.J.; and an evening gala to celebrate the successful conclusion of With Strength and Faith to Dare: The Campaign for Saint Joseph’s University, the most ambitious comprehensive capital campaign in the University’s history. The black-tie gala also highlighted the achievements of Fr. Lannon, who will leave Saint Joseph's to serve as president of his alma mater, Creighton University, at the end of May.

Jeanne Brady, Ph.D., associate dean of education, served as master of ceremonies for the dedication, which honored 86 donors, including the 66 who have named spaces on the Maguire Campus. Lead donors and longtime benefactors Mrs. Josephine Mandeville, president and CEO of the Connelly Foundation, and Robert D. Falese ’69, vice chair of the Board of Trustees, spoke of how the addition of the Maguire Campus will forever change Saint Joseph’s. In his remarks, Fr. Lannon described the new campus as the realization of a “daring dream” and “a once-in-a-lifetime milestone in the University’s history.”

Dedication Photos | Gala Photos | Video Recap

In the afternoon, Fr. Lannon celebrated Mass for the Board of Trustees, Magis Society members and University leadership in the Chapel of St. Joseph–Michael J. Smith, S.J. Memorial. Guests then joined Fr. Lannon in the Presidents’ Lounge for the unveiling of his official portrait, an SJU tradition for outgoing presidents.

The Campaign Celebration Gala and Farewell to Fr. Lannon, held in the Michael J. Hagan ‘85 Arena, highlighted the day’s celebrations. The event, themed “We Are Called: Celebrating Our Journey Together,” was attended by more than 425 benefactors who gave generously to With Faith and Strength to Dare: The Campaign for Saint Joseph’s University.

In welcoming guests, Tony Nichols ’67, campaign chair, remarked, “Together we have made tremendous strides on this journey for this great University. We have accomplished so much because of your partnership and your willingness to embrace the vision of what Saint Joseph’s University can become.”

Board of Trustees Chair Paul Hondros ’70 emphasized the ultimate benefit of the campaign. “I am truly proud of the way in which this community has come together in support of creating an even more robust learning environment for our students,” he said.

Many of the campaign’s lead donors, including Maguire, Hagan, Brian Duperreault ’69 and John Post ’60, spoke about the inspiration for their support and their aspirations for the bright future of Saint Joseph’s University.

John Smithson ’68, ’82, who led the search committee that brought Fr. Lannon to Saint Joseph’s, shared reflections about the president’s eight years on campus. As Fr. Lannon took the podium, the crowd rose to a standing ovation. He spoke of the campaign’s success in reaching its goal and announced the campaign total of $151,192,130 (see http://campaign.sju.edu/ for most current total). Fr. Lannon also recounted the blessings he has received as University president and concluded by saying, “Please know that all of you and this incredible University will remain forever in my heart. And, in my heart, the Hawk will Never Die.”

In closing remarks, Duperreault spoke of the journey ahead. “We are called to continue to live in service for the greater good as men and women with and for others,” he said.

Fr. Lannon expressed his deep admiration and appreciation for the University community. “It was truly a proud day for Saint Joseph’s University, and I am grateful to this amazing community for making our University the extraordinary place it is today.”