Each year at Saint Joseph’s, the graduating class accepts the Senior Challenge, a tradition of raising money to give back to the SJU community. In light of the struggles presented by the current economic climate, the committee chose to put much of the money toward a $5,000 scholarship for a member of the Class of 2010.
The recipient of the scholarship must demonstrate financial need, be an active member of the SJU community and maintain a 3.5 GPA. In this way, the Class of 2009 will ensure that a deserving junior will be able to complete his or her degree at SJU.
The remaining funds, about $2000, will go toward a 2009 class commemoration on the James J. Maguire ’58 Campus. This was important to the committee, as the Class of 2009 was the first to utilize the Maguire facilities.
This year, the Senior Challenge committee took up the cause with great zeal, finding new ways to get the word out, including Facebook and YouTube. They also used events such as the senior BBQ and senior basketball game as opportunities to fundraise.
A $20.09 donation is suggested for all seniors, in honor of their class year, as a way to say “Thank You” for their time at SJU. Committee chair Beth Jenkins notes the importance of gratitude among graduating seniors.
“While raising money for the Saint Joseph's Fund is part of our goal, another large part is raising awareness among the senior class about the importance of the challenge as an opportunity to give back to St. Joe's,” Jenkins said.
Contact: Office of University Communications, 610-660-1222, ucomm@sju.edu
