"Cancer doesn't sleep...so neither do we!"

Demonstrating their loyalty to the Jesuit ideal to be, “men and women for others,” and setting a standard for true dedication to Saint Joseph’s University, Up ‘til Dawn founders defined the SJU UTD program as a standout organization. This program was and continues to be one of the only ones nationwide to donate 100% of its fundraising total to the KIDS of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. All fundraising activities and celebration events are made possible by university support and the sponsorship of community business organizations.

The first Up 'til Dawn weekend at SJU took place November 3rd and 4th, 2001. Students fundraised more than $25,000 in it's first year for a cause that has become dear, not only to their own hearts, but to the hearts of entire university community. The spark of UTD was ignited through the organizational efforts put forth by founding advisor, Melissa Dinofia-Bozzone and a ground-breaking Executive Board, led by Meghan Rowe who immediately embraced the life saving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The following year, Up ‘til Dawn was led by Regan Broderick who strove to build upon the achievement of the program's inaugural year. With hard work, she and her 2002 Executive Board succeeded! In 2002 the number of participants significantly increased and monetary donations nearly doubled in comparison to the previous years. The 2002 UTD Program raised more $45,688.66 for the KIDS of Saint Jude.

In 2003, over 400 Saint Joe's students participated in UTD’s final event. The Executive Board, a dynamic group full of SJU leaders, was spearheaded by Jennifer Christiansen. The program accomplished another year of wonderful success and Saint Joseph's ranked 4th out of 107 schools nationwide raising $83,283.72.

UTD held it first spring final event in April 2005. The organization restructured its fundraising timetable to better complement the academic year. The 2004-2005 board was led by Executive Director, Linda Nguyen, External Assistant Director, Bob Famular, and Internal Assistant Director, Greg Mitchell. A year of dedication to community fundraising and awareness culminated in raising $79,828.23. This earned St. Joseph’s the ranking of 7th out of 150 schools nationwide. In addition, UTD was honored as SJU's "Outstanding Student Organization" for the 2005- 2006 academic year.

For the 2005-2006 school year the UTD executive board worked hard to continue the program's success. Led by Sarah Jone, Executive Director, Rosie Kaczmarcik, External Assistant Director, and Katrina Blasi, Internal Assistant Director. The board helped plan a final event with the theme: "Phily's More Fun When You Stay Over!" Our Executive Board was honored when they were presented with an award from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for "Best Finale Event"!

In 2006 three new leaders emerged to raise funds for St. Judes. Bridget Forsyth was named Executive Director and was helped by Jen Daley, External Assistant Director, and Kathleen Gelchion, Internal Assistant Director. After the ladies were able to visit St. Jude they were determined to increase awareness and fundraise more money than the previous year. Their WONDERFUL executive board worked tirelessly to accomplish this goal. On April 13-14th, 2007, hundreds of Hawks played "Hawkopoly" in the Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse. The board's hard work was well worth it when SJU's UTD was able to write St. Jude a check for $61,488.74!!

For the first time at SJU two of the "Top 3" returned for a second year. Bridget Forsyth remains as the Executive Director for this school year's UTD with Jen Daley taking over as the Internal Assistant Director. The third lovely lady to join the team is Ellen Hanger in the External Assistant Director position. Ellen and Jen were given the opportunity to visit St. Jude and returned to SJU with many ideas for the following school year. All three are very excited for the year and would love your help!

In all, Saint Joseph's University's UTD has raised over $350,000 for St. Jude but there is still work to be done! Make a difference in a child’s life and become apart of a SJU tradition, join the Up ‘til Dawn Hawks as we help the children of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! It is with your support that we can continue the dream of hospital founder, Danny Thomas, that “no child should die in the dawn of life.