THRIVE Early Arrival Program

Are You Ready to THRIVE?

THRIVE is a three day Early Arrival Program for first-year students that takes place the week before Fall semester classes begin. The THRIVE program focuses on health and well-being and includes workshops, events and activities focused on the nine dimensions of well-being (physical, emotional, intellectual, occupational, social, cultural, environmental, spiritual, and financial). Students will also participate in a variety of social events and excursions into the city. Through the leadership of SJU's Student Support & Well-being team and our upperclassmen THRIVE peer mentors, participants will get a head start on creating a healthy college lifestyle!

There is a $180 fee for all participants which covers the cost of food, transportation and activities for the duration of the program.

For more information, please email THRIVE@sju.edu.

Register for THRIVE

**Registration will open in April 2025. Please contact our team at THRIVE@sju.edu with any questions.**

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO "THRIVE?"

What does it really mean to "Thrive?" In short it means that we are feeling good and functioning well. Thriving involves connections and positive emotions. Thriving also includes developing positive meaning that helps us to live in a purposeful, energized, engaged, and resilient way. Our THRIVE early arrival program provides first year students the tools and connections they need to start a successful college journey!

THRIVE Schedule

2025 THRIVE Schedule

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2025

TIME	EVENT	LOCATION
10AM-12PM	MOVE IN - (Residential Students) (students will be assigned specific move in time in this window based on their assigned residence hall)	RESIDENCE HALLS
2:30PM - 3PM	THRIVE CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION (FAMILIES AND STUDENTS)	CAMPION, PRESIDENT’S LOUNGE
3:15PM - 3:45PM	WELCOME TO THRIVE (FAMILIES AND STUDENTS)	CAMPION, PRESIDENT’S LOUNGE
4PM - 4:30PM	FAMILY BLESSING	CHAPEL
4:45PM-5:15PM	SMALL GROUP INTROS & ICEBREAKERS
5:15PM-6:15PM	DINNER WITH MENTORS	CAMPION DINING HALL
6:30PM-8:00PM	O’PAKE RECREATION CENTER TOUR, GAME NIGHT & MINI FITNESS CLASS	O’PAKE RECREATION CENTER
8:00PM	MR. SOFTEE ICE CREAM + MINI CAMPUS TOURS (OPTIONAL)	OUTSIDE
9:30PM	RESIDENCE HALL MEETINGS	RESIDENCE HALLS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025

TIME	EVENT	LOCATION
8:30AM-9:15AM	BREAKFAST	CAMPION DINING HALL
9:30AM-10:45AM	MINDFUL ART WORKSHOP (JOURNALING, SKETCHING, WATERCOLORS)	MAGUIRE ART MUSEUM / BARNES ARBORETUM
10:45AM - 11:45AM	THE IMPACT OF SLEEP + MAKE YOUR OWN SLEEP KITS	MAGUIRE ART MUSEUM, GREAT HALL
12PM-1PM	LUNCH - ICE BREAKER BINGO (COMMUTER STUDENT GROUP LUNCH - FOR THOSE COMMUTING TO HAWK HILL)	CAMPION DINING HALL
1PM-2:15PM	FINANCIAL CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE + PANEL WITH ADVISING CENTER, CAREER CENTER & FINANCIAL AID	CAMPION HALL, NORTH LOUNGE
2:15PM-3PM	THRIVE MENTOR PANEL (GETTING INVOLVED AT SJU!)	CAMPION HALL, NORTH LOUNGE
3PM-3:30PM	FUELING YOUR MIND & BODY - ARAMARK NUTRITIONIST (MAKE YOUR OWN AFTERNOON SNACK)	CAMPION HALL, NORTH LOUNGE
4PM-5PM	TIME MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP & OFFICE OF LEARNING RESOURCES TOUR	OFFICE OF LEARNING RESOURCES, BELLARMINE HALL
5PM- 6PM	DINNER	CAMPION DINING HALL
6PM	BUS TO URBAN AIR
7PM-9:30PM	URBAN AIR (WITH OTHER EARLY ARRIVAL PROGRAMS)	SPRINGFIELD, PA
10:30PM	RETURN TO CAMPUS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2025

(PARTICIPANTS SHOULD WEAR THE THRIVE PROGRAM T-SHIRT TODAY)

TIME	EVENT	LOCATION
8:30AM- 9:15AM	BREAKFAST	CAMPION DINING HALL
9:15AM- 10AM	SMALL STEPS: TIPS FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENT BELONGING @ SJU WITH CAPS (Counseling & Psychological Services)	CAMPION HALL, NORTH LOUNGE
10AM-10:45AM	CULTURAL WELL-BEING	CAMPION HALL, NORTH LOUNGE
11:15AM - 12PM	A GRATITUDE EXAMEN WITH CAMPUS MINISTRY	CAMPION HALL, NORTH LOUNGE
12PM	LUNCH	CAMPION DINING HALL
12:45PM	BUS LEAVES FOR FRANKLIN SQUARE
1:30PM - 3:30PM	FRANKLIN SQUARE (MINI GOLF AND CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL)	FRANKLIN SQUARE, OLD CITY, PHILADELPHIA
4:15PM	RETURN TO CAMPUS (AND END OF THRIVE!)

THRIVE Peer Mentors

What is a THRIVE Mentor?

THRIVE Mentors are a group of upperclassmen students who provide leadership, guidance and support to incoming first-year students participating in the THRIVE Early Arrival Program. During the three day THRIVE EAP, peer mentors work as a team alongside SJU Health & Well-being staff to provide a vibrant, fun and engaging experience for THRIVE participants! The Thrive Hive peer mentors are committed to helping new Hawks explore health and well-being topics through the nine dimensions of well-being, providing a solid foundation for a first year experience where each student can Thrive!

MEET THE 2025 THRIVE MENTORS!

Bailey Workman (she/her) Class Year: 2028 Major: Marketing Hometown: Mt. Royal, NJ Advice for New Hawks: “get involved, handle your time wisely, and, most importantly, prioritize your well-being!” Fun Fact: I have three dogs!	Image
Image	Sandra Tharakan Class Year: 2027 Major: Biology Hometown: Langhorne, PA Advice for New Hawks: “Feel free to reach out to professors and upperclassmen for your needs! Make sure to plan ahead to prevent stress but stress is also inevitable. Do not feel guilty to take time out to do something you love to relieve it: painting, running, playing sports, doodling, etc. Trust that although the adjustment is hard, you’ll be just fine. There’s so many people willing to support you!” Fun Fact: I love to sing and I make my own jewelry!
Zoe DeAngelis (she/her) Class Year: 2028 Major: Criminal Justice Hometown: Wenonah, NJ Advice for New Hawks: “Take care of yourself! Adjusting to college life can be hard, especially in the beginning, and it is easy to forget to take a step back and breathe. Don't be afraid to reach out for help, it may be intimidating, but all of the staff here are very kind and willing to help you navigate anything you might be faced with.” Fun Fact: I'm a certified SCUBA diver and I can play Piano Man on the harmonica.	Image
Image	Adeline Shipman (she/her) Class Year: 2028 Major: Health Science – Occupational Therapy Hometown: Kansas City Missouri Advice for New Hawks: “Don't be afraid to try new things, but remember that it's okay to be nervous while doing a new thing.” Fun Fact: I have the same middle name as my mom.
Becca Ziemba Class Year: 2028 Major: Psychology Hometown: Syracuse, NY Advice for New Hawks: "Utilize the campus resources. People are here to help you!" Fun Fact: I live on a lake!	Image
Image	Elaine Blacker (she/her) Class Year: 2028 Major: Health Science – Physician Assistant Hometown: Hershey, PA Advice for New Hawks: “Have an open mind going into freshman year of college and always enjoy all of the experiences you have!” Fun Fact: In my free time I am a singer and love to practice everyday.