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. 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

2026 THRIVE Schedule

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026

TIME	EVENT	LOCATION
12PM-2PM	MOVE IN - (Residential Students) (students will be assigned specific move in time in this window based on their assigned residence hall)	RESIDENCE HALLS
3:15PM	THRIVE CHECK-IN/REGISTRATION (FAMILIES AND STUDENTS)	CAMPION, PRESIDENT’S LOUNGE
3:30PM	WELCOME TO THRIVE (FAMILIES AND STUDENTS)	CAMPION, PRESIDENT’S LOUNGE
4PM	FAMILY BLESSING (parents leave at 4:30, following the blessing)	CHAPEL
4:45PM	SMALL GROUP INTROS & ICEBREAKERS	CAMPION, PRESIDENT’S LOUNGE
5:15PM	DINNER WITH MENTORS	CAMPION DINING HALL
6:30PM	THRIVE TALK #1 GROUP TEAM BUILDING	CAMPION, PRESIDENT’S LOUNGE
8:00PM	MR. SOFTEE ICE CREAM	Sr. Thea Bowman Patio

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

TIME	EVENT	LOCATION
8:00AM-9:00AM	BREAKFAST AVAILABLE	CAMPION DINING HALL
9AM	SMALL GROUP SESSION ROTATION: CAREER CENTER AND CAPS (Counseling & Psychological Services)	CAREER CENTER BUILDING OR CAPS OFFICE, SR. THEA BOWMAN HALL
10:1AM	THRIVE TALK #2	O’PAKE RECREATION CENTER
10:45AM	TOUR OF O’PAKE RECREATION CENTER AND YIN YOGA CLASS	O’PAKE RECREATION CENTER
11:30AM	O’PAKE OPEN GYM OR TOUR OF SJU MERION CAMPUS	O’PAKE / MERION SIDE OF CAMPUS
12-1PM	LUNCH	CAMPION DINING HALL
1PM	HAWK CENT$ WITH FINANCIAL AID	CAMPION HALL, NORTH LOUNGE
1:30PM	THRIVE SMALL GROUP Q&A (GETTING INVOLVED AT SJU!)	VARIOUS LOCATIONS W/ THRIVE MENTORS
2:15PM	FUELING YOUR MIND & BODY - ARAMARK NUTRITIONIST (MAKE YOUR OWN AFTERNOON SNACK)	CAMPION HALL, NORTH LOUNGE
3PM	STUDY SKILLS & TIME MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP / OFFICE OF LEARNING RESOURCES TOUR	OFFICE OF LEARNING RESOURCES, BELLARMINE HALL 113
4PM	TOUR OF PHILADELPHIA SIDE OF CAMPUS
5-6:15 PM	DINNER	CAMPION DINING HALL
6:30PM	BUS TO URBAN AIR	OUTSIDE OF MANDEVILLE HALL
7-9:30 PM	URBAN AIR (WITH OTHER EARLY ARRIVAL PROGRAMS)	SPRINGFIELD, PA
10PM	RETURN TO CAMPUS	OUTSIDE OF HAGAN ARENA

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026

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

TIME	EVENT	LOCATION
8-9AM	BREAKFAST AVAILABLE	CAMPION DINING HALL
9AM	MINDFUL ART WORKSHOP	MAGUIRE ART MUSEUM / BARNES ARBORETUM
9:45AM	HEALTHY SLEEP SESSION (MYO SLEEP KITS!)	BARNES ARBORETUM
10:15AM	A GRATITUDE EXAMEN WITH CAMPUS MINISTRY	BARNES ARBORETUM
11AM	THRIVE TALK #3	BARNES ARBORETUM
11:30AM - 12:30PM	LUNCH	CAMPION DINING HALL
12:45PM	BUS LEAVES FOR MAGIC GARDENS	OUTSIDE OF MANDEVILLE HALL
1:30PM	PHILADELPHIA’S MAGIC GARDENS TOUR & ACTIVITY	PHILADELPHIA’S MAGIC GARDENS, SOUTH STREET
4:15PM	RETURN TO CAMPUS (AND END OF THRIVE!)	OUTSIDE OF MANDEVILLE HALL

THRIVE Peer Mentors

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 2026 THRIVE MENTOR TEAM!

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Zoeanah DeAngelis Class of 2028 Major: Criminal Justice Hometown: Wenonah, NJ Advice for new Hawks: Go everywhere and do everything! This is the perfect time to really figure out who you are and what you enjoy. There are so many activities on campus and in the surrounding area where you can meet some really amazing people. Favorite thing about SJU: I love how St. Joes really cares for the students. There is always someone to go to no matter what you’re experiencing. Everyone is genuinely interested in helping you with anything.	Image
Image	Becca Ziemba Class of 2028 Major: Health Science Hometown: Cazenovia, NY Advice for new Hawks: Prioritize yourself! College is a time for you to grow and explore your true identity. Don't be afraid of failure or hardship, this will only give you the opportunity to grow! Lean on your support systems, especially those provided by the school! Everyone here truly wants to see you succeed, you couldn't have chosen a better place!! Favorite thing about SJU: I love the size of the SJU community along with the campus size. It is so refreshing passing familiar, smiling faces every time I walk to class. This alone has brightened so many of my days here!
April Nawah Class of 2029 Major: K-4 & Special Education Hometown: Philadelphia, PA Advice for new Hawks: Give yourself time to adjust and don’t feel like you have to have everything figured out right away. College is a big transition, and it’s okay to ask for help, try new things, and step outside of your comfort zone. Take care of your well-being by making time for rest, building supportive friendships, and using the resources around campus. Remember that growth takes time, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey. Favorite thing about SJU: My favorite thing about being a Hawk is the sense of community at SJU. I’ve met so many supportive people here, and it really feels like a place where everyone wants to see each other succeed. I also love how SJU encourages students to grow not just academically, but as people and leaders, which makes the experience really meaningful.	Image
Image	Elaine Blacker Class of 2028 Major: Health Science, Pre-PA Hometown: Hershey, PA Advice for new Hawks: Coming into Hawk Hill as a freshman can feel overwhelming at times, but staying optimistic really helps you keep everything in perspective. When things start to feel like too much, take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that it’s okay not to have everything figured out yet. A big part of well-being here is learning to go with the flow and being open to new experiences, even if they’re outside your comfort zone. Most importantly, be easy on yourself, adjusting takes time, and giving yourself grace makes all the difference. Favorite thing about SJU: The campus, people, location and classrooms!
Bailey Workman Class of 2028 Major: Marketing Hometown: Mt. Royal, NJ Advice for new Hawks: Get involved and use all the resources that you are provided! Favorite thing about SJU: The campus and the community!	Image
	Yurielis Delorbe Class of 2029 Major: Psychology Hometown: Philadelphia, PA Advice for new Hawks: Be prepared for setbacks. Freshman year is one of the hardest and it is difficult to adjust. At times you may feel like college isn't for you or you are not meant to be here, but you are. it is important to push through these challenges. Favorite thing about SJU: The welcoming community. I like the fact that everyone working here is willing to help you, because everyone here cares about your success.
Barbara Galiz Osorio Class of 2029 Major: Marketing