Parents' Leadership Council

Support. Connect. Make a Difference.

The Parents’ Leadership Council (PLC) is a dedicated group of Saint Joseph’s University parents who partner with University leadership to support student success and advance the SJU mission. As ambassadors, advocates and mentors, PLC members help shape the student experience both inside and outside the classroom.

Why Join the PLC?

Stay Connected

• Stay connected to your student’s college experience in a meaningful, supportive way. PLC members have insider access to campus updates, exclusive events and opportunities to engage with SJU leadership and fellow parents.

Make an Impact

• Your voice, your network and your support help drive progress at Saint Joseph’s. Whether it’s welcoming new families or opening doors to internships and careers, PLC members create real opportunities for students.

Build Community

• Connect with an inspiring group of parent leaders who share your commitment to education, service and success.

What You’ll Do

🏛️ Attend & Engage

• Participate in on-campus PLC meetings and receive updates from SJU leaders.
• Join parent networking events on campus and in your local area.

📣 Advocate & Represent

• Serve as a parent ambassador at regional events for prospective and admitted families.
• Share SJU’s mission and help grow the Hawk Hill community.
• Host or attend receptions and gatherings in your area.

💼 Support Career Readiness

• Identify internships, job shadowing and employment opportunities for students.
• Mentor students and help bridge their academic experience with career goals.
• Leverage your corporate connections to create meaningful career pathways.

🎁 Give Back

• Each PLC family makes an annual leadership gift of $2,500 or more, directly supporting University priorities and student success.

👉 Make a Gift Today 

Benefits of Membership

~ As a member, you will:

• Play a role in enhancing the student experience and expanding opportunities through your philanthropic support
• Connect with SJU leadership through events and engagement opportunities
• Receive invitations to exclusive campus and regional events
• Gain early access to key University updates and initiatives
• Be invited to deepen your involvement, with potential pathways to expanded roles within the SJU community

Ready to Lead?

Join the Parents’ Leadership Council and become part of something bigger than a college experience—become a force for positive change in the lives of students and the future of Saint Joseph’s University.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

PLC Welcome Breakfast

• Saturday, September 19, 2026
• Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
• Location: Wynne Hall of Fame Room - Ramsay Basketball Center
• PLC Welcome Breakfast Invitation

PLC and National Alumni Board Reception with Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, President

• Friday, September 18, 2026
• Time: 5-7 p.m.
• Location: Hawk & Barrel | 54th Street
• Invitation to be sent

Past Meetings and Events

PLC/Barbelin Society Event -  An Evening in Bloom - exclusive reception for our donorship leaders at our Frances M.Maguire Art Museum and Barnes Arboretum  Wednesday, May 6, 2026

• Time:  6-7:30 p.m. 
• Location:  Frances M. Maguire Art Museum and Barnes Arboretum

PLC Theater Event -  A Midsummer Night’s Dream & Lunch  Sunday, April 19, 2026

• Lunch Time: Noon - Wynne Hall of Fame Room - Ramsay Basketball Center
• Performance Time:  2 p.m. - Bluett Theater 

PLC/NAB Spring Event and Lunch - Student Panel, Senior Celebration; followed by SJU Men's Basketball vs LaSalle  Saturday, March 7, 2026 

• Time 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Location:  Haub Executive Center, 5th Floor, McShain Hall, Willings Alley  

PLC Winter Virtual Meeting   Thursday, February 5, 2026

• Time:  Noon-1 p.m.
• Location:  Virtual
• Speaker:  Joe Kender, Senior Vice President, University Relations

BIG 5 CLASSIC and Pregame Reception at the Premium Access Lounge  Saturday, December 6, 2025

• Enjoy an unforgettable day at Philadelphia’s premier college hoops tournament.
• Time:  3:30 p.m.
• Reception begins 1 hour before tip-off of the Hawks game
• Location:  Main concourse - Premium Access Lounge, Xfinity Mobile Arena

Inaugural Event:  LEAD ON:  A Celebration of Alumnae Leadership  Thursday, November 6, 2025

• Including a panel of SJU’s most inspiring students and leading alumnae
• Exhibit and Reception: 4:45-5:30 p.m.
• Program: 5:30-7 p.m.
• Location:  The Frances M. Maguire Art Museum
• Featuring:  Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, President of Saint Joseph’s University and Tamala Edwards, 6abc Anchor

PLC Welcome Breakfast  September 20, 2025

• Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
• Location: Wynne Hall of Fame Room - Ramsay Basketball Center

PLC and National Alumni Board Reception with Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, President  Friday, September 19, 2025

• Time: 5-7 p.m.
• Location: Hawk & Barrel

For questions about the Parents' Leadership Council, please contact Tom Fithian, Assistant Vice President of Advancement at tfithian@sju.edu.