On June 1, over 200 Saint Joseph’s alumni, employees and distinguished guests gathered on the University’s newly acquired University City campus for a press conference marking a historic merger with the University of the Sciences.
“Today, we begin a new chapter for Saint Joseph’s University,” President Mark C. Reed, EdD, proudly announced to attendees — a chapter that includes 26 new programs in health and science, a half-a-billion-dollar endowment and two alumni networks of nearly 100,000.
“The Saint Joseph’s that started as a tiny college 171 years ago is now the fourth largest University in Philadelphia and the ninth largest Jesuit university in the country,” he continued. “Though much has changed, our core has not. At the heart of a Saint Joseph’s education will always be the pursuit of lifelong learning, a commitment to critical thinking and a passion to employ education for the greater good.”
Joining Dr. Reed on stage for remarks were Vice President for Mission and Ministry Daniel R.J. Joyce, S.J. ’88, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, Saint Joseph's Board of Trustees Chair Jim Norris ’85 and Board Member Michael C. Hemsley, Esq. ’72.
“Today marks the culmination of more than a year's worth of planning, conversations and collective imagining,” said McConnell. “Our faculty are working across departments, schools and colleges to create multi-disciplinary offerings,” she added, acknowledging the deans at the helm of the four colleges and schools. “Our students are empowered to build better businesses, educate future generations, and make life-altering scientific discoveries. With more programs, more research and more facilities than ever before, there’s never been a better time to learn, explore, research and work at Saint Joseph’s.”
Outgoing Class of 2022 student body presidents Taylor Stokes ’22 and Livia Mario USP’22 closed the event by ceremoniously banging on the Saint Joseph’s drum (a tradition marking the start of each Saint Joseph’s home basketball game), queuing the unveiling of a 30-foot Saint Joseph’s banner on the McNeil Science and Technology Center.