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Day of Giving, a Celebration of Mission

March 19, 2026, the University’s annual Day of Giving and St. Joseph’s Feast Day, is a crucial day to honor our Jesuit mission. 

Aerial view of Saint Joseph's University's Hawk Hill location at sunrise.

Written by: A.J. Litchfield

Published: March 9, 2026

Total reading time: 2 minutes

On March 19, to coincide with the feast of its patron, the University will hold its annual Day of Giving. The effort unites Hawks across the globe to honor the University’s mission through support of current and future students. 

“Every year, on this day, we see our community embody what the University stands for: service for the greater good, leading with integrity and compassion and acting with courage when it matters most,” says Saint Joseph’s University President Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD. “That spirit defines our community year-round, but on our Day of Giving, Hawks show up in extraordinary ways.”  

Over just five years and due in large part to strategic programmatic expansion, the University has seen a 30% increase in new students. Day of Giving is a significant driver of resources and experiences for these students. Opportunities for impact are vast and donors can connect their support to personal affinity; through financial aid and scholarships provided by the Saint Joseph’s Fund; student-athlete experiences made possible by Hawk Athletics challenges; autism-related programs and training offered through the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support; and many more.

Day of Giving is emblematic of what Saint Joseph’s University offers: top-notch academic programs and a commitment to community, which engenders a sense of belonging among students. 

“Without my scholarship, I never would've had the opportunity to fully focus on a field of study I am so passionate about,” says Olivia Walker, BS ’27, pharmaceutical and healthcare business major. “As someone from a small town, farther away from Hawk Hill, attending Saint Joseph's felt like my home away from home. That’s because of this generosity from the wider community. Students like myself are able to find an education here, and a place of belonging."

Hawks can participate during the day in person on Hawk Hill, in University City or Lancaster; online; or at one of four regional alumni chapter events. On March 11, an event will be held in Lancaster, and on March 19, events will be held in PhiladelphiaWashington, D.C.Baltimore and New York. A team of dedicated Day of Giving Ambassadors will also be spreading the word about challenges and goals via email, social media and word of mouth. 

For the latest information, visit the Day of Giving website.