Saint Joseph’s Announces $17.5 Million Fundraising Goal in Honor of Anniversary

This academic year marks an exciting time in the institution’s history: Saint Joseph’s University’s 175th anniversary. While the University has grown significantly over the past 175 years — new programs, new schools, new locations – Saint Joseph’s commitment to its core Jesuit mission has remained constant.

To honor this milestone and to reaffirm the University’s dedication to this mission, University President Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, announced a campaign to raise $17.5 million over the next 175 days. The philanthropic effort will culminate in the University’s annual Day of Giving in March 2027. To date, over $1.4 million has been raised.

“Our greatest area of need is financial aid for our students,” says McConnell. “When a student enrolls at Saint Joseph’s University, they become part of a nearly 500-year-old Jesuit tradition that teaches them to live lives of purpose and impact, regardless of the field they choose.”

This fundraising push aims to build on the momentum of a strong fall semester. 

In August, the University announced The Initiative for Human Formation in an Age of AI — a multi-year commitment impacting every part of the University. Its goal is to prepare students, faculty and staff for an AI-driven future.

In September, Saint Joseph’s earned national recognition when U.S. News & World Report ranked Saint Joseph’s among the nation’s top 75 private colleges and top 75 best value schools. 

Also in September, the University community got a jumpstart on Dr. McConnell’s $17.5 million goal at HawkFest by meeting a $175,000 fundraising threshold needed to trigger a matching gift made by an anonymous donor. This infused more than $350,000 into the University’s current-use financial aid. 

The University looks to maintain this spirit and energy throughout the next 175 days as celebrations of this milestone continue. 

Make your gift now and help the University define the next 175 years of Saint Joseph’s education.