A Year in Review: Top News Stories of 2022

In 2022, we flapped our wings, bid farewell to our president, welcomed a record-breaking incoming class, launched a historic capital campaign, and acquired a new location and dozens of health and science programs. We can’t wait for what’s to come in 2023; until then, enjoy our most-read news stories of the year.

1. 250,000 Flaps
   The Hawk has been flapping its renowned wings for nearly seven decades. SJU News talked to recent alumna Asia Whittenberger ’22, who hung up the Hawk suit after three years in the role.
    


2. Young Alum Turns Passion for Name, Image and Likeness Into a Career
   Now in his third year of law school, Class of 2020 graduate Noah Henderson is working with startup Student Athlete NIL, turning his passion for activism and NIL work into a career.
    


3. Professor of 34 Years and Former President Leaves Greatest Legacy in the Classroom
   In 2022, Saint Joseph’s ushered in new leadership while reflecting on past presidents, including Nicholas S. Rashford, S.J., who officially retired last year after serving as the University’s 25th president.
    


4. Saint Joseph’s Proudly Welcomes the Class of 2026
   The newest class of Hawks was not only one of the most diverse classes in recent University history, but it also featured the largest percentage of first-generation college students in two decades.
    


5. In Memoriam: Thomas Keefe, PhD
   This year, the University community mourned the loss of cherished faculty member Thomas Keefe, PhD, professor emeritus of history and longtime supporter of the University library.
    


6. Leadership Transition Announced
   Over the summer, Mark C. Reed, EdD, was announced as the next president of Loyola University Chicago, commencing a search for Saint Joseph’s 29th president; Cheryl M. McConnell, PhD, is serving as interim president. Read Dr. Reed’s farewell interview in this year’s University Report.
    


7. Celebrating Saint Joseph’s Commencement Ceremonies
   Commencement: one of the most joyous times of the academic year. Nearly 1,800 Class of 2022 degrees were conferred, while graduates from the Class of 2020 were invited to walk the stage after their ceremony was moved to a virtual format due to the pandemic.
    


8. Saint Joseph’s University Launches $300M Campaign to Advance the Student Experience
   The comprehensive capital campaign is the largest in University history and will fund multiple capital projects on Hawk Hill, increase access to education through financial aid and scholarships, and further academic and mission innovation. Learn more at sju.edu/SOAR.
    


9. University Reveals Campus Master Plan Projects Aimed at Maximizing the Student Experience
   The University community got a first look at many campus master plan projects, including in-progress construction of the City Avenue Pedestrian Underpass, near completion of the Maguire Art Museum, and renovations and spaces to come for the Kinney Center, Science Center and Athletics Center.
    


10. Saint Joseph’s University Completes Transformative Merger, Acquiring University of the Sciences Academic Programs and University City Campus
    It’s no surprise that Saint Joseph’s merger with the University of the Sciences topped the charts as this year’s most-read news story. In June, SJU acquired dozens of health and science programs, expanded its footprint in University City, grew its endowment to half a billion dollars, and combined two alumni networks of nearly 100,000. What a year it’s been!
     

     

For more news stories, visit sju.edu/news. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all of our readers!