At St. Joseph’s College the season of giving extends much longer than the holidays. The College community is committed to service all year round, fulfilling a vital part of the St. Joseph’s mission.
Thomas Petriano, Ph.D., chair of St. Joseph’s religious studies department, said acts of service, no matter the size, are always happening at the College’s two campuses.
“Whether it be holding the door for someone following behind you, or building a house in Nicaragua, service is woven into the DNA of St. Joseph’s College,” Dr. Petriano said. “Since the founding of the College, the Sisters of St. Joseph have provided the example and inspiration for a life of service to others without distinction, which is central to who we are and whom we wish our students to become.”
Students, faculty and staff complete service projects throughout the year, including Alternative Winter Break trips, baking pumpkin pies and packing donated Thanksgiving meals, volunteering at the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood and raising money for cancer research.
SJC President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., said he is grateful to be leading a community so committed to service.
“At the end of the day, it’s the good that you do in your life that makes you happy,” Dr. Boomgaarden said. “It’s not the car, it’s not the job, it’s not the honors. But it’s the good that you do for others. It’s so powerful. It’s irreplaceable.”
