St. Joseph’s University, New York’s seventh Giving Day event was a success: more than $75,500 was received from nearly 750 donations. The 24-hour crowdfunding effort helped to fund critical projects, 25 in total, across the University.
“The SJNY family demonstrated remarkable generosity throughout the day. The outpouring of support was both inspiring and a powerful testament to the giving spirit that defines our community,” noted Rory Shaffer-Walsh, vice president of institutional advancement. “We are deeply grateful to each member who contributed, as their collective kindness made this day’s success possible.”
“We are once again inspired and grateful to the SJNY community for their generosity and spirit during our seventh Giving Day,” added Flavio Bollag, assistant vice president for advancement and engagement.
According to Bollag, there were “several matching gift challenges, many offered by generous members of the faculty and staff, and I think we had met or exceeded those goals just a few hours into the day. It was uplifting to see the great response from our alumni, faculty, staff, students and families.”
Donations this year came from alumnae of the 1960s through to members of the Class of 2025 who will be graduating in a few weeks.
2025 Giving Day Projects
Giving Day 2025 targeted educational, spiritual, financial and emotional support projects across the University.
The BSN Club on the Long Island campus raised money to buy an Alaris Pump for both the Long Island and Brooklyn campuses. With the pumps, nursing students can get more hands-on practice with hanging IV fluids and medications, and practice dosing and speed of infusion.
Campus Ministry and the Office of Student Life sought funding to help alleviate the financial barrier and offer assistance that would cover travel, accommodation and food expenses for service trips. The plan is to offer two service trips next year—one in the local community and a second at a domestic location similar to this spring semester’s trip to Chicago.
The Biology Department sought support for advanced tracking equipment that will enhance behavioral research in its labs. This technology enables more precise and efficient tracking of movement in model organisms, supporting a variety of student research projects. With the equipment, students will gain valuable experience using modern research tools, improving the quality of data collection and analysis.
Donations were received for the ACES Student Resource Fund. In addition to scholarships, many ACES students can use extra help with the costs of a college degree—such as books and technology, transportation and sometimes emergency assistance.
Donations marked for the President’s Fund for Highest Priorities will be used by SJNY President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., and the leadership team to support annual priorities throughout the University. These vital funds advance the University’s short-term and long-term goals, as well as the overall mission of the university. Donations may be allocated to various areas, including, but not limited to: educational initiatives, experiential learning and research, student scholarships and physical campus innovations. This will help advance the University’s mission to meet the needs of its diversified student population with varied educational experiences.
Funding was requested for SJNY’s veteran student Peer Health Education Program to provide critical one-on-one veteran peer counseling as well as provide student Veteran Peer Health Educators with hands-on experience and contribute to their personal and professional development.
Donations were requested for Honors students who face financial challenges that prevent them from attending and presenting at local and regional conferences. Eligible students would be identified based on their application and the merit of their project. The intended outcome is to be able to provide eligible students with opportunities to represent SJNY on a regional and national level.
For a full list of projects, click here.
“Giving Day is a great representation of the spirit and community that makes St. Joe’s unique,” Bollag said.
