Win Tickets to the first game ever in Hagan Arena!

A special thanks to Athletics and Don DiJulia for donating two tickets for the November 13 Men's Basketball game vs. Drexel to the Senior Challenge. This will be the first game ever played in the newly renovated Hagan Arena, which was dedicated on October 17.

Witness the start of a new era in Saint Joseph's history!

Come by "Seniors Take Over The Bayou" tomorrow night from 7-9 p.m. to enjoy free appetizers and drink specials. Those who make their senior gifts at the event will automatically be put into a raffle to win the tickets.

For more information contact Emily at 610-660-3202 or eczernia@sju.edu.

Need directions? Visit The Bayou website.

Jonathan Wong ’10 Receives Class of 2009 Scholarship

As is tradition on Hawk Hill, each graduating class raises funds SJU through the Senior Class Gift, which is presented to Fr. Lannon and the University during the Commencement Ceremony. Seniors who accept the Challenge use their gifts as a way to say “thank you” for their time on campus by ensuring that the distinctive SJU experience remains available for future Hawks.

Last year, amidst a turbulent economic climate, the Class of 2009’s Senior Challenge raised nearly $11,000 with donations from 43 percent of the class. The 2009 Senior Challenge Committee sponsored an unprecedented $5,000 scholarship, which they reserved for a rising senior who demonstrated Ignatian ideals throughout his time at Saint Joseph’s.

In September, Jonathan Wong ’10 was awarded the Class of 2009 Scholarship.

“The scholarship allowed me to stay at St. Joe’s,” says Jon. “It helps reduce the burden on me so I can concentrate on other things.”

As a senior, Jon is serving his third year as a both a RA and Student Ambassador, and is the Risk Management Chair of Sigma Pi. This year Jon joined the Class of 2010’s Senior Challenge to directly support the effort that supported him.

Four years ago, as a freshman, it only took Jon one month of commuting to Saint Joseph’s to realize he wanted to live on campus. From the first time he set foot on Hawk Hill during orientation, he knew it was a place he’d fit in.

Jon has since taken every available avenue to become a part of campus. As a first generation American, Jon immediately understood the significance of the opportunities afforded to him by SJU.

“The more you put in, the more you get out of it,” says Jon, “I live by the motto, ‘Go big or go home.’”

While juggling the responsibilities of being a RA and an Orientation leader, Jon also found time to volunteer with The Appalachia Experience, become a brother of Sigma Pi, serve as a Student Ambassador with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, and to study abroad in China for a semester.

Yet, Jon did find time to relax, reflect and gain inspiration at Sunday mass at the Chapel of Saint Joseph. Because of this, Jon joined the Church in the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) and was baptized during the 2008 Easter vigil.

The impact of philanthropy was not completely new to Jon when he received the Class of 2009 Scholarship. In 2008, SJU was able to establish The Bernadette B. and James J. Nealis III '69 Program in Asian Studies as an interdisciplinary program thanks to a $2.5 million gift and bequest from Bernadette and James Nealis '69. Jon seized this opportunity and will soon become a double-major in International Relations and Asian Studies.

Well into the first semester his senior year, Jon easily points to all the tools SJU has given him that will compliment his degree in the real world: interpersonal and leadership skills, faith, community responsibility, character development and teamwork.

“SJU produces individuals who can take world by its horns and succeed,” says Jon, “Especially in this economy, it is crucial to give back to the place that has given us so much.”

Have you accepted the call?

Let's face it, as seniors we understand the life-changing impact of our decision to attend SJU.

We have accepted the call to be men and women with and for others, and, as a result, are a part of something greater than ourselves. We have gained knowledge, experiences, and friendships - not to mention enduring memories that we will carry forever.

As we embark on our senior year, we look forward to moving on to the next stage of our lives, but also want to ensure that this, our last year together, is our best yet.

Each graduating class accepts the Senior Challenge and makes a monetary gift to the University. Our goal is to surpass the accomplishments of previous classes, both in participation and the size of our gift.

As we, the Class of 2010, take on our Senior Challenge, let us do so knowing that this is our chance to say “thank you” to those who have played a role in shaping our SJU experience. This is our opportunity to bond together and leave our mark on campus, ensuring that the SJU experience is available for future Hawks.

Last year, the Class of 2009 created a scholarship that was awarded to one of our own classmates and contributed to improvements on the James J. Maguire Campus. Nearly 43 percent of last year's graduates participated, raising over $10,800!

The Class of 2009 took a stand and became part of the SJU legacy. Now it's our turn!

Senior Challenge 2010 Committee Members announced

Chairperson

Celena Evans

Events Marketing Coordinator

Kelsey Hill

Greek Life Liaison

Jorge Posada

Committee Members

Amanda Burd

Elizabeth Burke

Tim Castanza

Kevin Clancy

Claire Hogan

Brittany Keesling

Michael Leite

Julie Liddicoat

Andrew McNamara

Laura Mitchell

Michael Nyambura

Nicole Padilla

Molly Porth

Paul Renaud

Jillian Romero

Chris Savino

Lisa Tarantino

Ashley Travers

Jonathan Wong