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.”
