Dec. 2 marked Giving Tuesday, an opportunity for St. Joseph’s University, New York students, staff, faculty and alumni, as well as friends and family throughout the community, to support several of the institution’s ongoing initiatives.
The University received more than 400 donations throughout the 24-hour period with the Nightingale Nursing Lamp raising $1,625, the Student Emergency Fund raising $30,441 and Athletics raising $41,800 between both campuses.
Pushing SJNY over the top was a generous donation by alumnus Steven Somers ’82, who supported his alma mater with a nearly three-to-one match. A past recipient of the President’s Esse Non Videri Award, Somers made a substantial gift of $1 million in 2024 that went toward endowed scholarships for the Brooklyn Campus ACES program and nursing programs on the Long Island and Brooklyn Campus.
“Thank you to everyone who has contributed so generously. We’re especially grateful to Steve Somers ’82, whose support helped us reach and exceed our $100,000 goal. It’s the perfect way to start this season of giving” said Rory Shaffer-Walsh, vice president for Institutional Advancement.
This year’s efforts proved highly successful as SJNY raised more than $101,000—the highest amount ever in the University’s history.
Donations this year went toward the Nightingale Nursing Lamp, a fund that supports SJNY’s next generation of nurses; the University’s Student Emergency Fund to assist students in overcoming unexpected crises such as financial hardship, illness and family loss; and Athletics across the Brooklyn and Long Island campuses.
“The cornerstone of this year’s effort was the Student Emergency Fund, and it’s always wonderful to see how donors rally to support our students when they need it most,” said Flavio Bollag, assistant vice president for advancement and engagement at SJNY.
Those graduating as members of the Class of 2026 were also encouraged to participate in senior class giving. Gifts from seniors, in the amount of $20.26 will help support the Student Emergency Fund, and as symbol of their generosity students will receive a green philanthropy cord to wear during this year’s commencement ceremony.
