Celebrating Saint Peter Day: Embracing a Spirit of Giving

At Saint Peter’s, gratitude and generosity are not just values; they are the foundation of the community’s caring spirit as a Jesuit, Catholic university. This commitment is evident in the support students receive, with 100 percent of undergraduates supported by scholarships and financial aid to pursue their education. Ensuring student success and providing opportunities for them to thrive is a shared commitment across the University.

In this spirit, the University will celebrate its annual Saint Peter Day on April 9. Established in 2019, Saint Peter Day is the largest fundraising day for the University community, held each April to commemorate the University’s founding on April 3, 1872. This year, the celebration is expanding with campus-wide events and activities designed to spark enthusiasm and strengthen the sense of community.

The day is not only about celebration, but also about fostering a deeper understanding of the power of philanthropy. The Office of Annual Giving is collaborating with students and the Student Government Association (SGA) to further engage them in supporting causes that  embody the mission of the University.

Students’ belief in the mission of the University and their desire to give back reflects a growing commitment to fostering a culture of philanthropy among future generations. By making a gift, students not only help the University thrive but also set a powerful example for other potential donors, demonstrating that every gift, no matter the size, can create a ripple effect that benefits the entire community.

A key initiative in this effort is the Class of 2025 Class Gift, a tradition that encourages graduating students to give back and leave a lasting impact. The Class of 2025 Class Gift project encourages the graduating class to support the General Scholarship Fund, which helps ensure that future Peacocks have the financial support they need to succeed and, thanks to student participation, has served to build momentum for Saint Peter Day.

Evony Jones ’25, president of the SGA, has taken an active role in leading these philanthropic initiatives. Her personal gratitude for the financial support she has received has fueled her passion for giving back.

“I was fortunate enough to receive support at Saint Peter’s, and it made a tremendous difference in my college experience,” Jones shared. “It allowed me to focus more on my academics and leadership roles without the burden of financial stress. I am proud to lead the campaign for  the Class of 2025 Class Gift, which is my way of ensuring that future students have the same opportunities.”

Echoing Jones’ sentiments, fellow SGA representative Araceli Amelco ’25 also emphasized how financial support shaped her time at Saint Peter’s.

“Scholarships have helped me tremendously with being able to attend classes full-time for my full four years here at Saint Peter’s, especially as a first-gen student,” said Araceli. “I was able to get the most out of my Saint Peter’s experience, such as being a part of different organizations on campus like SGA and Orientation Team, and being able to give back so future students can experience Saint Peter’s is truly fulfilling.”

With students making gifts of $20.25 in honor of their graduation year, the project demonstrates that all gifts, no matter the size, make a real difference. On Saint Peter Day, the Class of 2025 will be joining the wider Saint Peter’s donor community in giving back to support the needs of our students. Gifts made in support of Saint Peter Day will make an even bigger impact because they can be doubled through special matches and challenges throughout the day. Donors are encouraged to give to an area that means the most to them.

Saint Peter Day events and activities will be shared in the upcoming week and donors can learn more or make an early gift now. Whether through attending events, making a gift or sharing the spirit of giving on social media, every member of the Saint Peter’s community is invited to participate in this celebration of generosity and gratitude.