St. Jerome's University

The St. Jerome’s University Community Contribution Award recognizes students who have contributed to St. Jerome’s University student life and community building. This year two graduating students were presented this award at the annual Green and Gold gala– Gen Iozzo and Joanne Selvanayagam.

Gen Iozzo
Major: Sexualities, Relationships, and Families
"I feel so grateful to be recognized with this award. The SJU community was always a huge support system for me in my early years of my degree. As I progressed through my degree, I wanted to be intentional in my focus on giving back to this community and promoting a culture of community care."

Joanne Selvanayagam
Major: Legal Studies
Minor: Sociology
Arts and Business Program (ARBUS)
"This award means a lot to me, especially because I have been part of the St. Jerome's community since my first year. It has been really meaningful to grow from starting as a Student Ambassador in my first year to taking on a range of leadership and peer support roles across campus over the past four years. During that time, I have met so many incredible people, built strong connections, and had the opportunity to contribute in different ways. I have learned a great deal about myself and developed valuable leadership and communication skills through these experiences. I am very grateful for my time at St. Jerome's and for the people and opportunities that have shaped my experience here."

The St. Jerome’s University Life Award is given to a graduating student who is co-registered at St. Jerome’s in recognition of academic excellence and contributions to student life and community building. This year’s recipients are Sydney Black and Alyssia Stainforth who share what receiving this awards means to them and the their experience of life in the St. Jerome’s community.

Sydney Black
Major: English: Rhetoric, Media and Professional Communication
Minors: French & History
"I am so honoured to have received a University Life award this year. It is a meaningful reminder that some of the most impactful parts of a university experience happen outside of the classroom. This award reflects the amazing friendships, community, and leadership opportunities that have shaped my time at SJU. Through serving as a don for three terms and helping to found the SJU Musical Theatre Club, I found purpose and joy in ways that made my undergrad experience truly unforgettable. Thank you!"

Alyssa Stainforth
Major: Honours Psychology (BA)
"Receiving the University Life Award is a reminder to me that saying yes to trying new experiences, building connections and contributing to the SJ community can all lead to something truly meaningful! I'm so grateful for all the opportunities SJU has given me over the last 4 years."

As we prepare to celebrate our graduates this month, we are traveling back to April when many of our graduates celebrated with friends and mentors before departing campus. St. Jerome’s 13th annual Green and Gold Gala, The Garden of Olympus, was hosted by the St. Jerome’s Student Union on April 6th, 2026.

We welcome you back to St. Jerome’s for our annual Alumni Bevs and Bites event (formerly Beer & Bites), on Friday, June 12, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, hosted by the four University Colleges across the creek. Meet us at SJU to begin our walking tour, with stops at each of the University Colleges to enjoy delicious bites thoughtfully prepared to compliment a selection of tasty beverages, ending back at St. Jerome’s.

Guests are welcome, and come hungry—the “bites” are generous, and you won’t need dinner ahead of time. To get your tickets: https://heyor.ca/Ic2A1Z

Professor Steven Bednarski (History/Medieval Studies) has been elected as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London. Election as a Fellow follows a rigorous peer-nomination process to identify those who have made significant contributions to the understanding of the past. The Society of Antiquaries of London was founded in 1707 and has roots extending back to 1586. It received its royal charter in 1725 and, since 1875, has been based at Burlington House, Piccadilly, alongside the Royal Academy of Arts and five other learned societies.

This recognition highlights the impact of Professor Bednarski's scholarship, and his election further enhances the University's international reputation in historical and medieval studies. Fellowship confers the right to use the honorific post-nominal letters FSA.

Photo: Professor Bednarski and Dr. Steven Sherlock (Archeologist supporting the SSHRC funded Environments of Change project who is also a Fellow)

Our campus joins with the University of Waterloo in celebrating Pride Month. Our students, Student Affairs, and Campus Ministry teams have all been engaged in campus activities to mark this month.

June 1st and June 2nd are St. Jerome’s Pride Community Days, hosted by SJU Student Affairs and Campus Ministry teams! Meet us outside the SJ2 Atrium on Monday, June 1 at 11:30 AM to walk over to Lot H together for the University of Waterloo flag raising celebration. In the evening, we invite you to our St. Jerome’s Community dinner with SJU Residence and Community Life at 5:30 p.m., where we will raise our SJU flag along with our residence students, friends and Dons – all are invited!

On Tuesday June 2nd between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., we continue our Pride Month celebrations. Visit us for some sweet treats at our ice cream social in the Courtyard or join us in a game of Chalk Talk in the Breezeway, check out our Affirmation Station, and share your pride!

Be sure to stop by the Library to check out the display of books, specially curated to this Month’s Pride celebrations that will be showcased throughout the month.

Ticket sales close tomorrow for St. Jerome’s for our annual Alumni Bevs and Bites event (formerly Beer & Bites), on Friday, June 12, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Meet us at SJU to begin our walking tour, with stops at each of the University Colleges to enjoy delicious bites thoughtfully prepared to compliment a selection of tasty beverages, ending back at St. Jerome’s.

Guests are welcome, and come hungry—the “bites” are generous, and you won’t need dinner ahead of time. To get your tickets: https://heyor.ca/Ic2A1Z

Yesterday was your day to give. Today is our day to give thanks. In the afterglow of Giving Day, we're awestruck by the thousands who participated across the St. Jerome's University and University of Waterloo community. We at St. Jerome's thank you for opening doors to the next generation through the Student Scholarship Fund. We thank you for caring for the mental health of young people through the Student Wellness Programming Fund. We thank you for inspiring faith, hope and love through the Campus Ministry Fund. And we thank you for directing your support to the areas of greatest need through our Missional Priorities. By rallying with us on Giving Day, you have once again shown that the power of your generosity is what carries St. Jerome's forward.