Saint Joseph's University

This week in SJU history: June 1-5 📸

As we count down to Saint Joseph’s University’s 175th anniversary, we’re looking back at the generations of Hawks who returned to Hawk Hill to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate their alma mater. From alumni homecoming planning in 1955 to reunion celebrations throughout the 1960s, this week in Hawk history was all about coming home.

POV: You land at the Philadelphia International Airport and immediately get welcomed by... yourself. ✈️

"The boy who used to dream of these things is happy! Arriving at an airport in the U.S. and seeing yourself in the advertisements is an indescribable feeling!" says Jhoan Acevedo.

Your birth month but make it Barbelin ✨

Today, we remember those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Doctor’s orders: go forth and set the world on fire. 🔥🎓 Congratulations to Saint Joseph’s University’s doctoral graduates!

THAT’S A (HAWK) WRAP 🎓
Congratulations to our graduates in the College of Arts and Sciences!

Class of 2026, DISMISSED! 🎓❤️🩶
Congratulations to our nursing and healthcare Hawks at Saint Joseph's University in Lancaster!

As another commencement week begins, we’re celebrating every generation of Hawks who made Saint Joseph’s part of their story. 🎓 Leave your best advice for our graduating seniors in the comments ⬇️

Saint Joseph’s University President Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD, announced today that Ashwin “Ash” Puri has been named the University’s new vice president and director of athletics, effective Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

“Ash brings more than two decades of experience building championship programs, elevating the student-athlete experience, driving revenue growth and stewarding academic excellence, all while fostering a culture of belonging,” says McConnell.

In Puri’s new role, he will lead a division comprising approximately 500 student-athletes across 21 NCAA Division I men’s and women’s varsity programs competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference, as well as robust club sports and campus recreation programs.

Puri steps into an athletics program that has built real momentum across its teams, competed on the national stage, brought home conference titles, and established a culture of excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

Read more about our new vice president and director of athletics: https://www.sju.edu/news/saint-josephs-university-names-ashwin-puri-new-vice-president-and-director-athletics

Welcome home, Class of 2030! ❤️🩶 Join us in congratulating our newest Hawks!

Best. Decision. Ever. ❤️🩶

Saint Joseph's University Alumni Association
Saint Joseph's University Undergraduate Admissions

National College Decision Day is tomorrow and we can’t wait to celebrate with our newest Hawks! ❤️🩶 Don’t forget to show your St. Joe’s pride by tagging us in your posts on May 1.

Just a short time left. 🎓❤️🩶

As a Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support SCHOLAR and support staffer for the 2025 edition of Camp Kinney, psychology major Dinithi Weerasinghe, BS ’27 played an important role in helping individuals on the autism spectrum participate in an immersive and recreational camp experience. 💚

Dinithi‘s favorite part of her role:
“Working with clients and seeing their growth throughout the six weeks was something I found to be highly rewarding.”

Dinithi‘s tips for the next intern:
“Make sure that you’re always being considerate of the client and their wants and needs. Building a trusting, considerate relationship is beneficial in the long run, and important to their growth and the overall outcome of their experience at the camp.”

Read more about her internship experience: https://www.sju.edu/news/on-the-job/dinithi-weerasinghe-bs-27

Last month, Elizabeth Main began her tenure as Saint Joseph's University's inaugural director of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

What are your goals for this role? What are you looking forward to?
Main: "With Laudato Si’, we can shine a light on the economics and equity side and think more about social sustainability and community-building. In just my first few weeks, I’ve been meeting with folks from throughout the university community, and it’s clear that St. Joe’s is committed to sustainability both in word and deed."

Read more about Main's background, sustainability news and her tips for reducing waste: https://www.sju.edu/news/get-know-elizabeth-main-sjus-first-director-environmental-stewardship-and-sustainability