Across the nation and globe, the power of the Johnnie Network was on full display Wednesday. Nov. 18.

Even amid the difficulties and hardship brought on as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and other supporters of Saint John’s University again demonstrated their generosity on Give SJU Day – helping once again surpass goals and previous totals.

In all, 1,702 donors contributed $729,281 over the 24-hour period. That was over 400 donors more than the goal that had been set entering the day. The total, meanwhile, far exceeded the $647,981 reached over the same time period a year ago – making it the school’s best giving day ever in terms of dollars raised.

Donors came from all 50 states, marking the second-straight year that the 50-state challenge has been met and unlocking a $10,000 gift from an anonymous trustee.

A total of seven different countries – including the U.S. – were also represented.

“It’s just amazing that during these difficult and uncertain circumstances, our alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends still continued to demonstrate how much Saint John’s means to them,” said Ted Kain ’12, SJU’s director of annual giving.

“It speaks to the deep connection so many people feel to this place.”

Kain said the Class of 1983 led the way with 63 donors – a new individual class record. The Class of 1982 was second with 57 donors while the Class of 1991 and 2010 tied for third with 44.

In terms of dollars raised, the Class of 1982 led the way at $52,900. The Class of 1980 followed with $27,725. The Class of 1991 contributed a total of $27,405 followed by the Class of 1983 with a total of $24,500.

In all, a total of 70 class-specific matching gifts were received, also a record.

For the second-straight year, SJU Interim President Eugene McAllister and his wife also issued a challenge, agreeing to donate $5,000 if the number of donors crossed 1,500, which again happened.

“We are very pleased that so many generous Johnnies responded to our challenge,” McAllister said. “Saint John’s is an awesome community!”

Give SJU Day marks the biggest giving day of the year when it comes to support of Johnnies. And though the day itself is over, donations can always be made to the SJU Student Fund.

“Community is so critical to Saint John’s and the Benedictine experience,” Kain said. “And the success of Give SJU Day continues to demonstrate that.”