Saint John's donors give nearly $2.8 million for current scholarships

Saint John's University's 2015-16 Student Fund campaign, which ended June 30, raised $2,781,070. 5,640 donors supported the Student Fund, including 4,480 Saint John's alumni.

"Thank you to this year's Student Fund donors for their generous support of student success by funding scholarships," said Jesse Stremcha '99, president of the Saint John's Alumni Association in 2015-16.

"Volunteer leaders worked tirelessly to promote the Student Fund among their classmates. They were central to this year's success and I'd like to personally thank and recognize them. Their efforts are integral to supporting current Johnnies every year," Stremcha said.

Reunion 2016 classes raised $438,636 towards the Student Fund thanks to 822 donors.

The 35th reunion Class of 1981 raised the greatest Student Fund amount with $90,932. The Class of 1966, which celebrated its 50th class reunion, had a 34% participation rate - the highest of all reunion classes.

The Class of 1970 raised the highest total from all classes with $154,282. The Class of 1965 had the second highest Student Fund total, finishing with $127,287.

The Class of 2016 enjoyed a successful first giving campaign, joining four other classes with more than 100 Student Fund donors - 1964, 1969, 1974 and 1981.

One Student Fund donor cited the impact a class volunteer made on his decision to give. "I'd like to thank [the volunteer]," the donor said. "If it weren't for his personal phone call and encouragement, I would not be donating to Saint John's today."

The Alumni Association Board of Directors had a 100% participation rate for the fifth consecutive year. The group of 41 alumni gave $50,195 to the Student Fund.

Current parents of Saint John's students showed record support during the 2015-16 fiscal year. 312 current families contributed $37,642 to the Student Fund. By comparison, 100 more current parents supported the Student Fund and raised nearly $9,000 more than last year.

The Student Fund supports scholarships for current Saint John's students. During the 2015-16 academic year, 98% of students received scholarships or financial aid. One hundred percent of unrestricted Student Fund gifts go directly to supporting scholarships.