This year’s Annual Day of Giving raised over $270,000, and the generous donations could not have come at a more important time. “As a result of the pandemic, many John Jay students are facing issues of hunger, food insecurity, homelessness, eviction, and the possibility of their utilities being cut off,” said President Karol V. Mason. “The funds raised throughout the Annual Day of Giving campaign will support our most vulnerable students during this challenging time.”
The Annual Day of Giving campaign started on October 16, World Food Day, and culminated on November 19 with John Jay’s first-ever virtual phonathon. To ensure the highest participation within our community, over 40 volunteers participated in the phonathon, reaching out to over 800 donors. By the end of the campaign over $270,000 was raised for John Jay’s Student Emergency Fund, surpassing the initial goal of $200,000 by 36 percent. “We can’t overstate how critical these funds are for our students,” said Mason. “Right now, 50 percent of CUNY students are facing housing issues, 54 percent of CUNY students have reported a decrease in income, and one in every four John Jay students is facing food insecurity. By participating in our Annual Day of Giving, our community has positively impacted the lives of so many students striving to reach their dreams.”
This sense of community, and deep commitment to our students’ success, was far-reaching with donations from over 400 donors. The Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation matched every $1 donated with $1 up to $100,000—a match that was met days before the phonathon. An anonymous donor also matched every $1 donated with $1 up to $10,000—a match that was met the day of the phonathon. And, understanding the struggles that their fellow students are currently facing, John Jay’s Student Council committed $20,000 to help restock the Food Pantry and create care packages for students affected by housing insecurity. “Our students are surviving a global pandemic, learning in a virtual environment, and experiencing food insecurity, housing insecurity, and the threat of job losses,” said Amber Rivero ’21, Student Council President. “Nevertheless, we remain optimistic that these funds can help alleviate their burdens and support academic success.”
“We remain optimistic that these funds can help alleviate their burdens and support academic success.” —Amber Rivero ’21
Over 40 volunteers participated in our Annual Day of Giving event, including student council members, international students, student athletes, undergraduate students, graduate students, staff members, faculty members, administrators, and Professor Vanessa Gutiérrez’s Food Justice Students. As they made their calls, many of the volunteers were moved by the generosity of the people they spoke to on the phone. Some asked alumni about their memories of John Jay. Others filled them in on the latest College happenings. But for one volunteer, his interactions as a phonathon volunteer held a special meaning.
“It was important to me to volunteer for the Annual Day of Giving because as a student who has experienced housing insecurity myself, I wanted to contribute to the John Jay community that was so supportive of me,” said Sam Ascencio ’22, Peer Success Coach and Vice President of the LGBTQ+ Allies Club. For Ascencio, the thought of another student “being okay” because of the time he put into volunteering was the driving force behind his participation.
“Participating in Annual Day of Giving helped me understand that John Jay is really less of a commuter school and more of a community school.” —Sam Ascencio ’22
Before his first call, Ascencio felt a little anxious about calling a stranger, but after settling into the experience his nervousness faded. “I had some amazing conversations with alumni,” he said. “Getting to connect with the many generations of John Jay students was really rewarding, and knowing that we’re all making a positive impact really changed me.” His favorite moment was chatting with an alumnus who was thrilled to be contacted by his alma mater and dearly missed the campus. “He gave me some encouraging words of support,” said Ascencio, “and I felt like I had known him my whole life.”
“Justice comes in many forms and sometimes justice is doing right by your fellow students.” —Sam Ascencio ’22
The overall experience of volunteering for Annual Day of Giving helped Ascencio see John Jay in an even more positive light. “Participating in Annual Day of Giving helped me understand that John Jay is really less of a commuter school and more of a community school,” he said. “We all know each other. We know our fellow volunteers and organizers, and the experience felt personal because we know that it’s making a difference. Justice comes in many forms and sometimes justice is doing right by your fellow students.”
