More Than 500 Terriers and Matching Donor Lead to New Standard in Giving

What began with a walk to bridge the tuition gap, continued on Giving Tuesday with a full day of appreciation for St. Francis College benefactors, and a major e-campaign and phone-a-thon. One week later, St. Francis College is proud to announce that the Giving Tuesday campaign raised more than $150,000 dollars from more than 500 donors, a new high water mark for a day meant to refocus the holiday season on helping others.

"It truly was a Franciscan family effort. The walk, the giving, the getting, the rallying – all in the very spirit that St. Francis College was built on – generosity," said Vice President for Development Thomas Flood. "We are blessed to have the support of those who want to grow the mission and impact of this special institution. In the words of one of our students, 'don't just spare the change, be the change.'"

In addition to raising money, and having students, faculty, parents, administrators, alumni and friends serve as ambassadors and form teams for the effort, St. Francis also recognized students and clubs that give back to the community. Clubs that were singled out for their service were Psychology, Radio, and the local chapter of Alpha Phi Delta fraternity.

For the second year in a row, with support from Investors Bank, the College awarded scholarships to a group of students who exemplify the Franciscan values of service and giving back to the community at large:

• Marissa Ramnath '18, from Brooklyn, is a senior in the undergraduate Nursing Program. With a strong academic record, outstanding leadership qualities and hours of volunteer experience. She helps promote the Nursing Program at the College's recent Open House and in her free time volunteer are four different area hospitals. Marissa wants to be a Nurse to pursue her passion of serving others – specifically those that need help and cannot do it for themselves.

• Jessica Kolo '19, from Rego Park, Queens, is a junior majoring in Accounting and a member of the Honors Program. Jessica is an International Student Ambassador, a Peer Leader at St. Franics, a Social Prefect at the Loral International Secondary School and a member of the National Association of Black Accountants. She is involved in several clubs on campus including; Finance, Investment, Economics, African Culture and IT; all while maintaining a strong academic record.

• Zanna Shapiro '20, from Staten Island, is a sophomore pursuing her dream of becoming a registered nurse. She also writes for student newspaper SFC Today, is Treasurer of the English Club, a member of the History Club, a peer leaders for the Center for Student Success, and a student ambassador. Zanna worked with the Biology Department to collected water samples for the New York City Water Trail Association and tutored fellow students in anatomy and physiology at the Academic Enhancement Center. She also assists teaching an English Project Access class. Outside of St. Francis, Zanna volunteers her time playing piano to the elderly at an outpatient facility. She believes that through helping others, we help ourselves and that "the human soul is nurtured when we engage in selfless acts."

• Catherine Nicosia 19, from Brooklyn, is a junior pursuing a degree in Education, specializing in Adolescent Education and Social Studies. She serves as event coordinator for the Education Society, helping to organize a toy drive and Christmas party for children with autism. She is also a member of a Catholic women's leadership forum, Given. where she developed the action plan, "The Change Purse – Don't just spare some change, be the change." The purpose was to collect handbags, toiletries, gift cards, and winter gear and distribute then to women in need in her community.

Attached images: Scholarship Recipients Marissa Ramnath '18, Jessica Kolo '19, and Catherine Nicosia '19 with representatives from Investors Bank Jennifer Smith and Roni Shoyfer.

Director of Student Engagement Ruben Gonzalez '04, Speaker of SACOR Arianna Sartzetakis '19 with members of the Psychology and Radio clubs and Alpha Phi Delta fraternity.