5.06.20: Royals Rise Up
![Members of the Class of 1988 participate in the Virtual 5.06K in support of The University of Scranton.](images/50620royalnewsphoto.jpg)
Royals around the world will unite virtually today for 5.06, The University of Scranton’s sixth annual Day of Giving.
Since 2015, the University community has pulled together on each 5.06 to show its true strength. May 6th has become a symbol of spirit, generosity and hope for all alumni, family and friends of Scranton. A tradition as powerful as this can bring us light in this time of darkness and truly unite the Scranton community in support of our students. Celebrate the occasion by visiting this link or texting scranton506 to 71777 and making a gift to your favorite University cause today.
Father Sweeney Emergency Fund $40,000 Match
On Tuesday, current and former members of the Board of Trustees generously joined together to match the next $40,000 in gifts to the Father Sweeney Fund for Emergency Financial Aid. This dollar-for-dollar match enables donors to the fund to double their gift and provide twice the amount of relief to Scranton students experiencing unexpected financial hardships. To donate to the fund and double your impact, visit this link or text FRSWEENEYFUND to 71777.
About The James P. Sweeney, S.J., Family Outreach Fund
The Very Rev. James P. Sweeney, S.J., was Provincial of the Society of Jesus in 1942 when the Jesuits were invited to assume administration of the University. It was a time of great uncertainty for the nation and for higher education, with college enrollments dropping dramatically due to enlistments and the draft. Even so, Sweeney accepted the invitation, saying, “Acceptance of your invitation is of course a challenge in these abnormal times, when all colleges are facing a crisis…However, St. Ignatius was never one to run away from a difficult proposition, and we are supposed to imitate his example.”
Inspired by this example of hope and faith, the University established the James P. Sweeney, S.J., Family Outreach Fund in the late 2000s, when the recession left many students unable to meet tuition payments. Since then, the fund has continued to be a beacon of hope, helping Scranton students to continue their studies after encountering unexpected financial hardship.
For more information on 5.06, including how to participate in the Virtual 5.06K and how to host a Virtual Scranton Happy Hour, visit scranton.edu/506.