Mayor Donna Deegan Joins Jacksonville University to Celebrate 92nd Charter Day

Over 600 volunteers from the Jacksonville University community volunteered across 30 local nonprofits to celebrate the 92nd anniversary of its founding. Originally established as William J. Porter University on April 16, 1934, JU commemorates the signing of its charter annually through the cherished tradition of Charter Day. The tradition, started by President Tim Cost in 2013, encourages students, faculty and staff to step away from their classrooms and offices to take part in a morning of service, volunteering with organizations across the greater Jacksonville area.

Charter Day volunteer work includes opportunities to plant trees, clean waterways and beaches, assist in food pantries, and participate in impactful service work across the greater Jacksonville area. Many campus groups now have years of Charter Day volunteerism under their belt, returning to help in the same causes each year and building lasting relationships throughout the city. The Zimmerman Scholars made their annual visit to Family Promise of Jacksonville, an organization that supports children experiencing homelessness across Duval County. Students from the Cost Honors College spent another morning filling trash bags with litter along the shoreline of the St. Johns River. And students volunteering alongside RF-SMART distributed dozens of meals to community members in need through their continued work with Hunger Fight. This annual celebration reflects a cherished tradition of stewardship for the community, ensuring that service, citizenship, and volunteerism remain at the core of the institution's values.

Since the first Charter Day of Service in 2013, more than 5,000 students, faculty and staff have volunteered at more than 150 local nonprofit organizations and locations, benefiting tens of thousands of citizens in our community. This year, after the community service concluded, the JU community met at the River House to celebrate their good work and were joined by Jacksonville Mayor, Donna Deegan.

"To every volunteer who gave their morning to serve today, you are making a difference," said Mayor Deegan. "JU's Charter Day of Service is one of the most visible expressions of servant leadership this city has seen from any institution."

Tim and Stephanie Cost were among the many volunteers the Mayor recognized, presenting them with an official proclamation, honoring their service to the community, their leadership in establishing Charter Day of Service and their contributions to the University. The Costs have invested more than $10 million of their own resources in scholarships, facilities, programs, the arts and student support at Jacksonville University, including the establishment of the Cost Honors College, and have attracted countless other alumni, community members, and friends to do the same in service of the greater good. Charter Day is a cornerstone of their prolific legacy of commitment to University advancement and service to the greater Jacksonville community.

"This Charter Day of Service over the past decade has mirrored what has become best about Jacksonville University: aspirational, hardworking, humble, helpful and community-minded," said President Cost. "On this day and so many days throughout the year, we seek to make each other and our city better. We couldn't be more proud of our students and our campus community in their dedication and commitment to service."