2021 Go Johnnies Challenge

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – The Saint John's University athletic department's third annual Go Johnnies Challenge - a 24-hour, online giving campaign – held Sept. 2 was once again a success.

A total of 855 donors contributed $221,559 to support SJU's student-athletes and athletic programs.

The initial goal for the 24-hour campaign had been to reach 650 donors for each of SJU's 650 varsity and club student-athletes.

Planned in partnership by the athletic department, Institutional Advancement (alumni office) and J-Club volunteers, the event marked SJU athletics' third, 24-hour fundraising campaign.

"Johnnie alumni, fans, families and friends are incredible," athletic director Bob Alpers '82 said. "We are so grateful to you all and we are always so inspired by your generosity.

"I'd also like to extend a special thanks to the Go Johnnies team that makes the day possible; Adam Herbst '99, Ted Kain '12, Joram Manka, Leila Utsch, Cathy Wieme, Nancy Johnson and Ryan Klinkner '04. They are the unsung heroes and make the day possible."

After the initial goal of 650 donors was reached Thursday, stretch goals of 800 and 900 donors were created to keep the momentum going. 
 
• Of the 855 total donors, 72% were alumni, 18% parents, 9% friends, 3% faculty/staff and 3% students (some were categorized into multiple distinctions).
• 47 different individuals set up matches specific to a sport or organization, and inspired others to join in support. 
• Donors came from 39 of the 50 U.S. states.