April 3, 2024
St. John’s University has been awarded a lucrative grant that enhances access to the Vincentian Institute for Social Action’s (VISA) sought-after service immersion “Plunge” program, opening the door for enhanced participation from economically disadvantaged students.
The Theresa and Edward O’Toole Foundation, which supports Catholic-based nonprofits in the New York City area and Southern California, has awarded the University a one-time grant of $100,000 to help St. John’s students from low-income backgrounds participate in the mission-driven Plunge program.
The 30-year-old Plunge program allows St. John’s students to partner with Vincentian communities in service opportunities including community building, cross-cultural exchange, and other activities consistent with the University’s mission. In addition to offsetting costs incurred by the student volunteers, some of the grant proceeds will assist VISA in growing the program to include other needy destinations.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for us to engage students with the mission of St. John’s that is transformative for them,” said Angela Seegel, Executive Director, VISA. “The Plunge program uniquely engages with our worldwide Vincentian family for people who can take advantage of it.”
Recent Plunges have taken St. John’s students to Paso Ancho, Panama; Lourdes, France; the border city of El Paso, Texas; and the communities of Ward and Hardeeville in South Carolina. Regardless of location, each Plunge aims to enrich the participants’ understanding of the relationship between faith and social justice.
The Plunge program has traditionally been one of VISA’s most popular service-based initiatives. During breaks in the school calendar, groups of about 10 students each embed themselves with host families in their chosen community, performing service works alongside representatives of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) or the Daughters of Charity.
While the program is a service experience of a lifetime for many students, costs can be prohibitive for some. VISA pays about half of each student’s expenses. Traditionally, students have raised funds to support the rest of their costs, including airfare.
Funds from the grant will cover travel and lodging expenses for students in need, and the cost of supplies and meals on site.
“We want to reach all interested students to the point where financial constraints are not a concern within their heart,” said Dana Livingston, Director for Vincentian Service and Social Justice, VISA. “They want to serve; they want to know what it means to be engaged in social justice, and this grant can help them do that.”
In 2023, St. John’s students transported sick and injured pilgrims to the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. In Paso Ancho, Panama, they performed agricultural work while entertaining and tutoring local children. Other groups tackled urban poverty issues in Denver, CO; racial and poverty issues in St. Louis, MO: and environmental justice matters in Benson, VT.
Students who delighted in their Plunge experience were thrilled to hear the grant might also help others take part.
“It is an opportunity for students to learn about themselves and others through service, community, and reflection,” said Christopher Bernabe ’22TCB, who is pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business and has participated in four Plunges. “Knowing that future students can learn what I have learned and experience what I have makes me so happy.”
“It is an unparalleled learning experience,” added Ozanam Scholar Sullivan Padgett, a Government and Politics student in a dual-degree Master of Arts program at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “It’s great that more people will have the opportunity to go on Plunges.”
He recently participated in a Plunge to El Paso, TX. “No one should have to worry about access to this uniquely Vincentian program,” he said.
Rachel O’Reilly, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Office of Advancement, who applied for the grant on behalf of the University, estimated that the $100,000 grant will enable 83 students to participate in domestically based immersions or 50 students to participate in international immersions.
“St. John’s Vincentian mission is to serve those most in need,” Ms. O’Reilly said. “This new partnership will allow us to carry out that mission in a very measurable and meaningful way by putting ourselves in environments where the need is significant and providing whatever services we can.”
“By increasing the accessibility of the program, St. John’s can ensure it reaches all students committed to Vincentian values,” said Sarah Quispe ’23C, who is pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Criminology and Justice at St. John’s College and who has taken part in two Plunges. “Especially those who might not be able to afford these life-changing experiences.”