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SJU Reads: About SJU Reads

engaging incoming freshmen, rising sophomores, and transfer students in a common reading experience with the theme of the Ignatian value of social justice

About SJU Reads

SJU Reads
SJU Reads is an early arrival program designed to engage incoming freshmen, rising sophomores, and transfer students in a common reading experience with the theme of the Ignatian value of social justice. It includes a variety of thoughtful, interdisciplinary programming to explore topics addressed in the common reading. 
 
The 2020 SJU Reads reading selection is The 1619 Project, an ongoing initiative from The New York Times Magazine that "aims to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative." The program application will open on April 6th. 
 

Our Student Leaders

My name is Briana Baier and I am a Computer Science major from Churchville, Maryland. I wanted to become a student leader for SJU Reads because being a participant last year was an amazing and informative experience for me and I wanted to help create that experience for others this year. I am hopeful that a lot of valuable discussions and experiences will come from our group discussions and excursion trips this year. I am excited to meet all of our participants and hear what they have to bring to our conversations.

My name is Madeline Bierfass and I am a sophomore at SJU. My major is criminal justice and other than SJU Reads, I am involved in University Student Senate and University Council. I also participate in weekly service at Gompers and work in the sociology department. SJU Reads has allowed me to broaden my understanding of social justice issues and actively work towards creating a more inclusive and understanding environment on this campus. I Hope that everyone who takes part in the program this year gets as much knowledge, advice, and friendships out of it as I did!

Nick Buonagura, Sophomore class of 2023, Pharmaceutical Healthcare Marketing major and English minor, Long Island, New York. I wanted to be a leader for SJU Reads because I love everything this program has to offer and being a part of that is something I really wanted. What I hope to gain this year is a better understanding of race as a leader and how to bring that to use on our campus and in our community.

Lauren Morgan, Communications Major Marketing Minor from Gloucester Township, NJ.

SJU Reads provides a welcoming space for early arrival students to discuss and act on pieces of literature in a meaningful way. As a participant last year I was eager to become a student leader in the program this year. I believe that together we can make a difference.

Hey everyone! My name is Nick Pascale and I am a rising junior. I am majoring in LEO/Economics and I am from Princeton, NJ! I was a participant in this wonderful program last year and I gained some wonderful friendships along the way. This program taught me a lot about the country and community that we live in and has allowed me to understand what I am truly passionate about. I hope this year will do the same for all of you! I can't wait to get started. See you soon!