James Barge '91

To some degree I never really thought about why I support Saint Joseph's. I just do. But when thinking about it, the first word that comes to mind is “special.”

Saint Joseph's is a special place, and I always felt lucky to have attended the University and to have had the experiences I did. I believe the liberal arts core inherent in a Saint Joseph's education was an invaluable grounding in “how to think, not what to think” — a broad education that serves someone well no matter what career or life path they later pursue.

More than the education, it was the people at Saint Joseph's that made the experience such a special one — a true “community” long after you leave. To this day, some of my closest friends are the guys from the track team, relationships that are strong after 15 years. That just doesn't happen everywhere.

Giving to The Saint Joseph's Fund is, in part, a way to say “thank you” and to ensure the Saint Joseph's community grows and thrives so a new group of students can share the same experience. I also feel that as a young alumnus, it's important to give back now. It's easy to put things off and say “I'll do it when …” Sometimes, that day just keeps getting pushed off, so I made a conscious decision to give early and often.

I've always felt that if all alumni thought the same way, regardless of an individual's level of giving, if we gave back in the way that we are able, the sum of the total would be a great thing. Saint Joseph's has grown and thrived since I left campus, growth that is inspiring and exciting to see and made possible in part by the people giving back. There's not a place or cause I'd rather support because I know it will help someone share the same special experience I did.

I'm proud to be a Hawk!

James Barge '91 (B.S.)
Partner, Intellect Technical Solutions, Inc.
Clearwater, Fla.