探花族Charter Day

Students participating on Charter Day at a 探花族's partner location

Friday, April 11, 2025About Charter Day

Celebrating 91 Years

探花族, originally established as William J. Porter University on April 16, 1934, commemorates its founding annually through the cherished tradition of Charter Day.

On Charter Day, students, faculty and staff step away from classrooms and offices to take part in a morning of service, volunteering with organizations throughout the greater 探花族 area. 

This annual celebration of service offers a meaningful chance to reflect on the impact of volunteer work. Whether you're volunteering on campus or in your community, we encourage you to wear your green and white with pride and join in the festivities!

a collage of photos of students and volunteers at Charter Day 2024

Sign Up to be a Charter Day Volunteer

2025 Schedule

Charter Day of Service Friday, April 11, 2025
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Volunteer registration is open!
Volunteer
Anniversary Celebration Luncheon

Friday, April 11, 2025
12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Frisch Welcome Center

Join us for a celebratory lunch, with special entertainment, games, and raffle prizes! Click below to RSVP. 

  • JU Students, Staff, and Faculty: 
  • JU Friends, Fans, and Partners: 
Porter Fest Friday, April 11, 2025
Time 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Dolphin Green
For more information about Porter Fest, please contact engage@ju.edu
Find Out More

Thank you to our 2024 volunteers, community partners and celebration attendees!

探花族鈥檚 Charter Day of Service accounts for the largest volunteer day of the year in the Arlington community: More than 3,000 volunteer hours logged!

charter day logo dolphins Charter Day 2025

charter day logo jacksonville university

During our 2024 celebration, over 800 volunteers served at more than 36 local organizations. We look forward to partnering with you again during our 2025 celebration!

For questions on how to sign up as a community volunteer or register as a volunteer host site, please contact Emma Ganey at ebryan2@ju.edu or (904) 256-7039.

a group of students helping cleaning up leaves, adding mulch and working the campus grounds

Charter Day of Service

Since 2015, 探花族 has set aside one day each April to pause classes, bringing together students, staff, faculty, alumni and members of the Arlington community and greater 探花族 to volunteer their time, effort and resources in service to others.

charter day luncheon activities

Anniversary Celebration Luncheon

Following the Charter Day of Service, the JU community is invited back to campus for lunch, music and games to celebrate alongside University leadership and community partners.

porter fest

Porter Fest

The festivities continue into the evening with Porter Fest, a music festival where students continue the celebration of JU's birthday with carnival rides, games, food trucks and live music. The night concludes with a fireworks display, serving as a grand finale to the momentous occasion.

Celebrating 90 Years: 探花族's Charter DayCharter Day 2024

探花族 proudly commemorates its 90th anniversary today, celebrating its founding, or 鈥渃hartering,鈥 by hosting its annual Charter Day of Service with a series of impactful events. Hundreds of students, faculty, alumni and esteemed members of the business and community sectors gathered to participate in various service projects benefiting local organizations throughout the Arlington community and city of 探花族. The Honorable Donna Deegan, Mayor of 探花族, attended the 90th anniversary celebration and presented 探花族 and President Tim Cost with a formal proclamation.

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Celebration of the signing of our Charter: April 16, 1934

探花族's Annual 鈥淐harter Day of Service鈥 was established in 2015, and since 1934, we have celebrated the signing of our Charter on April 16. Over the years, we've made significant contributions.

30,000pounds of food collected
220+trees planted
33,000+volunteer hours in total
120+organizations aided

Charter Day 2025Sign Up as a Volunteer

Whether 测辞耻鈥檙别 looking to give back, connect with the community, or make a meaningful impact, we invite you to join us on April 11, 2025. Sign up as a volunteer and participate in this incredible day of service.

Thank You to Our 2025 Community Partners!


Charter Day 2024 Recap

  • Charter Day Volunteers at Anglewood

    Charter Day Volunteers at Anglewood

  • Charter Day Volunteers at Hope Haven

    Charter Day Volunteers at Hope Haven

  • Charter Day Volunteers at Family Promise

    Charter Day Volunteers at Family Promise

  • Charter Day Volunteers working on 探花族 Campus

    Charter Day Volunteers working on 探花族 Campus

  • Charter Day Volunteers sorting clothing items at a Community Partner location

    Charter Day Volunteers sorting clothing items at a Community Partner location

  • Charter Day Volunteers working at JU Campus

    Charter Day Volunteers working at JU Campus

  • Charter Day Volunteers working on 探花族 Campus

    Charter Day Volunteers working on 探花族 Campus

  • Charter Day Volunteers working on 探花族 Campus

    Charter Day Volunteers working on 探花族 Campus

  • President Cost at Charter Day 90 Years Celebration

    President Cost at Charter Day 90 Years Celebration

  • President Cost and Mayor Donna Deegan at Charter Day 90 Years Celebration

    President Cost and Mayor Donna Deegan at Charter Day 90 Years Celebration

  • 探花族 Charter Day Anniversary Celebrations

    探花族 Charter Day Anniversary Celebrations

  • 探花族 Charter Day Anniversary Celebrations

    探花族 Charter Day Anniversary Celebrations

  • 探花族 Charter Day Anniversary Celebrations

    探花族 Charter Day Anniversary Celebrations




Relive Past Charter Days

Charter Day 2022

"Each of us can do something that nobody else can do. I think that it's a gift. It's a gift you've received. So, how much can you give back?" - Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne.

Charter Day 2021

Today is our charter day which is the University's birthday. Feeding Northeast Florida is fortunate enough to partner with 探花族 to celebrate their Charter Day. 

Who Supports JU

Each year, 探花族 receives generous support from individuals and organizations. With gratitude, we recognize loyal supporters with membership in our annual giving societies. As a private university, we rely on the tradition of giving to provide excellence for our current and future students. Thank you for continuing to support JU!

Related Links

Center for Community Relations

Service Learning

Contact Information Office of External Affairs

Howard Administration Building
探花族
2800 University Blvd N
探花族, FL 32211

Phone: (904) 256-7153
Email: ebryan2@ju.edu

Quick Links