Jacksonville UniversityCharter Day
Friday, April 11, 2025About Charter Day
Celebrating 91 Years
Jacksonville University, 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 Jacksonville area.
This annual celebration provides a valuable opportunity for everyone to reflect on the profound impact of volunteer service. Whether on campus or celebrating in your community, we encourage you to join in the festivities and wear your green and white with pride!
2025 Schedule
| Charter Day of Service | Friday, April 11, 2025 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Volunteer registration is open! |
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| Volunteer | |
| Anniversary Celebration Luncheon |
Friday, April 11, 2025 Join us for a celebratory lunch, with special entertainment, games, and raffle prizes! Click below to RSVP.
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| 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!
Jacksonville University’s 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 2025
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.
Charter Day of Service
Since 2015, Jacksonville University pauses classes for students, staff and faculty to partner with alumni and local organizations in the Arlington community, and greater Jacksonville, to volunteer their time, effort and resources to serve the community.
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
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: Jacksonville University's Charter DayCharter Day 2024
Jacksonville University proudly commemorates its 90th anniversary today, celebrating its founding, or “chartering,” 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 Jacksonville. The Honorable Donna Deegan, Mayor of Jacksonville, attended the 90th anniversary celebration and presented Jacksonville University and President Tim Cost with a formal proclamation.
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Celebration of the signing of our Charter: April 16, 1934
Jacksonville University's Annual “Charter Day of Service” 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.
Charter Day 2025Sign Up as a Volunteer
Whether you’re 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!
American Red Cross of Northeast Florida
Clara White Mission and Harvest Farms
Charter Day 2024 Recap
Charter Day Volunteers at Anglewood
Charter Day Volunteers at Hope Haven
Charter Day Volunteers at Family Promise
Charter Day Volunteers working on Jacksonville University Campus
Charter Day Volunteers sorting clothing items at a Community Partner location
Charter Day Volunteers working at JU Campus
Charter Day Volunteers working on Jacksonville University Campus
Charter Day Volunteers working on Jacksonville University Campus
President Cost at Charter Day 90 Years Celebration
President Cost and Mayor Donna Deegan at Charter Day 90 Years Celebration
Jacksonville University Charter Day Anniversary Celebrations
Jacksonville University Charter Day Anniversary Celebrations
Jacksonville University 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 Jacksonville University to celebrate their Charter Day.
Picture Yourself HereFollow us @jacksonvilleu
Keep up with the celebrations on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram throughout Charter Day. For official updates, follow our Jacksonville University accounts.
If you're participating in Charter Day, tag us in your post! Instagram: @jacksonvilleu and @jualumni
Share your experience with the official hashtag for Charter Day and Charter Day of Service, #jugives.
Who Supports JU
Each year, Jacksonville University 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
Contact Information Office of External Affairs
Howard Administration Building
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd N
Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: (904) 256-7153
Email: ebryan2@ju.edu