What began as an idea in Tim Cost’s garage shortly before he became president of Jacksonville University — a Charter Day of Service to the community —has grown into one of the University’s most anticipated and impactful days of volunteerism. This year, more than 700 JU volunteers served at 36 organizations across Arlington and the greater Jacksonville area, including Feeding Northeast Florida, Pink Ribbon Jax, Tree Hill Nature Center, Ronald McDonald House and PACE Center for Girls.
Stepping away from their normal routines in classrooms and offices today, students, staff and faculty rolled up their sleeves to collaborate with the greater Jacksonville community, logging more than 3,000 service hours. Teams supported dozens of projects, including food packing, youth mentoring, healthcare support and beautification projects.
While recognizing volunteers at a luncheon on campus, President Cost highlighted the inspiration that transformed the celebration of April 16, the day the University signed its charter, into a day of giving back. “The goal was to turn April 16th into a day that was not just a global toast but a day of service. That’s what you’ve created in Charter Day. So to every one of our board members who are here, our cabinet, students, faculty and so many of our community sponsors and supporters, we cannot thank you enough.”
Jacksonville City Council member Ken Amaro, who represents District 1, also joined the luncheon with special remarks for the volunteers and the University. As a longtime resident of Arlington, council member Amaro reflected on the University’s role in shaping and supporting the community.
“JU continues to think ahead, creativing positive paths for progress and a sustainable future,” Amaro said. “JU has built a foundation of trust and strength that others can rely on. I commend President Cost for his vision and commitment to pause every April to recognize and understand the relationship of JU to this community.”
Over the last decade, Charter Day volunteers have planted more than 200 trees, collected 30,000 pounds of food and served more than 120 nonprofits. It’s a tradition rooted in JU’s founding spirit — one of service, civic engagement and relentless commitment to progress.
Ninety-one years after signing its charter, Jacksonville University continues to honor its mission of empowering students for lifelong growth as global citizens through community-centered service — a commitment reflected in its annual Charter Day of Service.The event embodies the University’s values of leadership, integrity, respect and curiosity, while advancing its vision to build stronger communities and contribute meaningfully to an increasingly connected world.
