Finals week can feel like a marathon made entirely of late‑night study sessions, too much coffee and the occasional bundle of nerves that come and go throughout college. But for more than 30 St. Joseph’s Indian School alumni currently in college, this spring brought a bright, unexpected boost: a cheerful care package from St. Joseph’s Indian School.
The Alumni Relations and Major Gifts departments teamed up to assemble and send these bundles of encouragement — each one packed with treats, self‑care items and handwritten notes meant to lift spirits during one of the toughest weeks of the semester.
Krista, Alumni Relations staff member, said the idea grew naturally out of St. Joseph’s expanding support for graduates.
“We’ve seen an increase in alumni scholarship applications within the last few years,” said Krista. “We wanted to provide an additional type of encouragement as our roles in the Alumni Relations department continue to grow and expand, as well.”
The scholarship she’s referring to is the Čhaŋkú Lúta Scholarship. This school year, St. Joseph’s awarded $275,000 to Native American students pursuing higher education, many of them past students. The recipients are a group of hardworking young adults balancing coursework, jobs, family responsibilities and the many pressures that come with college life. The team saw an opportunity to remind students that their St. Joseph’s support system doesn’t end when they leave campus.
Each care package was intentionally designed to feel like a small, but meaningful, boost during a stressful time. Inside, students found sunflower seeds, gum, mints, candy, a spa face mask, other treats and self‑care items chosen to help them pause, breathe and take care of themselves.
But the heart of each package was the handwritten card tucked inside. Staff from both departments wrote warm and uplifting messages — the kind of words students could pin above a desk or reread during a late‑night study slump.
“We’re so proud of you” and “You’ve got this!” were among the most common phrases, each one a reminder that St. Joseph’s is still in their corner.
“We wanted to show our support and remind students that St. Joseph’s is still here for them even after they leave campus,” Krista said.
For many, the packages arrived at just the right moment. After finals wrapped up and students finally had a chance to breathe, the thank‑you messages began rolling in.
“We received several ‘thank you’ messages after finals week — after they had the chance to relax after working so hard during the semester!” said Krista.
Those notes confirmed what the team hoped: the packages made a difference.
For donors, these care packages are a beautiful example of what their wačháŋtognaka — generosity — makes possible. It’s not just programs, scholarships or supplies, but a lifelong community of support. Every handwritten note, every small treat, every moment of encouragement during finals week reflects the heart of St. Joseph’s mission to lift students up, celebrate their hard work and remind them they never walk alone.
To learn more and read alumni stories, visit stjo.org/alumni today!
