Jason Twombly was a special SPC staff member who embodied an authentic, caring spirit for the students he served. Sadly, Jason passed away two years ago, on April 12, 2023, and is still greatly missed by our community. However, his legacy continues and transcends his passing in many amazing ways. Our community reflects on his incredible impact on Saint Paul College.

Pepe Wonosikou – Jason’s SPC Supervisor

Jason was an inspiring figure, deeply committed to ensuring students received the support necessary for success. His role as the Student Loan and College Navigator for Title III allowed him to forge meaningful relationships with students and make a lasting impact on their lives. One of Jason’s key strengths was his ability to connect with students on a personal level. For instance, he once worked with a student who had recently purchased a new vehicle with a high interest rate. Rather than judging the student’s choice, Jason approached the situation with empathy and understanding. He broke down the budgeting process in a way that made sense to the student, helping him see the implications of this financial decision. This compassionate guidance resonated with the student and empowered him to make positive changes. Six months later, the student sold the high-interest vehicle and opted for a more affordable used car that fit well within his budget—a significant turnaround made possible by Jason’s patient coaching.

Jason also had a profound impact on our international student community. Recognizing their unique challenges, he spearheaded a donation drive three years ago before winter to provide students with essentials such as warm clothing, gift cards, and food. This effort grew into a campus-wide initiative, complementing the existing Campus Food Pantry. Jason generously used his resources to feed countless students, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to meeting their basic needs. 

We will never forget Jason’s heart for this work. Last year, our basic needs staff honored Jason by renaming the food pantry in his memory, ensuring his legacy of support lives on. Additionally, the memorial fund established in his name continues to provide essential resources to our students.

Jason, you are missed, but your impact and spirit remain a guiding force for us all. Thank you for everything. You always passionately represented our Mission, Vision, and Values.

Pepe Wonosikou

SPC Dean of Student Success

Jordan – Long-time friend of Jason

SPC staff member Jordan Porter has known Jason since 2013. He describes Jason as a great storyteller with an exceptional memory who loved to chat with anyone at any time. Jordan adds that Jason loved talking about his students overcoming various challenges by helping them get grounded at a personal level so that academic success would follow. He adds that Jason would often take Title III students out to lunch on his dime so he could get to know them better. Jordan helps keep the legacy going as his fantasy football league donates $200 at the beginning of the season out of their upfront fees, and the team that finishes last receives the honor of contributing an additional donation, typically around $200. To illustrate Jason’s impact on Jordan, he shares that he still talks about him almost daily.

Becky – SPC Director of Student Life and Diversity

Jason was a kindhearted and passionate person. He cared deeply for our students and focused on connecting with and understanding student needs. Jason provided food for students long before we had a food pantry and constantly brought students down once it was open. When he connected students to resources like the food pantry, he did so through a warm and personalized handoff. Names were exchanged, jokes were told, and it felt like a friend was bringing you home for dinner versus a staff person sending you off “as just another number” to gather food for the pantry. We are honored to have the food pantry named after Jason so his legacy can live on and to see his student impact transcend his time on campus.

Mark Twombly – Jason’s Brother

Jason was always passionate about food scarcity, as he believed food insecurities make learning challenging, shares his brother Mark Twombly. He also enjoyed organizing coat drives for many international students who had not experienced our cold winters before. He loved spending time with people and always made it a point to be “intentionally present.” After Jason’s tragic passing, Mark shared how much his family appreciated the hundreds of SPC community faculty, staff, and students who took a bus and many cars to attend the funeral.

Our family greatly appreciates all the individuals who have and continue to contribute to the Food Pantry and the Jason Twombly Scholarship fund to keep the amazing legacy of Jason Twombly prominent at SPC!

Mark Twombly

Jason’s Brother

Jason is sorely missed, but his legacy continues. His impact wasn’t just on hundreds of students’ lives but on thousands. By supporting the food pantry, you can help us honor Jason’s enduring spirit and continue his passionate work to eliminate food scarcity for our students. You can make a Memorial Gift today.