SXU to Host Second Polar Plunge to Support Special Olympics Illinois
Saint Xavier University (SXU) will host its second Polar Plunge on Wednesday, March 25, at 11 a.m. on Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field. The Plunge supports Special Olympics Illinois athletes across the state with life-changing programming, including year-round training and competition, leadership, personal development and health education opportunities.
SXU's 2025 Polar Plunge was a tremendous success, with the community raising over $16,000 for Special Olympics Illinois. The turnout was strong, with students, staff, and community members enthusiastically participating and supporting one another throughout the event.
"The overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants shared that they had a great time, loved the energy and sense of community, and appreciated being part of something that promotes inclusion and supports such an important cause. Many were already asking about this year's event and were eager to participate again, making it clear that the Polar Plunge has become a meaningful and memorable experience for our school community," said Laura Jones, clinical supervisor.
This year, Brother Rice High School's Mount Sion Program, a special education inclusion program, will join SXU in partnership for the Polar Plunge.
"The decision for the Mount Sion program to join was a natural extension of our existing partnership. SXU's Ludden Speech and Language Clinic currently provides speech therapy services to students in the Mount Sion program. Through this collaboration, we have built meaningful relationships with their staff and students, making it an easy and exciting decision to further include them in unified and community-based events," said Jones.
The Communication Sciences and Disorders Division also partners with the Oak Lawn Adult Transition Program, and the Ludden Speech and Language Clinic provides speech and language services to their students.
"Our partnership with Mount Sion students promotes inclusion, leadership, and mutual growth. It strengthens our graduate students' clinical training while simultaneously expanding opportunities and support for Mount Sion's special education students. It has been a positive, collaborative relationship that benefits everyone involved. Likewise, the entire ATP school community comes together for the Polar Plunge. Students, faculty, and staff participate as plungers, volunteers, or enthusiastic supporters cheering on participants. This unified involvement reflects our shared commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and supporting Special Olympics Illinois in a meaningful and visible way," said Jones.
Jones encourages the SXU community to participate, as the Polar Plunge is more than just a fundraiser; it is a visible demonstration of unity and commitment to Special Olympics Illinois and the athletes it serves.
"By participating, individuals are helping to raise critical funds that directly support programming, training, competitions, and inclusive leadership opportunities for athletes across our region. Our goals and hopes for the outcome are both financial- and community-based. Of course, we hope to continue raising significant funds to support Special Olympics Illinois and build upon last year's success. Just as importantly, we hope to strengthen inclusive relationships between our University, our partner programs, and the broader community. We want participants to walk away feeling proud, connected, and inspired to continue supporting inclusive initiatives. Ultimately, our hope is that this event not only raises funds but also increases awareness, fosters meaningful connections, and reinforces a culture of belonging for individuals of all abilities," said Jones.
The Communication Sciences and Disorders Division hopes to make this a campus-wide event. Anyone from the SXU community --students, faculty, staff and student-athletes-- is welcome to register as a plunger, volunteer or supporter. To register to plunge at SXU or donate to a plunger, visit the Special Olympics Illinois website.
Last year, Saint Xavier University became a Unified Champion School. As a Unified Champion School, SXU has partnered with Special Olympics in a variety of meaningful ways to promote inclusion and leadership opportunities for students of all abilities. Currently, SXU is the only university designated as a Unified Champion School in Region E, which includes Grundy, Kankakee, South Suburban Cook, and Will counties.