In a heartwarming display of generosity and community spirit, students at Providence College in Providence, Rhode Island, rallied together to make a dream come true for one of their own. James Mogaji, an overnight security guard at Raymond Hall, hadn't seen his family in Nigeria for over a decade. Touched by his story, the students decided to take action, launching a fundraiser to send him home.
The students from Providence College all live on the fourth floor of the college's Raymond Hall and told ABC affiliate WLNE they've grown close like a "family." Among those they consider part of their family is James Mogaji, who works as a residence hall security officer at Raymond Hall.
The initiative was spearheaded by Brandon Reichert, a freshman, and quickly gained momentum among the students living in Raymond Hall. Reichert told WLNE of their decision to fundraise online to raise money for Mogaji: "Once we learned that James hadn't seen his family in over a decade, that's what kickstarted this for us,". "We take care of our own and we firmly believe that James is one of our own."
The students set up an online fundraiser on February 29 to collect money for him. Providence College President Father Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. Within seven days, the students presented him with a gift of $3,000 for the trip.
Daniel Singh, a sophomore and resident assistant in Raymond Hall, emphasized the impact Mogaji has on the students. Singh told WLNE that Mogaji's consistent presence at the residence hall is magnetic. "He is someone that you are drawn towards. He is really kind and compassionate,". "After a long day, you go out on a Friday night after class and you come back, James is there."
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Singh is a psychology major and marketing minor on the pre-law track. He is from the Bronx, New York, and on campus he serves on the executive board of the Afro-Caribbean Association and is a DID fellow. The DID (Dialogue, Inclusion, and Democracy) fellows are a team of students who create spaces for civil discourse on campus.
As a resident assistant in Raymond Hall, Singh is constantly exposed to the staff members there, getting to build strong connections and relationships with many of them. This was Mogaji’s first year on campus as a security guard and Singh highlighted their shared interests and Mogaji’s infectious personality.
Singh recalled being approached by Brandon Reichert ’27, one of his first-year residents, with the idea to raise money for Mogaji to visit his family. Singh and Reichert used word of mouth and social media to help spread the word.
Word spread to parents, family, and students at other schools who contributed to the effort. So many people were touched by Mogaji’s story that within 24 hours of launching their page, they surpassed their goal. They collected about $3,000 total.
The powerful moment when the students presented Mogaji with the gift was captured in a heartfelt video. "We take care of our own. That’s what we do at PC," Daniel Singh ’26, a resident assistant in Raymond Hall, told Mogaji in the video. Another student then handed Mogaji an envelope containing the money, saying, "We love you. You're part of the family."
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“He truly is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He greets everybody with a smile and always welcomes conversations no matter what time of the night you run into him,” Reichert shared.
The students' act of kindness has resonated far beyond the Providence College campus, serving as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of looking out for one another. The students said they wanted to show Mogaji how much they appreciated him. In a display of generosity, students at Providence College in Rhode Island allied together to surprise their dedicated security guard, James.
James’s role as a security guard transcended mere job responsibilities. He was a mentor, a friend, and a pillar of support for the students. His genuine care and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on the Providence College community. The idea took root during a conversation with James, where he fondly reminisced about his homeland and expressed his longing to see his family again. Touched by his sincerity, a group of students decided to harness the power of crowdfunding to make James’s dream a reality.
The response was overwhelming, with donations pouring in from both the Providence College community and well-wishers across the globe. James was moved by the outpouring of support. “I don’t know how much I can thank you guys. I pray from the bottom of my heart and will continue to protect you guys,” he said.
Singh recalled what Mark DeFanti, Ph.D., associate professor of marketing, taught him in his Principles of Marketing class. With the strong connections Providence College has to offer, so many people were able to help and make a large impact on Mogaji’s life. The PCSB curriculum is not only focused on producing students who can make the most profit for a business, but students who care to make a positive difference on those around them, Singh said. Students are not focused only on transactions, but also focused on relationship building through their education at PCSB.
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This act of kindness shows us all, that we are more alike than not. Brandon’s ability to always do the right thing and lead, show compassion and gratitude has been a highlight of my life watching him grow up into the amazing young man he is.
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