John P. Clarke named centennial commencement speaker at St. John’s Law
John P. “Jack” Clarke, a long-time member of the St. John’s University community and alumnus, will deliver the address at the Law School’s centennial commencement on May 17, 2026. Dean Jelani Jefferson Exum announced that Clarke, who graduated in 1955 and 1957 and holds an honorary degree from the university, will speak to graduates as St. John’s Law celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Clarke has played multiple roles at St. John’s over nearly seventy years, including serving as a Visiting Professor at the Peter J. Tobin College of Business and chairing its Department of Law. Reflecting on his time at the university, he stated: “I’ve worked for seven University presidents, 14 deans, and 14 basketball coaches, and I’ve known every dean except the very first at the Law School.” He added: “I see how people can help people,” noting that “so much in life is fortuitous.”
His commitment to service is informed by personal experience; raised without a father and facing financial challenges, Clarke attended college and law school through support from the Vincentian community. After working for two years at Kings County Supreme Court following graduation, he returned to St. John’s as Director of Alumni Relations before joining the faculty full-time.
Over his career at St. John’s University—a Catholic institution affiliated with the Vincentian Community according to its official website—Clarke has taught more than 10,000 students and remained active in alumni relations and philanthropy. The university supports initiatives through various centers focused on multicultural efforts locally and globally as detailed on its website, offers over 100 undergraduate programs across six colleges per official information, operates campuses in Queens and Manhattan with international sites in Rome, Paris, and Limerick according to its website, and maintains a focus on liberal arts education as noted online.
Clarke has received several honors for his contributions to public service and legal education. In 2019 he was given the John J. Murphy Award by the Law School Alumni Association for distinguished service; five years later he received a Special Lifetime Achievement Award from the DiMartino/Smith Public Interest Center.
Dean Jefferson Exum commented: “Jack Clarke embodies the excellence, prominence, and impact that have defined St. John’s Law for a century,” adding: “His leadership, mentorship, and philanthropy—particularly in support of public interest work and student opportunity—reflect a lifelong commitment to advancing the Law School’s mission. Honoring him as our commencement speaker in our centennial year is a fitting tribute to a life of remarkable dedication and service and a powerful affirmation of the Law School’s legacy and future.”
Rev. Brian J. Shanley has served as president of St. John’s University according to official records.
