St. John’s University hosts annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair for families

St. John’s University held its annual Parent Conference and Resource Fair on March 26, bringing together families of children and young adults with disabilities at the D’Angelo Center on the Queens campus.

The event aimed to provide education, resources, and networking opportunities for attendees navigating disability services. The School of Education partnered with the Community Inclusion and Development Alliance to organize workshops focused on Individualized Education Programs, self-direction, and transition planning. Sessions were offered in English, Korean, and Chinese to serve the diverse community.

Rev. Aidan R. Rooney, Executive Vice President for Mission at St. John’s University, welcomed participants as the day began. In addition to families, professionals from related fields attended alongside community partners, alumni such as Mary Carole Schafenberg ’70ED, ’80P.D., a member of The School of Education Dean’s Advisory Board; and Nadia Giannopoulos ’08M.S.Ed., ’23Ed.D., ICS Board Member & Executive Director of Marie Pense.

St. John’s University supports initiatives through its centers and institutes that focus on multicultural efforts both locally and globally according to its official website. The university features campuses in Queens and Manhattan as well as international sites in Rome, Paris, and Limerick according to the official website.

The institution is affiliated with the Vincentian Community according to its official website, operates as a Catholic university dedicated to liberal arts education according to its official website, offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across six schools according to its official website, and is led by Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., who holds the presidency per the official website.

Events like this resource fair reflect broader efforts by St. John’s University to engage with local communities while advancing inclusion initiatives within higher education.