St. John’s University participates in New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. John’s University joined the 265th New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 20, with students, alumni, administrators, staff, and members of the St. John’s Irish Society marching along Fifth Avenue before an estimated two million spectators.
The event is considered one of the city’s oldest traditions and celebrates Irish heritage and Catholic faith. The university group wore red as they marched through midtown Manhattan among more than 250,000 participants. Senior Daniel Sullivan ’26SJC from Hicksville, New York said, “As a New Yorker with Irish heritage, being part of this parade is a must.” Sullivan also said, “Marching with St. John’s is something every student should experience,” adding, “Seeing and hearing the love from the crowd—it reinforces the power of the St. John’s brand.”
This year’s parade was dedicated to commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As marchers passed landmarks such as Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, crowds cheered for St. John’s University with chants like “Let’s go, Johnnies!”
Brian Browne, Associate Vice President of University Communications and Public Affairs who has coordinated the university’s participation since 2005, said, “It is a fun and special experience. St. John’s always gets a great reception from the hometown crowd—and this year, some revelers even started chanting for Red Storm legend, Zuby!” Zuby Ejiofor is noted as a senior forward for Red Storm who has received several awards in BIG EAST Conference history.
The day began with an alumni brunch at Stout Grand Central hosted by Martin P. Whelan ’84CBA—President/Owner of Stout NYC Hospitality Group and Board of Governors member—who greeted attendees and toasted to all things related to St. John’s.
St. John’s University supports initiatives through its centers and institutes focused 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 its official website. It is affiliated with the Vincentian Community according to its official website and operates as a Catholic institution dedicated to liberal arts education according to its official website. More than 100 undergraduate majors are offered across six schools and colleges according to its official website. Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., held the presidency of St. John’s University per its official website.
The annual parade continues to highlight community spirit while celebrating heritage and tradition between New York City residents and institutions like St. John’s.
