Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University held its Spring Student Activities Fair on January 29, providing students with a chance to explore a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Over 120 student organizations gathered at the Taffner Field House to recruit new members and share their plans for the semester.

One of the clubs present at the fair was the newly formed SJU Runs club, represented by Kyntel Hines. Hines, a junior studying Health and Human Services, mentioned that the club already has close to 50 members. Another student, Lauren Wright, a senior in Biomedical Sciences, invited students to join Voices of Victory, the University's gospel choir, which is seeking new singers for its spring concert in May.

Nikita Persaud, a junior Marketing student and member of the Mixed Chorus, highlighted the variety of performing arts options available at St. John's. She expressed excitement about the club's plan to mix classical songs with newer pop hits and folk songs during the spring season.

The Irish Society, represented by Marin Murphy, has seen an increase in interest as St. Patrick's Day approaches. Murphy emphasized that the club welcomes anyone interested in Irish culture, not just Irish individuals. The club has also formed partnerships with other campus societies, including the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, to reach a wider audience.

Representatives from St. John's Staten Island campus were also present at the fair. Peter Rapaglia, majoring in Communication Studies, discussed the plans of the Bolt Productions club to continue producing weekly news shows on Instagram after the closure of the Staten Island campus. Rapaglia mentioned the possibility of working with another media club, such as The Torch or WRED-TV.

While some students preferred clubs aligned with their academic and professional interests, others sought new experiences and hobbies. Solange Henriquez, a Psychology major, expressed her enthusiasm for exploring various interests at the fair.

The fair also showcased service organizations consistent with the Vincentian mission of the University. One such organization is the St. John's chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which frequently collaborates with others in projects benefiting underprivileged communities.

The Vincentian tradition was evident in many artistic and academic clubs at the fair. The Future Educators club, for example, not only provides a platform for aspiring educators to socialize and network but also collects school supplies for needy schools. Anthony Coppola, a sophomore in The School of Education, emphasized the importance of supporting schools in underprivileged districts.

Even alumni participated in the fair, representing clubs they were a part of during their time at St. John's. Aayana Evanson, a Computer Science graduate, shared her experience as the former president of the Gaming and Emerging Technology (GET) Club. She encouraged students to explore different clubs and find like-minded individuals.

The Spring Student Activities Fair at St. John's University offered students a plethora of opportunities to get involved on campus. With a diverse range of clubs and organizations, students had the chance to pursue their interests, make new connections, and contribute to the St. John's community.