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

St. John's University hosted the Spring Student Activities Fair on January 29, providing students with a chance to explore a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Over 120 student organizations participated in the event, eager to recruit new members and share their plans for the upcoming 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 nearly 50 members. This highlights the enthusiasm and interest of students in engaging in physical activities and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

The fair also showcased opportunities for students interested in music and community. Lauren Wright, a senior Biomedical Sciences student, is a member of Voices of Victory, the University's gospel choir. They are actively looking for new singers to join them for their spring concert in May. Wright expressed her excitement about collaborating with other musical groups on campus to create a spectacular showcase event.

Nikita Persaud, a junior Marketing student and member of the Mixed Chorus, emphasized the variety of performing arts options at St. John's. She mentioned that during the spring, the club likes to mix classical songs with newer pop hits and folk songs. This demonstrates the club's commitment to offering diverse and engaging performances.

The fair also highlighted the Irish Society, which has seen a surge in interest due to the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Marin Murphy, a fifth-year student in the Doctor of Pharmacy program and secretary of the Irish Society, emphasized that the club welcomes not only Irish individuals but anyone interested in Irish culture. Their partnerships with other campus societies, such as the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, have helped them reach a broader audience.

Representatives from St. John's Staten Island campus were also present at the fair. Peter Rapaglia, a Communication Studies major and member of the Bolt Productions club, shared his excitement about continuing their weekly news shows on Instagram after the closure of the Staten Island campus. Rapaglia mentioned the possibility of working with other media clubs on the main campus, such as The Torch or WRED-TV.

While some students were drawn to clubs aligned with their academic and professional interests, others sought new experiences and hobbies. Solange Henriquez, a Psychology major, expressed her openness to exploring any club that might interest her.

The fair also showcased service organizations consistent with the Vincentian mission of the University. The St. John's chapter of Habitat for Humanity, for instance, collaborates with other organizations to serve underprivileged communities.

The Vincentian tradition was evident in many artistic and academic clubs at the fair. The St. John's Future Educators club not only encourages aspiring educators to socialize and network but also collects supplies for needy schools. Anthony Coppola, a sophomore in the School of Education, highlighted the club's efforts to support schools in need and provide essential resources.

Even alumni participated in the fair, representing clubs they were involved in during their time at St. John's. Aayana Evanson, a Computer Science graduate, was a former president of the Gaming and Emerging Technology (GET) Club. She shared her experiences and insights with interested students, promoting the club's primary events, such as the Game Jam competition.

In conclusion, the Spring Student Activities Fair at St. John's University provided a vibrant platform for students to explore numerous extracurricular opportunities. The event showcased the diverse interests and passions of the student body, with clubs ranging from sports and music to cultural and service-based organizations. The fair not only allowed students to connect with existing clubs but also encouraged them to discover new interests and broaden their horizons. As Aayana Evanson, a Computer Science alumna, advised, "Just try everything out. You will find people of like-minded interests."