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

St. John’s University has received a $100,000 grant from the Theresa and Edward O’Toole Foundation to support economically disadvantaged students in participating in the Vincentian Institute for Social Action’s (VISA) “Plunge” program. Dana Livingston, Director for Vincentian Service and Social Justice at VISA, expressed the importance of the grant in removing financial barriers for students who are eager to engage in social justice through service.

The Plunge program, a 30-year-old initiative, offers students the opportunity to work with Vincentian communities in various service activities, fostering a deeper understanding of faith and social justice. Recent Plunges have taken students to diverse locations such as Panama, France, Texas, and South Carolina, each aiming to enrich participants' perspectives on community engagement and service.

Christopher Bernabe, a student pursuing a Master of Business Administration at St. John’s College of Business, highlighted the transformative nature of the Plunge experience, expressing his joy in knowing that the grant will enable more students to partake in this valuable program. Similarly, Ozanam Scholar Sullivan Padgett emphasized the importance of ensuring equal access to the Plunge program, stating that "no one should have to worry about access to this uniquely Vincentian program."

Rachel O’Reilly, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at St. John’s University, estimated that the grant will allow approximately 83 students to participate in domestic immersions or 50 students to engage in international immersions. She emphasized that this partnership aligns with St. John’s Vincentian mission of serving those in need in a tangible and impactful manner.

Sarah Quispe, a student pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Criminology and Justice at St. John’s College, who has participated in two Plunges, emphasized the significance of increasing program accessibility to ensure that all students committed to Vincentian values can benefit from these life-changing experiences. The grant not only eases financial constraints but also broadens the scope of the Plunge program, making it more inclusive and diverse in its reach.