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

The first day of the academic year at St. John’s University marked a new chapter for health sciences education with the opening of the St. Vincent Health Sciences Center. Faculty, administrators, and staff welcomed students to classes in the newly constructed $106 million facility on the Queens, NY campus.

Brian Baumer, Associate Vice President for Campus Facilities and Services, expressed pride in the new building: “The opening of the St. Vincent Health Sciences Center marks a transformative milestone for the facilities department at St. John’s, showcasing a state-of-the-art environment that promotes sustainability, efficiency, and excellence in education.”

Anne Y.F. Lin ’84P, ’86Pharm.D., FNAP, Dean and Professor at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, highlighted student enthusiasm: “What is most exciting is to see the building come alive as the health sciences students are in class and labs, studying and socializing.”

Esther Babalola, a junior nursing student from Hewlett, NY shared her excitement about using new equipment in simulation labs: “It is amazing! My first class was in the simulation lab... It’s exciting to be able to have a hands-on place to learn and have fun.”

St. John’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has been educating healthcare personnel for nearly a century. The reestablishment of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program in 2022 has seen applicant numbers rise significantly from 68 that year to 2,800 for Fall 2024.

Francine Laterza Ed.D., R.N., PNP, CNE Chair of the Department of Nursing noted: “The new center provides students with state-of-the-art educational opportunities... Our new facility allows for increased enrollment and program expansion.”

The center also houses graduate programs such as a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Physician Assistant studies. Amanda Centrone from Mahopac, NY said: “The building is so nice with open areas... that will only help us to advance in our studies.” Binaca Piva from São Paolo added: “We get to be under one roof with other students... this prepares us.”

A state-of-the-art radiography laboratory is also part of the facility's offerings. Sandra Beysolow Ph.D., PA-C remarked: “Training students with the latest technology will place our graduates at the forefront...”

Simon G. Møller Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs concluded optimistically: “This is just the beginning... The future of health sciences at St. John’s is brighter than ever.”