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

St. John’s University formally welcomed its next generation of Johnnies on September 5 at New Student Convocation ceremonies that combined aspirational messaging with old-fashioned fun.

Inside Carnesecca Arena, speakers including University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., and Shamarric Edwards, a senior in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, urged the new students to aim high while working hard, calling on them to embrace the values and mission of the University.

“Welcome to St. John’s,” Fr. Shanley said. “You are here not only because you chose St. John’s, but also because God guided you here.”

“St. John’s is a place brimming with discoveries and delightful paradoxes,” Shamarric added. “You’ll discover your true self, yet you might get lost around campus a few times. You can ask questions you do not know the answers to and find solutions you did not know you were looking for. All of this is a part of the unique journey you’re starting today.”

Outside of the arena, a festive spirit took hold in a carnival-like setting that featured mini-golf, a bounce house, live music, food trucks, and even a mechanical bull. The “Cowboy Johnny” celebration was a hit with first-year students from near and far, including Finance student Ian Beppler from San Diego, CA.

“I really liked St. John’s location in New York City,” Ian said. “It’s close to family I have in Pennsylvania. It is a wonderful way to be welcomed here.”

First-year Television and Film student Alex Glick likened the atmosphere outside Carnesecca Arena to an arcade but appreciated the wisdom delivered inside by members of University administration.

“It’s an amazing day,” Alex from Freehold, NJ said. “It’s great to be here listening to such valuable advice.”

The “Cowboy Johnny” theme made hats and boots a popular wardrobe choice among the entertainers, including Ezekiel O. Akinyemi ’08TCB aka DJ Zeke and country musician Chris Moreno from Boston, MA. Students including first-year Pharmacy student Tahsin Ramisa from Queens took turns on the mechanical bull, laughing as they experienced a bit of Western entertainment.

“Events like this are great ways to meet new people,” Tahsin said. “I didn’t really know too many people here before this week, but we are here now as a group.”

New Student Convocation followed the University’s annual Faculty Recognition Ceremony where teaching achievements were recognized and more than 30 new faculty members were welcomed.

“I think most of us in this room if we start to think about the people who have made the biggest difference in our lives who are not family or our friends it’s teachers,” Fr. Shanley told the assembled faculty. “That inspired me to want to be a teacher myself. No one aspires to the profession that we are in without having had amazing teachers.”

Together these events provided an inspirational start to the Fall 2024 semester.

“Go into class with an open mind,” Simon G Møller Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs University Distinguished Professor and Provost Endowed Chair told students at the New Student Convocation.” Engage with your fellow students and professors Question yourself and question others Respect others and learn from others This is your time to shine.”