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

St. John’s University’s St. Vincent Health Sciences Center has significantly impacted the landscape of health-care education in New York City. The University community, along with honored guests and elected officials, gathered on September 18 to bless and dedicate the state-of-the-art facility that opened at the beginning of the fall semester.

Cloudy skies led University officials to erect a tent as a precaution against rain, but no showers occurred. During his introductory remarks, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President, expressed gratitude for the favorable weather.

“I want to give a special shout-out to God first because I thought it was going to rain today. That’s why we have this tent,” he explained. “The Vincentians and I were offering our prayers and supplications—and thank God, we’ve got a lovely day to do it.”

Rev. Shanley reflected on the building's construction process: “I’ve been watching this building since it started,” he recalled. “I’ve occasionally walked through, and when it was finally finished and I visited it, I almost wanted to cry. I was just so happy.” He added that the project was completed on time and under budget.

Anne Y.F. Lin ’84P, ’86Pharm.D., FNAP, Dean and Professor at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, highlighted that the new facility includes state-of-the-art classrooms, cutting-edge laboratories, virtual-reality space, and a high-fidelity simulation center.

“It is a magnificent addition to the campus and reflects the remarkable generosity of our alumni and St. John’s unwavering commitment to providing students with the highest quality education,” she said.

The construction of St. Vincent Health Sciences Center was funded by private donations as well as public grants including $5 million from New York State Higher Education Capital Matching Grant Program, $700,000 from Empire State Development Grant Program, and $1.25 million from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

More than $20 million in philanthropic support came from alumni couple Peter P. D’Angelo ’78MBA,’06HON and Trustee Margaret LaRosa D’Angelo ’70Ed,’22HON.

The spacious atrium is named in memory of Dorothea “Dorie” Hayes Davatzes’66Ed and Nickolas “Nick” Davatzes ’62C,’64G,’95HON—Trustee Emeritus—whose family made a five-million-dollar commitment in 2022.

Very Rev. Stephen M. Grozio delivered an invocation quoting St.Vincent de Paul: “‘Never get angry with them... Imagine that you are their visible guardian angel.’ This last phrase is inscribed on the cornerstone of this building in Latin: Deus vos consolationem eis constituit.”

Joseph Mir—a Nursing major set to graduate in 2027—spoke about his connection to St.John’s Nursing program due to its reputation for excellence in Pharmacy and Physician Assistant programs.

“All of us in the Nursing program... eagerly anticipate opportunities that this new building will provide,” Mir said.

Rev.Aidan R.Rooney conducted a blessing ceremony assisted by Chiyoko Goya who read a letter from St.Paul.The event included ceremonial ribbon-cutting involving key figures such as William J.Janetschek; Very Rev.Steven M.Grozio; Peter & Margaret D’Angelo; Dr.Lin; Fr.Shanley; Fr.Rooney; Simon G.Møller Ph.D.; among others.

Janetschek thanked all contributors noting,“Thank you...to all who have contributed time effort treasure...No area exemplifies Vincentian mission better than healthcare.”

Mrs.D’Angelo emphasized,“Helping people often in times greatest need what mission about fitting building named honor St.Vincent...graduates these healthcare programs carry Catholic tradition helping poor those need.”

Junior Nursing major Emma Dergarabedian commented on technological advancements saying,“It’s incredible entire lab space built like real hospital prepare future setting.”

Sunil Kumar ’09GP,’14Ph.D., Assistant Professor stated,“Beautiful part gives PA students home campus rooms feel hospital...Nature exists 3D access virtual-reality simulators labs walk hospital won’t feel difference.”

Dean Lin concluded emphasizing impact beyond walls university stating,“Legacy generous contributions donors commitment university not building generations healthcare professionals provide compassionate ethical quality care touch lives patients care astronomical legacy meaningful dedication St.Vincent Health Sciences Center many years come communities."