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

St. John’s University recently celebrated its annual Founder’s Week, coinciding with the 400th anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission, also known as the Vincentians. The event highlighted the central Vincentian question: "What must be done?" and combined lectures, prayerful reflections, and service opportunities.

Founder’s Week featured several key events, including University Service Day on September 21. This day saw participation from all St. John’s campuses in various local, national, and global community service activities. Business Analytics major Shamarric Edwards volunteered with the Campaign Against Hunger for his third year, while Government and Politics major Hannah MacLean participated at City Harvest in New York City.

Biology major Jaryd Miles Buendia also joined efforts with the Campaign Against Hunger. He noted that their work supported over 14,000 families locally. “It was such a rewarding experience that brought us closer to our peers and the people in our surrounding community,” he said.

Several lectures were held throughout Founder’s Week to explore its theme from different perspectives. On September 24, Dr. Dave A. Chokshi discussed health justice in his lecture “Healing our Rifts: A Vision for Health Justice.” Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Chokshi emphasized addressing underlying issues like poverty and racism.

Dylan Corbett of the Hope Border Institute spoke on September 25 about migration issues in his talk “Migration in a Hopeful Key.” He urged a new understanding of migration beyond crisis language: “The encounter with the ‘other’ is an act of love in favor of justice for the common good of all.”

A special Mass on September 27 celebrated St. Vincent de Paul’s legacy at St. Thomas More Church on St. John’s Queens campus. Rev. Aidan R. Rooney highlighted St. Vincent's foundation of the Congregation of the Mission as his most significant legacy.

The week concluded with luncheons on September 30 focusing on faculty research and administrative initiatives aligned with Vincentian values. Dr. Shruti Deshpande discussed her research into hearing issues among young children funded by an FRC grant.

Joseph E. Oliva addressed administrators and staff about practical ways to implement this year’s theme: “You have to be aware of what it is that needs to be done,” he said, emphasizing effective strategies over feel-good moments.

Tamein Haynes shared how colleagues inspired her to join service programs at St. John’s: “There are other people who also influence others here... there are a lot of inspirational people at St. John’s.”