Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
More than 2,000 individuals, including prospective and current students, alumni, families, and friends of St. John’s University, gathered at the Queens campus from October 25 to 27 for StormFest. This event combined Family Weekend, Alumni Homecoming, and Undergraduate Admission Open House for the first time.
"StormFest has something for everyone—our alumni Johnnies, our current Johnnies, and our future Johnnies," stated Ms. Simons. The weekend featured various activities such as a 5K walk/run, a family carnival with a beverage garden, academic tours including the new St. Vincent Health Sciences Center, theater performances by the Chappell Players Theater Group, and a community Mass.
Sports enthusiasts attended NCAA Division I events like the University Men's Basketball team's exhibition game against Towson University Tigers at Carnesecca Arena. The Red Storm won 64-46 in this charity game benefiting Autism Speaks.
Prospective students were welcomed on the final day during St. John's fall Open House. A key event was breakfast with Rev. Brian J. Shanley in Montgoris Dining Hall where he emphasized spiritual growth: "At the deepest level, we are committed to the spiritual success of your students."
First-year student Taquan Smith shared his enthusiasm for his Speech-Language Pathology major inspired by personal experiences. Branson Bailey from Los Angeles expressed excitement about experiencing life in New York City while studying Legal Studies at St. John's.
Romy Conza from Queens is pursuing criminal justice but found an interest in Philosophy through her classes at St. John's.
Families toured the $106-million St. Vincent Health Sciences Center which offers advanced learning facilities for Nursing and Radiologic Sciences students among others.
Alumni like Anthony Yandoli attended Fun Festival activities celebrating their connection to St. John's: "I come to as many events like this at St. John’s as I can."
Tina Fevola enjoyed attractions with her son Adam Nash while reflecting on her college days at St. John's Staten Island campus.
Kim Checkers highlighted her family's legacy at St. John's: "St. John’s does a great job of helping the next generation get ahead."
Sara Hunt Munoz expressed satisfaction with StormFest's success: "We couldn’t have asked for a better day! It was wonderful to see Johnnies of all ages converge on campus."