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

St. John's University recently recognized 34 recipients of the Values and Inclusion Program (VIP) awards during a ceremony that took place on April 16 at the Writing Center on the Queens campus. This annual program allows the university community to nominate employees who exemplify the core values of the university: Truth, Love, Respect, Opportunity, Excellence, and Service.

The event was led by Leticia Romero, Associate Director, Office of Employee Belonging, and Rachel Pereira, Ed.D., Esq., Vice President, Office of Equity and Inclusion, who addressed the attendees.

Dr. Pereira spoke about the importance of aligning one's actions with the university's mission amidst current societal challenges. “In today’s world—where polarization can replace dialogue, and where headlines often pull us apart rather than bring us together—there is an urgent need to anchor ourselves in something deeper. Now, more than ever, we are called to dig into our mission—to stand for equity, model inclusion, and lead with love, even when it’s hard, even when it’s not popular,” she asserted. She added, “To live our mission is to do so not in words, but in actions. It’s quiet, consistent, and deeply human.”

Following Dr. Pereira, Keaton Wong, J.D., Associate Vice President, Office of Human Resources, presented the awards, which included certificates and gifts of appreciation. Ms. Wong commented on the involvement of students in the nomination process, stating, “I think this shows us that our students care about the work we do every day, and that the way in which we do that work really matters. You matter.”

For those interested in submitting nominations, a new period will open this fall. There are also plans to feature photographs of the 2025 VIP awardees in a gallery-style display at the Writing Center during the summer.