While many may recognize the name Newman from the antagonist in the NBC sitcom Seinfeld, at St. John's University, it signifies leadership and commitment. The Queens, NY campus administration building bears the name of Rev. John V. Newman, C.M., a long-serving Vincentian administrator.

Initially named Perboyre Hall after Rev. John Gabriel Perboyre, C.M., a beatified Vincentian martyr, the building was renamed Newman Hall in 1995. Fr. Perboyre was a French priest who served as a missionary in China and is recognized as China's first saint.

Fr. Newman was deeply connected to St. John's University throughout his life, having been born and educated within its community before serving as a teacher and administrator for decades. His contributions were honored with various university medals before his passing in 1982.

Newman Hall continues to house key administrative offices at St. John's University, including those of senior leadership and newer departments like the Institute for Critical Race and Ethnic Studies.

The renaming of Perboyre Hall to Newman Hall reflects both Fr. Newman's lasting impact on the university and Fr. Perboyre's historical significance within the Vincentian community.