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

St. John’s University held its annual Founder’s Week from September 22 to 29, honoring the legacy of St. Vincent de Paul and celebrating the institution’s Vincentian heritage through a series of events that combined lectures, prayerful reflections, and service opportunities.

Founder’s Week is an annual tradition at St. John’s University designed to recognize the values and actions of St. Vincent de Paul, who was known for his practical approach to serving others and building effective teams. The week included University Service Day on September 27, where students, faculty, and staff participated in various service activities both on campus and in the local community.

Rev. Patrick J. Griffin, C.M., Executive Director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society, explained that this year’s theme was inspired by a quote from St. Vincent: “Our vocation is to set people’s hearts on fire, to do what the Son of God did. He came to set the world on fire in order to inflame it with His love.” Fr. Griffin added, “With this impetus, the events of Founder’s Week focused our attention on the way in which our hearts can be set ablaze in service, prayer, and reflection. Vincent’s words and example provide tinder for the flame.”

Students participated in projects such as Project AIM—a peer-mentoring program supporting international undergraduates—and creating cards for hospitalized children at the Queens campus.

Senior Marketing major Luke Nordstrom described his experience volunteering with Project AIM: “[Service day] is a great opportunity to model what St. Vincent de Paul did for the poor and needy. It makes me feel good because we’re doing it and not just talking about it. You’re serving, rather than being served.”

Katherine Garlisi, a junior Journalism major making cards for children in hospitals during Service Day said: “It gives out first-year students a good impression of St. John’s and what being a Vincentian school really means, and that we’re focused on doing these acts of service not just today but throughout the entire year.”

A Mass celebrating the Solemnity of St. Vincent de Paul was held at St. Thomas More Church on September 26 with Rev. Aidan R. Rooney delivering remarks connecting St. Vincent's life to themes from the Beatitudes in Matthew's Gospel reading: “It certainly is why when the Congregation of the Mission wanted to celebrate the Feast of St. Vincent they chose this Gospel,” he said.

Following Mass, graduates from this year’s cohort of the Vincentian Mission Certificate (VMC) program were recognized for their commitment to service rooted in faith.

Frances Sarcona—Associate Director of Career Services—volunteered at Ronald McDonald House New York as part of her VMC experience: “Volunteering there with my colleagues was an uplifting experience that reminded me how even during challenging times giving to others can bring light and motivation to your own day...I encourage others to do the same.” She added that participation allowed her “to grow in my faith...and build strong roots within both the St John’s community and its mission.”

The week concluded with luncheons honoring faculty research efforts aligned with university values as well as staff contributions.

Jenny Yang—Assistant Professor at The School of Education—presented work establishing new models for teaching programming skills aimed at increasing engagement among girls and minorities: her project reported positive results over a month-long period introducing computer skills basics.

At another luncheon event Rachel Pereira—Vice President for Equity & Inclusion—spoke about how historically marginalized groups shaped university founding principles: “They didn’t just see who was inside halls...they saw who was left outside.” Pereira used imagery comparing community support roles at St John’s with protection provided by a heart's pericardium: “We are pericardium...we protect heart so fire can burn.”