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

St. John’s University held its annual StormFest event on October 18 at its Queens, New York campus, bringing together students, parents, alumni, and staff for a day of community activities. The event featured music, campus tours, college presentations, a men’s basketball exhibition game, and opportunities for families to connect.

This year’s StormFest also highlighted the university’s Hearts on Fire campaign, which aims to raise $400 million to support future students.

Sara Hunt Munoz, Ed.D., Senior Director of Alumni Engagement in the Office of Alumni Relations, said, “StormFest was an incredible success. It was amazing to see so many of our alumni return to campus, reconnect with each other, and enjoy the spirit of our community. This annual event continues to grow, and each year it becomes more evident just how strong and proud our alumni network truly is.”

The day began with a breakfast hosted by University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., for current students and their parents. During his remarks, Fr. Shanley stated: “This is a joyful weekend. There is much that is good, beautiful, and from God that is here. So, we invite you to enjoy the moment, to appreciate the gift that is St. John’s.” He continued: “We appreciate the gift that are your sons and daughters. Our students are our most precious resource. Today, we celebrate what St. John’s is gifting to your students and to your families because a St. John’s education not only changes the students who come here, it changes families.”

Ms. Simons added: “What’s great about that is we have current students and their families who are here at the breakfast, but later on at the Great Lawn mingle with alumni and begin to see the power of the St. John’s alumni network and the legacy of which they will be a part.”

Families from various locations shared positive experiences about their time at St. John’s University. Olivia Christopherson from Boston said she found a sense of belonging in her Government and Politics program after initial concerns about adjusting to college life away from home.

Her mother Carolita expressed appreciation for university communications with parents: “I love the newsletters they send out. When we came to tour and when we moved her in, everyone was so enthusiastic. Even at the restaurants, as soon as people heard we were coming to St. John’s, they talked it up.”

Other families echoed similar sentiments about feeling welcomed by staff across campus departments.

Nashawn Critchlow described St. John’s as “a community that cares beyond the tuition.” Danielle Rouse ’22GP from Barbados shared her positive experience conducting cancer research during her doctoral studies in pharmacology.

Each college within St. John’s hosted sessions where deans discussed academic programs with attendees:

- Tina J. Kanmaz spoke about new facilities at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: “As you can tell, the St. Vincent Health Sciences Center is our newest gem on campus… Our students get to practice their patient care skills here before they work with actual patients.”

- Maciek Nowak highlighted improvements at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business: “When you send your kids to us, you trust us to ultimately help them get a job,” he said.

- Luca Iandoli discussed interdisciplinary flexibility offered by The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies.

- James D. Wolfinger emphasized educational values at The School of Education: “Faithful to the mission since 1870—you will see that all around here,” he said.

Alumni attended from both nearby neighborhoods like Queens as well as farther locations such as Port Jefferson in Long Island.

Courtney Herbert ’06Ed.D., whose son Joseph now attends St John's studying actuarial science at Tobin College of Business remarked: “St. John’s is generational… Now that my son is here it means even more to me.” Joseph added: “I like my classes and so far everything has been great.”

Outdoor activities included carnival rides and food trucks serving various cuisines.