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

More than 850 prospective students and their families visited St. John’s University for its first undergraduate Fall Open House of 2025, marking a record turnout for the event. Attendees began their day at Carnesecca Arena before touring the Queens campus either independently or with guidance from Student Ambassadors.

Kerri Darcy, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment, said, “It was a beautiful fall day on campus—the air was crisp and filled with energy. We were thrilled to welcome prospective students and their families to experience the spirit of St. John’s firsthand.”

The open house featured guided tours of academic facilities, including the newly opened St. Vincent Health Sciences Center. The center, which launched in Fall 2024, serves as a hub for students in Nursing, Radiologic Sciences, and Physician Assistant programs.

Brooke Louisa, a high school senior visiting from East Elmhurst, NY, said about the new facility: “The [St. Vincent] Health Sciences Center is just amazing. I plan to study either nursing or go pre-med, so I certainly wanted to explore. St. John’s has such a beautiful, modern campus. I actually played in a basketball tournament here, but this is my first time really getting to experience all the facilities.”

Her parents expressed confidence in both the safety of the campus and the quality of education available at St. John’s University. Barbara Louisa stated: “The campus is very secure, and I feel like we won’t have to worry about her when she’s here. I feel like she’ll get a quality education at St. John’s, and she’ll be happy. That’s what’s most important.”

In addition to tours of science labs and art studios across campus—including stops at facilities dedicated to media arts and technology—guests attended information sessions about academic programs and student services inside Taffner Field House.

Alumni also participated in the event by sharing personal experiences with their children considering enrollment at St. John’s University.

Christian Soto ’00Ed, ’02GEd, ’11Ed.D., who accompanied his daughter Julia during her visit said: “St. John’s was very, very good to me. The professors were amazing, and I had a really special relationship with them,” he offered. “The decision of where she goes to school is hers to make, but I would love for her to be a Johnnie.”

John Keogh from Richmond Hill cited family tradition as an influence on his college search: “I’m thinking of studying Criminal Justice because I know it’s a solid program and St. John’s has such a prestigious reputation,” he said.

Prospective students traveled from several states outside New York—including Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island—and as far away as Texas.

Carmen Espinosa attended after learning more about St. John's through outreach at her high school in Manhattan: “After talking to them about everything St. John’s has to offer, I wanted to learn more,” she said. “I came here today to see the campus, and I really think I fell in love with this place. I’m very religious so the fact that St.John's is a Catholic school is very important to me too.”

Ms.Darcy summarized the event by stating: “The excitement and smiles throughout the day truly reflected what makes our community so special,and we look forward to welcoming more students to our last Open House on November 15.”