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

St. John’s University held its 28th Annual President’s Dinner on October 30 at the New York Hilton Midtown, raising $4 million for student scholarships. The event matched a previous fundraising record and highlighted additional recent donations that have brought the total scholarship funds to $10 million.

Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s University, announced the expanded tally during the dinner, crediting both bequests and other gifts made outside of the annual event. He referenced a recent $15 million donation from the Sallie Wang Revocable Trust—$5 million of which is dedicated to scholarships—and another bequest of $1 million.

Fr. Shanley addressed attendees about the broader impact of education: “The most powerful thing you can do for an individual and a family is to give them a college education. That changes the trajectory of not just one kid, but of their whole family. The Vincentians have always known this, and that’s why they founded St. John’s.”

The evening also featured presentations of the Spirit of Service Award to alumni and supporters who have contributed significantly to their communities and upheld university values.

Edward W. Doherty, founder of Doherty Enterprises, Inc., accepted an award by reflecting on his own experience: “A Vincentian education allowed me to be hired by Mobil Oil Corporation as a sales rep calling on 40 gas stations in Bedford-Stuyvesant and East New York in 1968,” he said. He credited further career opportunities—including time at Marriott Corporation—to earning his MBA while attending St. John’s at night.

Another honoree, Mr. Gartner—a School of Law graduate and University Trustee—noted: “I had great St. John’s mentors throughout my career.” He explained that academic scholarships helped offset tuition costs during his studies.

Mr. Rudzewick discussed how faith-based education influenced his approach as President and CEO of Maspeth Federal Savings: “Our earnings are not distributed to shareholders, but held for those that truly need help... We pray that our organization’s leadership inspires our employees and members, setting an example to help others.”

Jeffrey R. Byrnes accepted an award on behalf of Dr. Pamela Shea-Byrnes, highlighting her dedication: “There is a passage from scripture that truly embodies the spirit of Pam Shea-Byrnes: Act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly with your God,” he said.

Bruce Beck from NBC4 New York served as Master of Ceremonies and spoke about Hearts on Fire—a $400-million campaign aimed at increasing access to education through scholarships and campus investments—and reported improved rankings for St. John’s in U.S News & World Report's list of national universities (now ranked 151) as well as in Best Value Schools (ranked 164).

Beck also mentioned athletics achievements under Head Coach Rick Pitino; St John's Men’s Basketball team recently achieved its highest preseason ranking ever—fifth—in the Associated Press Top 25 Men’s College Basketball Poll.

Student speaker Sarah Rao emphasized how donor support has impacted her educational journey: “The Dr. Pamela Shea-Byrnes Catholic Scholars Endowed Scholarship Fund was a miracle in my life that made my St. John’s dream a reality...” She continued: “Tonight, my heart is on fire with gratitude... because your generosity does more than fund scholarships; it ignites possibility.”

Paige F. Band—cochair for Graduates of the Last Decade—highlighted scholarship importance for students paying off loans: “Student scholarships are the reason so many of us get to go to school.”

Other students shared similar sentiments about alumni engagement and support at events like this one.

The dinner gathered students serving as ambassadors alongside benefactors who contribute directly toward making higher education accessible through financial aid.