St. John's News
St. John’s Adds A Bit of Red to the Green
March 20, 2007
A late season blast from Old Man Winter wasn’t enough to chill
the St. John’s spirit at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade held in New
York City. More than 150 students, faculty, staff, alumni and
friends of the University braved chilly weather and piles of snow
left over from a storm the day before to march in the 246th annual
parade which wound its way up Fifth Avenue, from 44th to 86th
streets. Decked out in red St. John’s sashes, the group drew
applause and cheers from crowds lining the sidewalk.
Photo
Gallery
Alum Wally Smith ’80C, ’85MBA said marching in the parade was an
honor that participants enjoy. The event, he said, is very much in
keeping with the traditions and values of St. John’s. “St. John's
University and the St. Patrick's Day parade are both New York
traditions,” he exclaimed. “According to the university mission
statement, ‘St. John's University is Catholic, Vincentian and
Metropolitan,’ and all three of these aspects come together in
celebration at the New York St. Patrick's Day parade.” Having
participated in the past, he said he wouldn’t miss it for the
world. “I've had the opportunity to march behind the St. John's
banner for the past two years. At nearly every block along the
parade route, groups of spectators cheered for St. John's. It seems
as though everyone in New York knows and loves St. John's.”
Some alumni made a day of it by attending a special St.
Patrick’s Day brunch held at St. Andrew’s Pub where they enjoyed
their choice of a traditional Irish or American breakfast and a
performance of Irish dances from a local troupe before heading out
to march. Once gathered behind the St. John’s banner, the group
moved cheerily along the parade route and started a chant of “We
Are…St. John’s!” Members of the University family were so
noticeable that they even caught the attention of the broadcast
network which covered the parade.
The University’s participation in the event has increased each
year and organizers hope to keep it growing strong as plans are
already in the works for next year’s parade. So save the date and
plan on displaying your St. John’s pride in 2008!