St. John's News

As President of St. John’s University I wish to commend the women and men from all segments of our University and broader community who worked to keep our campus safe and informed during yesterday’s event and in its aftermath. We are fortunate that what might have materialized into a truly devastating occurrence was averted.

We have an Emergency Plan in place, which includes providing text messages that will keep the University community fully informed should there be an emergency. I am happy to be able to tell you that the Plan worked well yesterday, a tribute, I believe, to our Public Safety staff, the New York City Police Department, as well as members of the University community, who were alert to the danger, responsible in reporting it, and cooperative in following University instructions during the several hours following the incident. We have blanketed the University with reminders on the procedures to be followed during an emergency and will continue to do so periodically, so that everyone remains fully informed. 

This morning we gathered as a community in St. Thomas More Church to celebrate the Feast of St. Vincent de Paul and to thank God for safeguarding us in the face of this potentially dangerous situation. Many of our students, faculty, and administrators joined in this celebration.

In the days and weeks ahead, we shall be implementing a series of programs to enhance our preparedness for situations such as this. We are encouraging that everyone provide the contact information needed for them to be part of the text messaging notification system. Personnel from the Counseling Center and University Ministry are available to talk with individuals who may be feeling anxious or apprehensive. And we have initiated a training program for faculty to help them spot and take appropriate action on behaviors that have the potential to be disruptive.

We are grateful for the outreach from our alumni, elected officials, and other friends during this difficult time. Your telephone calls, emails, and  messages of support are very much appreciated.