Dear Friends of St. John’s University,
As President of St. John’s, I have the pleasure of reporting on the
major accomplishments of our University during the 2007-08 academic
year. As you read through these pages, you will note that the
report focuses on three themes.
The first of these has been highlighted previously and is featured
again this year because of its centrality to all that we do. That
is an enduring commitment to mission, particularly our unique
Vincentian mission, derived from St. Vincent de Paul’s dedication
to serving others. That mission animated establishment of the
Ozanam Scholars program, designed for students who have already
amassed a record of community service and are interested in
enhancing their studies with volunteer work that can truly
transform the world. It is central, as well, to programs that
foster a culture of service within University personnel – faculty,
administration and staff – who interact with students. And it
motivates initiatives such as the newly created Office of
Sustainability, intended to assure that St. John’s plays an active
role in environmental stewardship.
The second theme, engagement, emerges from the first. Vincent de
Paul was, most emphatically, a man of action, committed to
involvement with the world. Following his inspiration, St. John’s
offers realworld experiences where students can test theoretical
knowledge, hone leadership skills and work to improve society. The
Tenant Advocacy Clinic of the School of Law, outreach activities of
the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, partnerships
between The School of Education and a variety of urban schools and
work done by The Peter J. Tobin College of Business students with
numerous non-profit organizations are just a few examples of the
active learning experiences that enrich students’ years at St.
John’s. And the University’s sponsorship of Bread and Life provides
opportunities to help the poor within our own metropolitan
area.
The third theme is intertwined with the other two, for it shows the
increasingly global nature of our University and how we prepare
students to engage in serving the needs of others throughout the
world. For example, opportunities to study abroad include a service
component. New academic programs, including the proposed master’s
in International Communications to be offered by the College of
Professional Studies, have a global focus. And Campus Ministry
fosters Vincentian formation by initiatives such as a volunteer
experience in Lourdes, where students work with sick and dying
pilgrims who journey to that site from throughout the world. The
end of this report documents the effective stewardship of our
financial resources. In that regard, let me take this
opportunity to express the gratitude of our entire community to the
many friends and supporters whose gifts assist our efforts. Their
generosity and God’s continued blessings will assure the growth and
vitality of St. John’s.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Harrington, C.M.
President