In order to keep our mission strong, we must ensure that our academic programs operate within a culture of both service and learning. To that end, we moved forward this year with three initiatives involving many of our senior leaders, staff, faculty and students: • The Vincentian Institute for Social Action (VISA) As the institutional embodiment of our mission, VISA is the vehicle through which St. John’s will establish itself as a center of student engagement. The Institute will draw from our strengths in academic inquiry to promote dialogue and action. • The Vincentian Mission Certificate Program To ensure that future generations of students will be taught, mentored and inspired by lay leaders who embody Catholic values and Vincentian charism, St. John’s instituted this 16-month training program open to administrators, staff and faculty. Participants take a series of classes in Vincentian and Catholic social thought taught by practicing Vincentians, perform a minimum of 50 hours of service and participate in religious reflections and retreats. This year, 58 members of the University community from 25 departments took part. • The Vincentian Mission Institute (VMI) A three-year collaborative effort of the three Vincentian universities in the United States – St. John’s, De Paul and Niagara – VMI provides continuing education in Catholic and Vincentian teachings and values to senior leaders at each university. In June 2009, St. John’s will host a conference to determine the future activities of the Institute. With our leadership fully committed to the principles of St. Vincent de Paul, we are assured that our students will grow and learn in an atmosphere in which academic excellence is coupled with social awareness and action.
“Doing service for a diversity of New York City’s needy is broadening my scope of experiences and knowledge of the manifestations of poverty and social injustice. Hearing their stories broke down stereotypes and helped me get to the heart of their problems. It made me feel empowered and persuaded me that one person really can make a difference.…My service with at-risk youth has confirmed that I want to be a teacher who enables children to dream and fulfill ambitions that take them beyond their current lives.” Megan Chadzutko Ozanam Scholar Education Major Class of 2011