September 13, 2010
The day before their academic careers officially began, incoming
freshmen were welcomed into the academic community of St. John’s
University during the annual New Student Convocation, held
simultaneously on the Queens and Staten Island campuses on Tuesday,
September 1.
In Queens, students received a rousing reception from the St.
John’s Pep Band and the Red Storm cheerleaders before the formal
program, in which they heard words of inspiration from their fellow
students and University officials. The Convocation combined the
pomp and circumstance of a formal academic program with an animated
celebration that enthusiastically introduced the freshmen to their
new home, bookending their Commencement experience four years from
now.
Convocation Photo Gallery - Queens Campus
As he opened the program,
Derek Owens, D.A., Vice Provost and Executive Director for the
Institute for Writing Studies, lightened the mood by pretending to
receive a text message from a friend, and replying at length. “This
is an example of what you should not do in the classroom,” he
stressed.
“You are here because you imagined something wonderful for your
life,” observed Julia
Upton, RSM, Provost of St. John’s University. “Although you may
classify yourselves as undecided, during your time here you will
gain more clarity about yourself and where you’re headed.” Dr.
Upton encouraged students to take advantage of all the support
programs available to them at St. John’s, including the Freshman
Center, the Writing
Center, and the newly-renovated library.
“Each of you gets a fresh start today,” Dr. Upton stressed. “When
you walk into class tomorrow your professors will know nothing
about your past. You can reinvent yourself.” She noted that former
students who once sat where they did became governors, cabinet
members, eminent researchers and huge successes in a variety of
fields. “They helped make a difference in the world and so can
you.”
New Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Steve Lavin confessed to the assembly he was experiencing “game
day jitters” as he addressed them. “A little bit of anxiety can be
a good thing if channeled correctly,” he stressed. “There is
something intoxicating about new beginnings and fresh starts. I’ll
be moving forward with you.”
Coach Lavin encouraged students to develop their own “toolbox” of
strengths to draw from during their time at St. John’s. He
challenged students to be passionate, to listen well, to put in the
hours and be resilient. “Achievers and people at the highest levels
have a sincere sense of gratitude. You should feel grateful to be
here at St. John’s where you will get a world-class
education.”
During the Staten Island Convocation students heard encouraging
words from Jerrold Ross, Dean of the School of Education and
Academic Vice-President of the Staten Island campus, as well as
from current students who shared their St. John’s experiences with
them.
Convocation Photo Gallery - Staten Island Campus
During his remarks, Dean Ross observed that the Staten Island
campus has been described as having a magical history of design and
purpose. “If we are to carry on that purpose – striving toward
excellence in all of our schools and colleges – students bear
as much responsibility for its continued success as their
predecessors’ long and distinguished record.”
“The Convocation felt like a graduation ceremony to me because it
was such a special event,” incoming freshman Miguel Mendez
observed. “We were celebrated for coming to St. John’s and
commended for all we have done to be where we are today.” Angela
Matrone, a Communications major in the College of Professional
Studies was inspired by what she heard at the Convocation. “After
listening to all the speeches, I feel ready and excited to start my
first year at St. Johns!”