The Convocation is a Time-Honored Tradition that Inducts Students into Academic Life at St. John's
August 21, 2017
St. John’s University begins its 148th academic year by welcoming incoming students at the New Student Convocation to be held on August 29 on the Queens campus. This year, new students will hear from Patricia Ann McDonald, the widow of Steven McDonald, a New York City police officer who was shot by a 15-year-old boy in Central Park in July 1986 and was paralyzed from the neck down. McDonald, who forgave his assailant, died on January 10, 2017 at the age of 59.
Together, the McDonalds overcame their tragedy to launch a worldwide crusade for peace and forgiveness.
In 2012, McDonald was the recipient of St. John’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal. Like Mother Seton,
McDonald has served as a role model for women everywhere who find the faith and courage to live lives marked by grace and forgiveness.
McDonald was chosen to address new students to coincide with the Freshman Reading Book, Why Forgive?, by Johann Christoph Arnold. Although Arnold passed away last year, the stories of forgiveness he collected for his book live on in the minds and hearts of readers. One of those stories was written by former Detective Steven McDonald.
“We are very pleased to have Mrs. McDonald come to campus,” said Robert A. Mangione, Ed.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, adding, “and we believe the message she brings will inspire and motivate our students as they read Why Forgive?”
WHAT: 2017 New Student Convocation
WHEN: Tuesday, August 29 at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: St. John’s University’s Queens Campus
Carnesecca Arena
8000 Utopia Parkway
About St. John’s University
Founded in 1870, St. John’s is a Catholic and Vincentian university that promotes student success through academic excellence, global studies and a focus on service. Students from 47 states and 123 foreign countries pursue more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degrees. The Red Storm—St. John’s 17 Division I men’s and women’s athletic squads—is considered New York’s hometown team.
St. John’s has three New York City campuses—in Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island—along with its Long Island, NY, Graduate Center. The University also has a campus in Rome, Italy, in addition to study abroad locations in Paris, France, and Seville, Spain.
Media representatives interested in obtaining more information regarding the Convocation and Norris-McDonald’s appearance can e-mail inquiries to [email protected] or call 718-990-1621.
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