September 20, 2010
Proudly wearing the red-and-white in a display of St. John’s
spirit, students, faculty and staff launched the new semester by
celebrating the first birthday of Johnny Thunderbird, the Red Storm
mascot.
“If ever
there was a show of St. John’s spirit, this was it,” said
Mary H. Pelkowski, Associate Dean of Student Engagement.
“Everyone, from students to staff, got together to share their
excitement about being part of the St. John’s community in the
planning and execution of this event.”
Billed as “this fall’s hottest party,” the all-day birthday bash
featured food, games and a rousing turn-out for the men’s
soccer game. The festivities included Karaoke with Johnny
Thunderbird in the new D’Angelo
Center Coffeehouse and a barbecue sponsored by the Redzone
Student Section.
View the photo gallery
The day’s high point was the Red Storm men’s
soccer game against Fairleigh Dickinson University. Playing
before the third-largest crowd in
Belson Stadium history, the Red Storm surged to a 5-0 win
against their New York-area rivals.
The party
continued with a “Super Sweet 16”-style birthday bash in Carnesecca
Arena. The 1,285 students at the bash enjoyed cake, ice cream,
rides, give-aways and music by D.J. Zeke.
“This is what St. John’s is all about,” said John Kelly ‘12G. “The
STJ community has formed an incredible bond with Johnny Thunderbird
over the past year, and the overwhelming student support for his
birthday proves that he will be an integral part of our tradition
for years to come.”
“Johnny’s first birthday party didn’t only bring people together to
have a good time,” said Talissa Rodriguez ‘12CPS, President of the
Student Programming Board. “It also allowed the student body to
join in honoring the school spirit that defines St. John’s.” A wide
variety of St. John’s clubs
and organizations helped organize the party: the
Student Programming Board; Haraya; the Resident Student
Association; Campus Activities; Athletic Marketing; Student
Development for Athletes; and the Campus Activities
Board.
We invite you to learn more about the vibrant student and campus life activities available
at St. John’s.