January 10, 2019
St. Vincent de Paul was a man of action. He said, “We should assist the poor in every way, and do it both by ourselves, and by enlisting the help of others.” The theme of St. John’s University’s 2018 Founder’s Week celebration (September 20–27), “Be Vincentian: Called to Action,” echoed that exhortation to Vincent’s followers. Through lectures, reflections, and direct service opportunities, the entire University community was reminded of the many ways they could create systemic change around issues of poverty and social justice.
Founder’s Week is both an annual celebration of the University’s Vincentian heritage and an opportunity for the St. John’s community to actively participate in its mission of serving those most in need. Signature events such as the Vincentian Convocation, University Service Day, and the Administrators, Staff, and Faculty Luncheons shine a spotlight on the good work being done in the name of St. Vincent de Paul, with a goal of inspiring others to similar action.
The following awards were presented at the Vincentian Convocation.
- Vincentian Mission Award: presented to an employee who has been a full-time member of the University's faculty, staff, or administration, and evidenced a personal commitment to the Vincentian mission: Rocco J. Mirro,Graphic Designer and Illustrator, Office of Marketing and Communications, St. John’s University, Posthumously
- Caritas Medal: presented to those who render exceptional service to the poor of the metropolitan New York area: Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal: given to an outstanding Catholic laywoman who has embodied in her life the values and vision of Mother Seton: Mary Ann Marshall Muller ’70C, ’89G, Adjunct Instructor, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, St. John’s University
- St. Vincent de Paul Medal: given to an outstanding Catholic layman who has embodied in his life the ideals and values of St. Vincent de Paul: Charles “Chuck” Levesque, J.D.,President and Executive Director, Depaul USA
- Frédéric Ozanam Award: given to organizations that have not only significantly improved the situation of the poor, but have also advanced the cause of social justice: American Immigration Council
- International Medal: presented for distinguished service and contributions to the international/global community: Global Medical Relief Fund
- Gold Medal: special award given to a nonalumnus for distinguished leadership and service to the community: Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C., Ed.D. ’00HON,President, St. Thomas Aquinas College, and Member, St. John's University Board of Trustees
“Founder’s Week captures some of the elements which we hope will describe the University for the whole year,” said Rev. Patrick J. Griffin, C.M., Executive Director, Vincentian Center for Church and Society. “The intent and impact of St. Vincent’s summons received singular attention during the week’s activities, which emphasize his dynamic spirituality, service, and support for the neediest among us. All of these events promote the learning environment which is at the heart of St. John’s as a Catholic and Vincentian University.”
During the 17th annual University Service Day, held on September 22, more than 1,500 students, faculty, administrators, staff, and alumni participated in a host of activities held on St. John’s campuses and at service sites throughout the five boroughs and on Long Island. The day began with a Mass and opening ceremony on the Queens, NY, campus, which allowed organizers a chance to thank all those who came to serve.
“Today, we will perform a variety of works, heeding the message of Jesus, and the inspiration of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac,” observed Rev. John J. Holliday, C.M., University Chaplain, during his homily. “Whatever we do today—whether it is landscaping, painting, or helping in a soup kitchen—we are helping the poor, and we are encountering and serving Christ.”
Government and Politics major Joshua Depena helped bag toiletries to be dispensed to the homeless during a Midnight Run, an experience where students have a direct service encounter with men and women living on the streets. “I just want to help, even if it is in a small way.” Assisting Joshua was Andy Tlatelpa, a Risk Management and Insurance major. “Helping out this way, even for just a few hours, is impactful,” he said.
Business major Erin Baniaga, a senior, was participating in her first Service Day by preparing meals for families staying at Ronald McDonald House of Long Island in New Hyde Park, NY. “St. John’s was founded on the concept of serving others, so we should all give back in some way.”
St. John's held its first-ever day of giving during Founder’s Week this year. SJYOUGIVE was a 31-hour campaign where St. John's alumni, students, faculty, administrators, staff, and friends were encouraged to make a gift to the University to help students who are most in need. More than 800 donors gave $257,945.
Rev. Tomaž Mavrič, C.M., Superior General of the Congregation of the Mission and the Daughters of Charity, was the main celebrant during the Sunday night Mass for students at St. Thomas More Church on the Queens campus, and spoke at the reception following the Vincentian Convocation. “Vincent would be proud, as I am, that we are making a faith-driven commitment to the future through education,” Fr. Mavrič observed. “After all, Jesus was a great teacher.”
From the foundation of St. John’s, the emphasis was upon the marginalized—emphasizing initially the children of immigrants, Fr. Mavrič stressed. “St. John’s has been built on that dynamic for almost a century and a half. Today, the University makes it possible for those who are marginalized to get a good education. The service opportunities encouraged for all the students and staff turns attention toward those who are poor every day.”