St. John’s Athletics Receives Major Gift to Support Men’s Basketball Program

Philanthropic Commitment Enhances Red Storm Student-Athlete Experience

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February 5, 2021

St. John's University is pleased to announce a major philanthropic commitment of one million dollars from William J. Janetschek '84CBA, '17HON, Chair of the St. John's Board of Trustees and Retired Partner and Chief Financial Officer, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.
 
Mr. Janetschek's generous gift supports the St. John's Men's Basketball program and upgrades to Athletic Department facilities, which will enhance the academic, athletic, and support services available to all Red Storm student-athletes.
 
Mr. Janetschek holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from St. John's University. He is a longtime member of The Loughlin Society and The Founders Society, two of St. John's premier donor recognition groups. Elected Chair of St. John's University's Board of Trustees in the Spring of 2019, Mr. Janetschek is a longtime and generous supporter of the University and Red Storm Athletics.
 
"Bill Janetschek is deeply committed to the continued success of St. John's," stated Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John's University.

"As an alumnus and Trustee, he has been generous with his time, advice, and resources. Bill's most recent gift in support of the Men's Basketball program is testimony to his unwavering commitment to alma mater. On behalf of the University's Board of Trustees and our student-athletes, I thank Bill for his extraordinary gift."

In recognition of Mr. Janetschek's commitment, the multifaceted space in Carnesecca Arena that houses the Athletic Department executive offices, the Team Room, and the Hall of Fame Room, will be called the Janetschek Athletic Center.
 
"I am pleased to be able to support Head Coach Mike Anderson and his coaching staff as they build a successful basketball program at St. John's," stated Mr. Janetschek. "I believe it is critical that we support current and future generations of Red Storm student-athletes, and that we have the best staffing, programs, and facilities to continue to recruit top talent to St. John's."
 
"We are extremely grateful for Bill's gift as it will undoubtedly have a transformative and lasting effect on the St. John's basketball program for years to come," said Director of Athletics Mike Cragg. "Bill's philanthropy serves as the foundation for future commitments needed to make our facility and strategic vision a reality. On behalf of the St. John's Athletic Department, I thank Bill for his generosity in helping to provide our student-athletes with an elite experience and the resources to achieve their goals both on and off the court."
 
"The entire St. John's Men's Basketball team extends its sincerest appreciation to Bill for his incredible generosity," said Coach Anderson.

"Bill's gift proves essential to fulfilling our commitment to carry forward the rich legacy of our basketball program. It affords our current and future student-athletes an unrivaled experience at St. John's, all while preparing them for successful futures."

St. John's Athletics is committed to ensuring that its athletic programs are an enduring source of pride to our student-athletes, staff, alumni, and University communities. The Department of Athletics works in close connection with other St. John's departments to maximize athletic and academic achievement, student life programs, student recruitment, brand awareness, and alumni cultivation.

Consistent with the Red Storm's commitment to service, the Department of Athletics fosters an environment that promotes community support from St. John's student-athletes, employees, and alumni to help fulfill the University's Catholic and Vincentian mission of helping individuals from all backgrounds, especially those most in need.

Boasting the ninth-most victories all-time in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, St. John's has recorded 87 winning seasons in its storied 113-year history. With 29 NCAA Tournament appearances in program history, the Red Storm has made nine runs to the Sweet 16, advanced to the Elite Eight six times, and made a pair of trips to the Final Four in 1952 and 1985, respectively. St. John's postseason success also includes an unprecedented five National Invitation Tournament (NIT) titles and 29 appearances in the NIT.
 
Head Coach Mike Anderson is in his second season at St. John's after previously leading his teams at UAB, Missouri, and Arkansas to 12 postseason appearances, including nine NCAA Tournament appearances highlighted by two Sweet 16s and an Elite Eight berth.