February 11, 2021
Valentine’s Day is upon us, and love is in the air. With six schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, and over 180 student clubs and organizations, there is plenty to love about St. John’s University. In celebration of this special day, we asked students why St. John’s holds a special place in their hearts. Here are their responses:
“St. John’s provides me with opportunities to explore my interests, embrace my culture, and grow professionally and personally as a student. In the last four-and-a-half years, I have met many other students with the same passions and goals. I have made friends and gained the independence and skills necessary to help me succeed as a health-care professional in the future. I am so proud to be a Johnny.”
—Michelle Chin, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Class of 2022
“I love St. John’s because it truly feels like a family here. My time at St. John’s has been filled with nothing but fond memories. I have made friendships as a member of the Chappell Players theatre group and Alpha Psi Omega. The support I have received from faculty here is unparalleled. St. John’s is one of the best decisions I have made, and I will be so proud to call it my alma mater.”
—Angelica Cieslak, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, Class of 2021
“Thanks to St. John’s, I can dive headfirst into the things about which I am most passionate. I love St. John’s because of the opportunity it gives me to grow into the best version of myself and to make lifelong friendships along the way. It is thanks to this great school that I can look back at my college experience as some of the best years of my life.”
—Peter Ingravallo, The School of Education, Class of 2021
“I love the fact that the University offers students so many different opportunities. St. John’s Queens campus puts everything New York City has within reach. St. John’s provides me with the opportunity to experience all that life has to offer.”
—Maria R. Keddis, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, Class of 2023
“There are countless reasons why I love St. John’s, including the support I have received from faculty who encouraged me to pursue scientific research on campus and abroad. Those experiences have impacted how I want to work as a researcher as I pursue a doctoral degree in chemistry. I love St. John’s for giving me a springboard into my dream career.”
—Špela Kunstelj, St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Class of 2021
“I love St. John’s because it has given me a home away from home for the past five-and-a-half years. I have created unbelievable memories with the friends I have made. As a student in the Pharm.D. program, I have learned to be resilient, confident, diligent, and proud of my accomplishments—and for that, I am very thankful. I love you, St. John’s!”
—Alexandra Maglaras, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Class of 2021
“I love St. John’s because it’s a place I can genuinely call home. This school is where lifelong friendships form and flourish. Amazing connections are created between students and professors, administrators, and staff—basically anyone who steps foot on campus. It’s a place where I am not afraid to turn to others for help because I know I will be greeted with an exchange of kindness.”
—Ireene Nelson, The School of Education, Class of 2021
“What I love about St. John’s is the opportunity the University has granted me to meet new people and learn from their experiences. As an undergrad, I made friends and had mentors from all over the world, and I plan to stay in contact with them forever. Those connections are invaluable to me.”
—Jonathan Thompson ’20TCB, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, Class of 2021 (M.B.A.)