St. John's University “Johnnies Day” Slated for February 11

New York City will celebrate the many contributions of this long-serving institution of higher learning. 

MSG drawing with city in background and silhouette of fans cheering
January 31, 2023

Queens, NY (January 31, 2023) – On Saturday, February 11, when the St. John’s University Men’s Basketball team tips off at noon against the Friars of Providence College, the setting will be “The World’s Most Famous Arena” Madison Square Garden (MSG). The Garden has long been a home away from home for the Red Storm, known colloquially as “New York’s Team.” On Feb.11—Johnnies Day—the proud history and contributions of the global St. John’s University will be celebrated In New York City and beyond.

On Johnnies Day, the University encourages the entire St. John’s community and the city that St. John’s is proud to call home since 1870 to share their St. John’s pride and school spirit in person and on social media as two original members of the BIG EAST Conference square off on MSG’s historic hardwood.

The backdrop of the marquee college basketball event—Madison Square Garden and Pennsylvania Station—will be awash in St. John’s red and white. St. John’s “Education That Elevates” brand campaign will take over Penn Station, the main intercity railroad station in New York City and the busiest transportation facility in the Western Hemisphere.

St. John’s fans and commuters will be greeted by a Penn Station Domination as digital and print images that communicate the uplifting mission of St. John’s is displayed throughout the complex.

“A St. John’s education elevates all aspects of our students and graduates—and Johnnies Day is a celebration of the power and promise of that commitment,” stated Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President.

The festive day begins with a pep rally atmosphere in the Penn Station Rotunda to greet fans attending the game. The Z100 Party Patrol will give out Z100 and St. John’s giveaways, St. John’s T-shirts, rally towels, and treats will be available starting at 10 a.m. until tip-off.

To mark the 153-year history of St. John’s University, Eric L. Adams, the 110th Mayor of New York City, in a ceremonial proclamation has declared Saturday, February 11, as Johnnies Day throughout New York City.

Across New York City and beyond, fans and friends alike are encouraged to enter the social media contest by posting a picture showing their St. John’s pride using #SJUElevates and #JohnniesDay and tagging @stjohnsu for a chance to win a $1,000 VISA® gift card.

Later that afternoon at 4 p.m. on the Queens, NY, campus, Johnnies Day continues when the Women’s Basketball team faces off against DePaul University in Carnesecca Arena.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. has declared the observance of Johnnies Day throughout the borough to mark the contributions of the University to life in Queens County and beyond.

Since 1870, St. John’s University has been part of the life and legacy of New York. Founded in Brooklyn before New York City was consolidated, the proud and enduring mission of St. John’s is to be an institution of higher education for immigrants and their children. That mission has endured for more than a century and a half.

From a one-room schoolhouse in Brooklyn, NY, St. John’s has grown to be a local, national, and global institution of higher education with an alumni network that totals 195,000+ members strong.

St. John’s is one of the nation’s most diverse institutions of higher education, enriched by a tapestry of cultures that complement an internationalized curriculum. Its New York City roots also give deep connections to the companies and opportunities found in one of the world’s most globally connected cities.

About St. John’s University:

St. John’s University is a private, coeducational, Roman Catholic University founded by the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians), with its main campus located in Queens, NY. St. John’s University also has campuses and locations in Staten Island and Manhattan; in Rome, Italy; in Paris, France; and in Limerick, Ireland.

St. John’s University is comprised of six Schools and Colleges, including the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business (including the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science), The School of Education, and the School of Law. As of Fall 2022, the University has 15,652 undergraduate students and 4,011 graduate students. St. John’s offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, including 16 doctoral programs.

For media inquiries, please contact the University’s Office of Media Relations at 718-990-1621; [email protected].

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