150 Reasons to Love St. John’s: A Tradition of Traditions

A total of 463 families—more than 2,000 students, parents/guardians, siblings, and relatives—joined together at the Queens, NY, campus of St. John’s University on October 8–10 for Family Weekend, the first in-person event of its kind in two years.

St. John’s University has been host to a number of short- and long-lived traditions throughout the years.

Reason 113

Each year in late summer, St. John’s students receive a Red Carpet Welcome back to campus during Move-In Week.

Reason 114

Parents/guardians, siblings, and friends flock to St. John’s each fall to reunite with students for Family Weekend—three fabulous days of food, fun, and family.

Reason 115

For most Johnnies, the first time they set foot on campus was during Open House. Every fall, the University welcomes new faces to campus to learn what it means to be a part of the St. John’s community.

Reason 116

With more than 180 student clubs and organizations on campus, there’s never “nothing to do” at St. John’s. Fortunately, every year we host the Activities Fair, where students can learn about the myriad opportunities that exist for academic, athletic, artistic, social, and community engagement.

Reason 117

What do Kendrick Lamar, Dave East, and Nas have in common? Aside from being top rappers, all three have performed before scores of Johnnies at Red Storm Tip-Off, an annual showcase of St. John’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams.

Reason 118

Each December, prior to final exam week, the Great Lawn is transformed into a winter wonderland for Winter Carnival, which includes horse-drawn carriage rides, fireworks, and the lighting of the St. John’s Christmas tree.

Winter Carnival

Reason 119

Similarly, students living in the Residence Village pass through a festive, tree-lit concourse on their way back to their dorms during the holiday season.

Reason 120

Relay For Life. Since 2006, the St. John’s University community has raised nearly $1.5 million dollars for the American Cancer Society, Inc. at Relay For Life, a 12-hour, overnight charity walk inside of Carnesecca Arena.

Reason 121

Spring Fling

Just as Winter Carnival marks the unofficial end of the fall semester, Spring Fling helps bring the spring semester to a close. Each year, just before finals, the Great Lawn is transformed into a carnival setting—complete with a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, games of chance, food, and performers.