The Johnnies Blog

Building Cultural Awareness at St. John’s: Basmalla Hussein’s Story
At a time when promoting and embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is crucial, Basmalla Hussein, a committed and passionate third-year Muslim student at St. John’s University, has taken charge of creating a positive impact. Drawing upon her high school experiences and a desire to contribute to a cause larger than herself, Basmalla shares her journey in this inspiring Q&A session.

Exploring a Career in Actuarial Science: an Expert Q&A
Are you interested in risk assessment, financial forecasting, and strategic decision-making? If so, get ready to explore the fascinating world of actuarial science. In this Q&A, we talk to St. John's University alum Brandon Alcaide,’19C, ’20GSRM. He is a Senior Actuarial Associate at TIAA, a well-known Fortune 100 financial services company providing extensive financial solutions.

Driving Social Impact: Alumna’s Path to Nonprofit Leader
In this inspiring Q&A, we explore the remarkable professional and academic journey of St. John’s alumna Bobbie L. Brown ’10G. With more than ten years of experience in community development, criminal justice, and education, Ms. Brown is passionate about investing in the principles of social impact to address the needs of under-resourced communities.

My Advice on Building a Successful Business: Don’t Give Up
Life is stressful; skincare shouldn’t be.

Restoring Generational Wealth through Education and Empowerment
Ebony (Rentas) Beckford ’03CPS, transformed life's challenges into opportunities for personal growth. Through self-reflection and the supportive community she nurtured as a student, she discovered her strength. Now, as the founder of Fin Lit Kids, Ebony illustrates how her transformative journey fuels her mission to empower future generations with the tools for financial success.

My Grandfather, One-Quarter of the Greensboro Four
On February 1, 1960, four African American first-year students at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (N.C. A&T) courageously took seats at a “White only” F.W. Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, NC. This seemingly small act of defiance in the South sparked similar protests for racial equality and civil disobedience across the United States.

Four Influential Black Alumni Who Make St. John’s Proud
Over the past 150+ years, St. John’s University has been part of the academic journey for many influential figures and pioneers.

Student Perspective: Lessons I’ve Learned as an Orientation Leader
For business Management major Joel G. Stephen, choosing to become a campus Orientation Leader was the perfect fit. In today’s Q&A, Joel shares more on the benefit of taking on a campus leadership role and how it continues to positively impact his college journey.


