Move-In 2014 Offers Students a Red Carpet Welcome

More than 3,200 new and returning students moved into the residence halls of St. John’s University during Move-In 2014, August 25–31.

The University’s Queens, NY, campus welcomed 3,035 resident students, including 1,375 freshmen. On the Staten Island campus, the 132 students who moved into the residence halls included 47 freshmen.

At the Queens campus on Saturday, August 30, Robert A. Mangione, Ed.D., R.Ph., provost, and Martha K. Hirst, executive vice president, chief operating officer, and treasurer, greeted new students and their families. “I had the chance to visit with a lot of wonderful new students as well as moms, dads, grandparents, and siblings,” said Hirst. “It is such a special time for families, and the entire St. John’s team was delighted to welcome them.”

Weekend highlights included a student mixer, a block party, and a twilight carnival. More than 450 students and their families attended a Move-In Mass on Sunday, August 31. Rev. John Kettelberger, C.M., university chaplain, encouraged the new students to visit St. Thomas More Church any time for prayer and reflection.

At Staten Island, Move-In activities included a Friday evening dinner cruise that offered an introduction to New York City landmarks.

 “Our 2014 ‘Red Carpet Welcome’ theme captures what is a truly wonderful time of year,” Mangione observed. “We’re celebrating the arrival of St. John’s new president, Dr. Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, along with all our new and returning students.”

The Red Carpet theme comprises a month of events to help new students build relationships with peers and faculty. “Move-In is just the beginning,” said Kathryn Hutchinson, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs. “The next few weeks will be filled with activities as our new students begin classes, participate in activities, and are officially inducted into the University at the New Student Convocation. We are excited to have the opportunity to open this academic year with an environment filled with SJU pride.”

“The atmosphere here is exhilarating,” said Amy Van Detta ’18C, from Pittsburgh, PA. “I can hardly wait to begin my freshman year—everyone says that at St. John’s, it’s going to be the best four years of my life.” Dennis Haley ’18CPS added, “This is an awesome introduction to St. John’s. I really feel at home.”