August 30, 2022
Optimistic first-year students unloaded their belongings from their vehicles—as their proud parents beamed with pride and held back a tear or two—during St. John’s University’s move-in weekend held on the Queens, NY, campus from August 27 to 28. The familiar sight of families carrying boxes and storage bins into the Residence Village marked the beginning of an exciting new school year for more than 2,600 first-year, transfer, international, and returning resident students.
The weekend was the culmination of a week-long process that began with new international students the prior Monday.
“The energy during move-in weekend was warm and welcoming, filling the Residence Village path and the halls of the dorms with excitement,” stressed Kathryn T. Hutchinson, Ph.D., Vice President, Division of Student Affairs. New students quickly connected with new roommates and friends, while continuing students reunited with their peers. It was wonderful to see students’ smiles no longer covered with masks, and to welcome families to join in the fun. So many departments across campus helped create a festive atmosphere by providing students and their families with warm greetings, St. John’s swag, and treats to keep them nourished. The St. John’s family atmosphere was on full display.”
“The St. John’s spirit is always on display during move-in,” observed Eric M. Finkelstein, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life. “The University community welcomes back our students by lending a hand in the moving process. We have exciting giveaways and are here to help answer questions. It is very uplifting to see the campus come alive again when the students return excited about the school year ahead.”
A steady stream of parents and young adults were greeted by St. John’s students, administrators, and staff, who were all on hand to provide assistance. Tables in the Residence Village courtyard were staffed by volunteers who distributed plenty of St. John’s swag and offered information about extracurricular organizations and student opportunities. There was an air of fun and camaraderie as music played, food was provided, and selfie stations helped new Johnnies mark this special occasion.
As she waited for her daughter Jennifer, a Computer Science major, to get settled in her room, Danielle Venus reflected on the meaning of the day. “She’s a twin, so I’m doing this with my other daughter this weekend. It’s very emotional, but St. John’s is making the whole experience very smooth.” Ms. Venus added that her daughter loved the bucolic campus and its proximity to their Long Island, NY, home.
First-year student Frank Terranova, a Business Administration major from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, chose St. John’s because he wanted to stay local and still help at his father’s company, which he will inherit one day. “My brother came here, so knowing he had a great time made it that much easier. My experience has been very positive so far. Everyone’s got a smile on their face. I have a smile on my face,” he laughed.
Frank’s mother, Rose, added, “He’s happy, so I’m happy. I am really excited for him.”
Tracy Weboah, a native of Ghana and a Marketing major, could barely contain her excitement as she raced back and forth between her room and her waiting family. “I’ve waited for this day for a long time,” she said.
Tracy’s mother, Anita, has three other children who have graduated from college, and she rated her experience with St. John’s as the best. “I have never seen students help families move in,” she exclaimed, pointing to current Johnnies wearing red “St. John’s Movers” T-shirts efficiently transporting the personal belongings of their new classmates. “They just grab your stuff and help you! This is awesome.”
Gianna Maurillo, a Staten Island, NY, native majoring in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, came to St. John’s because she was attracted by her program as well as the myriad of extracurricular offerings available to her. “I can’t wait to join the student newspaper The Torch. I feel so welcome. It’s scary to be a first-year student, but everyone has been so helpful and friendly. It seems like a great community.”
Gianna’s mother, Angela, said, “We have a really good feeling. I think she’s going to do very well here. Orientation opened our eyes to how great this University is.”
Another Speech Pathology major, Erica Neri of Wantagh, NY, noted that her sister Teresa graduated from St. John’s and was a member of the President’s Society. “I was super-involved when I was here. I did a Campus Ministry Plunge program and several one-day service missions, and I told her to get involved in that. They are some of my favorite memories of St. John’s,” Teresa said. “It worked out nicely with my major and it’s close enough that if I want to go home, I can,” Erica added.
Laylah Little, a Public Relations major from St. Louis, MO, stressed that she wanted to move to New York City since her first year of high school. “There are so many people at St. John’s, and in New York, who can help you get on your feet with your career. Plus, the University’s commitment to service is very real—and that’s something I want to take advantage of.”
“We’re from the suburbs so my daughter wants the city vibe,” remarked Penelope Hughes about her daughter Ariel, whose major is currently undeclared. “She loves the campus and the school, and the opportunities she knows it will afford her,” the native of Beacon, NY, noted. “I love the campus. I just complimented one of the staff—the transition is so smooth. She’s the last of seven, and I’ve seen the differences. This is the smoothest by far.”