August 31, 2022
The New Student Convocation is a joyous occasion that bookends the St. John’s University experience for first-year and transfer students with their Commencement.
Held on August 30 in Carnesecca Arena, the annual event provides the traditional trappings of a St. John’s welcome and is reminiscent of a Men’s or Women’s Basketball game: buoyant music, loud cheering, and a sense of excitement permeating a space where so many great memories are born.
During his welcoming remarks, Simon G. Møller, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, University Distinguished Professor, and Provost Endowed Chair, acknowledged that the assemblage of students might have felt nervous as they anticipated their first day of classes. “Let me assure you that our faculty, administrators, and staff are here to guide you during your entire journey—not just here today, but until you walk across the stage and graduate.”
He added, “Talk to your professors. Talk to your academic advisors and Division of Student Affairs administrators. Talk to your campus ministers. We are all here to ensure your success.” He stressed to students to make every moment of their St. John’s experience count.
Francilia Wilkins Rahim ’09TCB, ’11MBA, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the management consulting firm R.F. Wilkins Consultants, Inc., served as keynote speaker at the Convocation. “I can wholeheartedly say, coming to and staying at St. John’s continues to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my 35 years of life,” she told the assembly.
The leader of one of the top priority marketing firms led by a minority woman, Ms. Wilkins Rahim admitted she struggled during her first year at St. John’s—until she got involved. She joined several organizations, including Haraya and Student Government, Inc. (SGI), and founded Step Ya Game Up, the University’s official step team.
“I loved St. John’s. I loved the freedom to plan. I loved the friendships I built. I loved the pressure to understand how to raise money for my clubs, organize events, and submit proposals. I loved it all!”
Ms. Wilkins Rahim said if she could give her younger self some advice, it would sound like this: “You will be able to tell those students that you’re living proof that they will get through these next four years; go through hurdles and struggles; and have some of the most difficult, fulfilling, and amazing experiences.”
Ethan Burrell, a History major and SGI President for the Queens, NY, campus, and James Imperatrice, an Adolescent Education major and SGI President for the Staten Island, NY, campus, were the student speakers. “Nothing could have prepared me for the opportunities that awaited me,” Ethan recalled. “The next three years will be some of the most exciting of your life as you discover who you’re meant to be.”
James added, “It was not too long ago that I was nervously awaiting what my future would hold. I can wholeheartedly tell you I did not envision speaking to the newest class of Johnnies. Therein lies the greatest piece of advice I can give: when opportunity presents itself, take advantage of it, and cherish it.”
Communication Arts major Nikki Parker-Reese, a native of Boston, MA, learned about St. John’s during a college fair and fell in love with the campus during a tour. “I got a taste of campus life, and immediately I knew this was the place for me. Everyone has been super helpful. I’m not used to a place of this size. I even got lost a few times,” she laughed. “People couldn’t be friendlier.” When asked about the convocation, she said, “I love the vibe.”
Paean Mukherjee, a Television and Film major from Floral Park, NY, knows several St. John’s alumni and they all spoke highly of the experience. “St. John’s was my first choice. They have a great alumni base for film and television that I believe can really help me in the future.”
A commuter, Paean knows the local area well. “I love the diversity and the proximity to New York City. I see great things happening. Today is a great start.”
On the same day, the annual Faculty Convocation was also held in Carnesecca Arena, which, much like the New Student Convocation, serves as an opportunity for the University community to welcome new faculty members to the fold.
This year’s faculty speaker, Ceceilia Parnther, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Administrative and Instructional Leadership, in The School of Education, discussed the ideal of student success, which was a theme of the convocation. “Student success is the ultimate trust exercise in higher education,” she stressed.
Dr. Parnther discussed her early college experiences, which left her feeling isolated. “The commitments celebrated at convocation became the promises kept by staff, student mentors, and faculty. Opportunities to engage became possibility models and defining factors in my future success. Eventually, I found my voice because someone saw me and believed I could speak up.”
She added, “Your presence here, and this ceremony, are the recognition that education is expansive enough to include disciplinary knowledge, relationship, affirmation, confidence, self-efficacy, pride, integrity—and at its best, the ability to be critically reflective of that journey.”