February 1, 2024
St. John’s University students of all majors and class years had an opportunity to enrich their campus experience during the Spring Student Activities Fair on January 29. Taffner Field House buzzed with activity, hosting more than 120 student organizations eager to meet with potential recruits, share their history, and discuss the exciting events they have planned for this semester.
Kyntel Hines of Augusta, GA, represented the newly formed SJU Runs club. A junior studying Health and Human Services at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, he said the club already has close to 50 members.
“We offer events students can compete in, but if they only want to share in the adventure of recreational running, that’s fine too,” he said. He added that the club usually meets on campus and goes to Cunningham Park and other nearby destinations off campus.
The fair offered plenty of options for students interested in the intersection of music and community. Lauren Wright, a senior Biomedical Sciences student, is a member of Voices of Victory, the University’s gospel choir, which is looking for new singers before its spring concert in May.
Each semester, organizations like Voices of Victory, including the St. John’s Mixed Chorus, Jazz Band, and Chappell Players Theatre Group, collaborate on a large showcase event. For Nikita Persaud, a junior Marketing student and member of the Mixed Chorus, the event is an ideal opportunity to celebrate the variety of performing arts options St. John’s offers. She added that during the spring her club likes to mix up its repertoire, combining classical songs with newer pop hits and folk songs.
Marin Murphy, a fifth-year student from Floral Park, NY, who is part of the six-year Doctor of Pharmacy program, is secretary of the Irish Society. The club has seen a spike in interest with St. Patrick’s Day approaching, but also because of the partnerships it forged with other campus societies, including the Delta Phi Epsilon sorority.
“That has helped us reach a whole new group of people,” Marin said. “We want to make sure people are aware that it’s not just Irish people who are welcome to join, but anyone interested in Irish culture.”
Representatives from St. John’s Staten Island, NY, campus were on hand to share details about their passion projects. Peter Rapaglia is majoring in Communication Studies in Staten Island and is a member of the Bolt Productions club. The club is excited to continue producing its weekly news shows on Instagram after the closure of the Staten Island campus later this year. “We plan to potentially work as a branch of one of the other media clubs, either The Torch or WRED-TV,” Peter said.
While some students preferred being part of a club in line with their academic and professional interests, others were looking to broaden their horizons with new experiences and hobbies. Solange Henriquez, a Psychology major from Staten Island, said, “I am looking to find anything that might interest me here,” she said.
Students interested in service organizations consistent with the Vincentian mission of the University had several options to consider, including the St. John’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The organization frequently collaborates with others in projects serving underprivileged communities.
The Vincentian tradition was at the core of many artistic and academic clubs at the fair. In addition to encouraging aspiring educators to socialize and network, St. John’s Future Educators club members said it also gathers supplies for needy schools.
“In New York State, a lot of school districts don’t have the money to get certain school supplies,” said Anthony Coppola, a sophomore in The School of Education. “So we raise funds here and give back to those in need.”
Alumni even took part in the fair, representing clubs they participated in during their years at St. John’s. Aayana Evanson ’23CCPS, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, is a former president of the Gaming and Emerging Technology (GET) Club. She talked to interested students and explained more about the club and its primary events, including the Game Jam competition, where students work to create the best computer game from scratch.
“It’s nice to be back,” said Ms. Evanson, whose advice for students looking to join a club was simple. “Just try everything out. You will find people of like-minded interests.”