March 19, 2024
Although separated by more than 1,300 miles, two distinct groups of St. Patrick’s Day revelers were united by common bonds: a love for St. John’s University and all things Irish.
On Saturday, March 16, a spirited group of more than 100 St. John’s University revelers marched up Fifth Avenue, one of The Big Apple’s most famous streets, in the 2024 New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade—the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world. They were buoyed by sustained cheers from spectators who lined the iconic parade route, which extended from East 44th Street to East 79th Street.
Meanwhile, in Naples, FL, at a St. Patrick’s Day parade held on another Fifth Avenue, a group of St. John’s alumni joined in the celebration. The downtown parade, now the largest privately funded parade in the Sunshine State, attracts 40,000 people each year to celebrate Irish heritage and culture in America.
Brian Browne, Associate Vice President of University Communications and Public Affairs, coordinates the University’s participation in the New York City parade. “I have been marching in this parade my entire life, but every year I try to see the parade through the eyes of a first-time participant,” he said. “It is a remarkable celebration of Irish culture, and seeing that paired with enthusiasm for St. John’s is very special.”
The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade tradition began on March 17, 1762—14 years before the Declaration of Independence. The parade, in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland and the Archdiocese of New York, includes approximately 150,000 marchers and usually draws almost two million spectators.
As the lively St. John’s delegation of students, faculty, administrators, staff, and alumni advanced up Fifth Avenue, they were greeted by shouts of, “Go, Johnnies!” and “We are St. John’s!”
Local bagpiper Robert P. Lynch, Esq. ’77C, ’80L, Adjunct Professor, Division of Administration and Economics, also teaches bagpipes at Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, NY—a major feeder school for the University’s Queens, NY, campus. Mr. Lynch arranged for several high school bagpipers to march with St. John’s.
“What great exposure for these students!” he exclaimed. “Many of them were first-time marchers, leading the way for St. John’s and soaking up the memorable experience.”
Before stepping off, a special St. John’s alumni brunch was held at Stout New York City on East 41st Street, where Johnnies enjoyed Irish food, music, and good cheer. Stout is owned and operated by Martin Whelan ’84CBA, President and Majority Partner in the Stout NYC Hospitality Group, and an avid supporter of St. John’s who makes his various bars and restaurants available for University-sponsored events. Stout NYC is the official bar of St. John’s Athletics.
Meanwhile in Naples, FL, close to 50 alumni donned white St. John’s hats and marched or rode in a decorated trolley that cruised downtown along Fifth Avenue South. The festive parade was part of an event-packed weekend, which included a golf outing hosted by alumnus Philip J. Wax ’66Ed, ’69G; a cocktail reception; a sunset dinner cruise; and a brunch with a liturgy celebrated by Rev. Tri M. Duong, C.M. ’00C, Director of Campus Ministry, Staten Island, NY, Campus. The postparade celebration hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations saw friends gather at Cosmos Ristorante & Pizzeria.
“Alumni and friends in Florida proudly celebrated their St. John’s roots,” shared Sara Hunt Munoz, Ed.D., Senior Director, Office of Alumni Relations. “The parade was a special part of a celebratory weekend of making memories with old and new friends.”
Daniel Sullivan, a second-year History Major from Hicksville, NY, summarized the day: "As a first-time marcher, I was thrilled to see the enthusiasm for Irish heritage among St. John's Irish Society members, the larger St. John's community, and the city itself. I certainly hope to march again in the years to come."
All St. John’s students are encouraged to participate in the college-level research paper Scholarship Contest sponsored by the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration Committee. Students can participate as the University is an affiliated member of the committee. The deadline for submissions is 11 p.m. on April 11.