September 5, 2024
The first day of the academic year at St. John’s University ushered in a brand-new era for health sciences education as the doors of the state-of-the-art St. Vincent Health Sciences Center opened and faculty, administrators, and staff welcomed students to classes.
The sun shone brightly over the Queens, NY, campus, casting a warm glow on the newly constructed $106M academic center. The 70,000-square-foot building stood tall and modern, with sleek, glass walls reflecting the day’s excitement. Students, faculty, and curious onlookers steadily moved throughout the building brightly illuminated by sunlight cascading through floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the dew-dappled, emerald-green canvas of the Great Lawn.
Inside, they found spacious classrooms equipped with the latest technology, research labs filled with advanced equipment, and cozy study areas designed for collaboration and creativity.
“This new building represents our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students,” Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., said. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in this project and the elevating trajectory of St. John’s.”
Beaming with pride as students filed in and out of the shiny, new building was Brian Baumer, Associate Vice President, Campus Facilities and Services. “The opening of the St. Vincent Health Sciences Center marks a transformative milestone for the facilities department at St. John’s, showcasing a state-of-the-art environment that promotes sustainability, efficiency, and excellence in education,” remarked Mr. Baumer. “This modern, energy-efficient building, featuring geothermal heating and cooling, advanced labs, and flexible learning spaces, highlights the facilities team’s commitment to creating an innovative and inspiring campus for all. We have set the bar high and look forward to other opportunities on campus to shine, innovate, and inspire.”
“What is most exciting is to see the building come alive as the health sciences students are in class and labs, studying and socializing,” said Anne Y. F. Lin ’84P, ’86Pharm.D., FNAP, Dean and Professor, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “I can see the excitement on their faces as they now have a place where they can learn about, from, and with each other.”
Clad in St. John’s-branded red nursing scrubs, Esther Babalola, a nursing student in her junior year from Hewlett, NY, has witnessed the building evolve from the ground up. “It is amazing!” she shared. “My first class was in the simulation lab, and we are working with the new equipment. It’s exciting to be able to have a hands-on place to learn and have fun.”
For nearly a century, St. John’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has been one of the largest educators of health-care personnel in the New York metropolitan area. Reestablishing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program in 2022 was one step in a major and long-term investment in the health sciences at St. John’s. What began with 68 nursing applicants that year has jumped to 2,800 applicants for Fall 2024. Highly trained health-care professionals are in tremendous demand.
“The opening of the St. Vincent Health Sciences Center at St. John’s is a significant development for the nursing program,” shared Francine Laterza, Ed.D., R.N., PNP, CNE, Chair, Department of Nursing, and Associate Professor/Industry Professional. “The new center provides students with state-of-the-art educational opportunities in nursing skill development and simulation, offering a more effective and engaging learning experience. The simulation center enables nursing students to practice and master essential skills in a safe and realistic environment. The center’s design encourages collaboration among various health sciences programs, preparing students for real-world health-care settings. Our new facility allows for increased enrollment and program expansion, addressing the growing demand for skilled nurses in the region. The St. Vincent Health Sciences Center represents a significant investment in the future of nursing education at St. John’s, offering students an exceptional learning environment and preparing them for successful careers in health care.”
In addition to nursing, the new building is home to the University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences graduate program leading to a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Physician Assistant. PAs (physician associates/physician assistants) are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting.
Donned in navy blue scrubs worn by the Physician Assistant students on campus were Amanda Centrone, a sophomore PA student from Mahopac, NY, and Binaca Piva from São Paolo, Brazil. “The building is so nice with open areas and all new learning spaces, technology, and equipment that will only help us to advance in our studies,” Ms. Centrone said.
“We get to be under one roof with the other students in the health sciences programs,” shared Ms. Piva. “That’s important because during our careers we will collaborate with doctors, nurses, and radiological science professionals, and this prepares us.”
At the garden level of the building is found a new state-of-the-art radiography laboratory, a pivotal addition to the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences degree program. Recognizing the essential need for innovative facilities in radiologic sciences education, St. John’s is committed to providing students with unparalleled learning experiences that mirror the advancements in modern medical imaging technology. The cutting-edge lab is equipped with the latest digital radiography systems on par with the leading New York-area hospitals, medical centers, and private medical practices.
“Training students with the latest technology will place our graduates at the forefront of what employers seek for varied careers in the health professions including physician assistants, radiologic scientists, and clinical laboratory scientists,” observed Sandra Beysolow, Ph.D., PA-C, DFAAPA, Associate Professor and Chair Department of Health Professions.
As the first day of school concluded and the sun slowly set over a distant Manhattan skyline, Simon G. Møller, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, made his way back to his Newman Hall office. “This is just the beginning,” he reflected. “The future of the health sciences at St. John’s is brighter than ever.”