St. John’s Red in a Sea of St. Patrick’s Day Green in NYC

As a soft, misty rain fell, a spirited group of more than 130 St. John’s University revelers participated in the 2025 New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade—the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world.

The lively St. John’s delegation of students, faculty, administrators, staff, and alumni advanced up Fifth Avenue on Monday, March 17, and were greeted by shouts of, “Go, Johnnies!” and “We are St. John’s!” Alumni called out, “St. John’s! I am a graduate!” The iconic parade route extends from East 44th Street to East 79th Street.

Brian Browne, Associate Vice President of University Communications and Public Affairs, coordinates the University’s participation. “St. John’s always gets a great reception from parade spectators, but this year even more so given the success of the Men’s Basketball team—New York City’s team—winning the BIG EAST Tournament Championship.”

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.

Mr. Whelan marched with the St. John’s group a day after completing the RBC Brooklyn Half marathon that he ran while raising money for charity. “It’s been a busy weekend, but I want to be here with my St. John’s family,” he said.

Joining the group for the first time were members of the St. John’s Kickline team—the Stormettes—who entertained and high-stepped throughout the parade route. They perform at several University events, including open houses, Accepted Student Day, and select athletic gatherings.

“The team had never marched in this iconic parade before,” explained Stephanie DiPrima, the Coach of the Stormettes. “What a fantastic experience! We plan to be back next year.”

Just in front of the St. John’s assembly was local bagpiper Robert P. Lynch, Esq. ’77C, ’80L, Adjunct Associate Professor, Division of Administration and Economics, who also teaches bagpipes at Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale, NY—a major feeder school for the University’s Queens, NY, campus. In 2024, Mr. Lynch arranged for several high school bagpipers to march with St. John’s, while this year they had a large representation and again helped bring the St. John’s crew up the avenue.

“It’s great to be part of both institutions!” Mr. Lynch exclaimed. “Marching alongside my son Kieran Lynch ’14CPS makes this an even more meaningful experience.”

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.

“The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is legendary—as is St. John’s,” shared Sara Hunt Munoz, Ed.D., Senior Director, Office of Alumni Relations. “The parade allows St. John’s alumni to celebrate Irish heritage and our New York City roots.”  

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 25

Watch St. John's at the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade