St. John’s Launches Ambitious $400 Million Campaign

[Queens, NY] – May 1, 2025 – St. John’s University (NY) is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking $400 million comprehensive fundraising effort – the most extensive campaign in the 155-year history of the University – aimed at igniting a bright future for the Catholic and Vincentian institution with long and deep ties to New York City.

This ambitious initiative, titled “HEARTS ON FIRE: The Campaign for St. John’s,” seeks to fuel the power of a Vincentian education by supporting investments in people, programs, and facilities. This campaign, the first major fundraising campaign at St. John’s in twenty years, will ignite brighter futures by funding visionary investments at the University. “HEARTS ON FIRE” will expand institutional scholarship capabilities, enhance educational programs, and improve campus facilities.

Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President, stated, “This campaign has already garnered substantial support and represents a bold vision for the future of St. John’s. Investing in our students, faculty, and facilities ensures that our Catholic and Vincentian University remains accessible, affordable, and at the forefront of education and innovation. I invite our 200,000 alumni, our friends, fans, and partners to join us on this transformative journey. I am confident that with God’s grace and the continued support of the global St. John’s community, the $400 million goal will be achieved and exceeded, paving the way for an even brighter future.”

“HEARTS ON FIRE” has meaningful momentum, with $251.5 million raised as of May 1, 2025. The campaign's public phase is expected to conclude on May 31, 2028.

Leading this monumental fundraising effort as the “HEARTS ON FIRE” Campaign Cochairs are Margaret M. Keane 81C, 87MBA, 19HON, Elected Vice Chair of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Cisive; Kevin Reed’ 75C, Retired Managing Director, Citigroup Asset Management; and James J. Shannon’ 87CBA, Partner, Chief Executive Officer, Indus Capital Partners, LLC. William J. Janetschek’ 84CBA,’ 17HON, serves as Chair of the St. John’s University Board of Trustees; he is a Retired Partner and Chief Financial Officer, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P.

The campaign will help secure the financial resources needed to:

• Open every door for the capable, committed students who pursue a St. John’s education through increased scholarships and financial aid.
• Ensure the best academics and St. John’s student experience.
• Reshape and reinvigorate the Queens campus academic and athletic facilities for decades, through comprehensive and thoughtful master-planning process.

“HEARTS ON FIRE” is already elevating the student experience. In Fall 2024, St. John’s opened the first new facility to emerge from the campaign. The new, $106 million, state-of-the-art St. Vincent Health Sciences Center at its Queens, NY, campus, marks another significant milestone in St. John’s enduring commitment to fostering service, innovation, and academic excellence. The Center is home to hundreds of students in the University’s Nursing, Radiologic Sciences, and Physician Assistant programs. 

Fresh off the success of winning the BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Championship, a critical component of the capital campaign is the plan to construct a new state-of-the-art basketball practice facility adjacent to Gate 4 (175th Street and Union Turnpike) to serve the everyday needs of the Red Storm’s men’s and women’s basketball programs. The new project will be developed in conjunction with the renovation of Taffner Fieldhouse to create a best-in-class campus recreation center for the University community.

For more information about the campaign and how to contribute, please visit our campaign website.