St. John’s Hosts National Catholic Student Affairs Conference

The role of faith-based colleges and universities during challenging times in higher education was examined over four days when St. John’s University hosted the Association of Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASACCU) annual conference for the first time.

The 2025 conference, held June 24–27, brought more than 130 student affairs administrators to the Queens, NY, campus. Representatives from St. John’s and other area Catholic institutions were included. Still, others came from as far away as St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX, the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, and Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA.

The conference allowed representatives an opportunity to renew their professional and spiritual commitments, share knowledge, and strengthen their institution’s Catholic identity, mission, and vision.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to network, but it is more than that,” said Adam Casler, Interim Vice President of Student Life at Siena College, whose team made the four-hour drive from Loudonville, NY. “Being here reminds us that while each school might differ some in charism, our values are shared. We can see how other schools live out their charism and bring those best practices back to our schools.”     

ASACCU was established in 1999 to enhance student development at Catholic colleges and universities and to promote a greater understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition. Its annual conference brings together representatives from about three dozen institutions.

Over four days, attendees shared insights with higher-education thought leaders, engaged in small-group discussions and research sessions, and more. They also enjoyed New York City entertainment, including Broadway shows, baseball games, and dinner cruises.

Sessions were held in the D’Angelo Center and St. Augustine Hall. Speakers included Mary Dana Hinton, Ph.D., President of Hollins University in Roanoke, VA, and President Emerita of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN.    

In a 90-minute discussion on June 25, Dr. Hinton acknowledged the challenges university administrators face—including campus polarization, international student concerns, and staffing shortages—but urged attendees to remain committed to mission-driven leadership. She also acknowledged the role faith can play in navigating those challenges.

“In the past, I have found myself wrestling with the same things you all are,” Dr. Hinton admitted. “I don’t think I would have survived them had I not invested in my spiritual life.”

“Now, more than ever, we are called to summon up new aspects of leadership,” Dr. Hinton continued. “You must know what you stand for. In challenging times, it is critically important to know your mission.”   

A panel discussion, chaired by the Rev. Aidan Rooney, C.M., M.Div., M.Th. ’78NDC , highlighted the program on June 26. Joining Fr. Rooney were André McKenzie, Ed.D., retired Vice Provost at St. John’s; Monica Burnette, Ph.D., Vice President of Student Services, Seton Hall University; and Elizabeth Ortiz, Ed.D., retired Vice President for Institutional Diversity and Equity, DePaul University.

For more than an hour in the D’Angelo Center ballroom, the panelists explored current issues in Catholic higher education, especially mission maintenance, strategies for student success, and student engagement in recent times. The panelists agreed that traditional models for meeting students “where they are” are more complex now when students come from many different ideological perspectives.

“St. John’s core values of truth, love, respect, opportunity, excellence, and service are displayed on the walls of this building,” Dr. McKenzie said. “Can we do the work we are supposed to do, regardless of when we are called to do it? That is the challenge—to actualize our values.”     

“In difficult times, you are the catalysts that provide hope to students,” Dr. Ortiz added. “I always ask myself, ‘Where was I? What did I do to help and who did I help?’”   

The conference began on June 24 with a scene-setting lecture by Peter K. Fay, Ph.D., Catherine of Siena Teaching Scholar, Villanova University. Dr. Fay helped the attendees identify the values of Catholic higher education that are common to all institutions regardless of their charism or tradition.

“The goal of Catholic higher education is to help students flourish and become the people God calls them to become,” Dr. Fay said. “In other words, to help students discern and pursue their vocations. If so, then student affairs plays a vital role as gateways for them to encounter the divine.”     

Attendees joined in Mass each day at St. Thomas More Church before embarking on a series of New York City social adventures, including a trip to the Broadway show Wicked; to Citi Field to watch the New York Mets; or to a dinner cruise around New York Harbor.

They also networked with several conference sponsors. Among those sponsors was GivePulse, a digital platform that enables colleges and nonprofits to organize service events and fund-raisers and communicate with stakeholders. St. John’s is among GivePulse’s 400 clients.

“Catholic colleges and universities are quite service-minded, especially students at St. John’s,” GivePulse founder and Chief Engagement and Experiential Officer George Luc said. “There is a natural partnership in our services and their volunteer spirit and commitment to service learning. Together, we can engage in community opportunities that positively impact society.”