New Student Orientation Welcomes New Generation of Johnnies

It is a familiar rite of passage at St. John’s University—shortly after Commencement celebrates the graduation of the latest class, New Student Orientation welcomes a brand new class of eager young Johnnies who will bring their unique energy and gifts to make their indelible mark on the institution.

“Orientation is a key part of helping students connect with the University where they’ll spend some of the most formative years of their lives,” observed Samuel Baah, Director, Campus Activities and New Student Orientation. “It lays the foundation for their growth into well-rounded, engaged citizens. Through orientation, students are introduced to essential campus services and resources.”

Mr. Baah noted that this year his team added a session called St. John’s 101, allowing students the opportunity to explore the campus and get familiar with the key spots they will experience throughout their journey. Other sessions explore student success, developing community, mental health awareness, and the vast array of resources available to incoming students.

Energy and unbridled enthusiasm characterize the experience as the celebratory atmosphere envelopes new students.

Business analytics major Gabriella Macaluso, a native of Staten Island, NY, said, “I loved St. John’s the first time I came here. I loved it so much more than any other college that I visited. I knew this was my school.”

She added, “I’m excited to meet new people. Everyone has been so welcoming.”

Veronica Niyazov, a nursing major, was attracted to St. John’s by the University’s state-of-the-art St. Vincent Health Sciences Center. During orientation, she quickly met some new friends, “and there’s food involved, so that’s always good,” she laughed.

Madison Pineiro, also a nursing major, is one of Veronica’s new friends. “I love the environment at St. John’s,” she said. “That’s what attracted me.”

Early childhood education major Michael May was attracted to St. John’s because of its National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Dance team. “I was going to study education wherever I went, but this really tipped the scales toward St. John’s,” he said.

He was moved by the orientation experience, adding, “I already feel like part of the family, and I haven’t attended one class.”

Teresa Delgado, Ph.D., Dean and Professor, Theology and Religious Studies, St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was the faculty keynote speaker for all student orientation sessions.

“You are not alone in this journey,” she stressed. “Your orientation group, orientation leader, and all the deans, staff, and professors are here to help you. We’re here so that you can succeed. Do not feel alone if you encounter a problem. You are not alone in finding a solution. We solve things best together as a community, as a family—and that’s what you have at St. John’s.”

Orientation coordinators and leaders inject joy and their infectious love of St. John’s into every aspect of the day. Their reasons for joining the program vary, but they all share an intense passion for St. John’s.

As an international student, biomedical sciences major Syeda Hijab Fatima, a native of Karachi, Pakistan, had a different orientation experience—but one that was no less formative. “I was very intrigued by the traditional program and reached out to a friend who was also my orientation leader,” she said. “She recommended me to the program, so I applied and went through the training.

She added, “It was one of the best decisions I made because it helped me gain leadership skills.  It also helped me make so many more connections at the University with faculty and administrators. Orientation helped me acclimate and find my path.”

Inaya-Michelle Charles, a double major in biology and critical race and ethnic studies, also serves as a R.I.S.E. (Reach, Inspire, Succeed, Empower) Network mentor. “The programs are neighbors in the D’Angelo Center, and that’s where I really learned about the inner workings of this program,” she said. “I was inspired to join because it seemed like a family and a tight community. I wanted to be a part of that.”

She added, “My main goal is inspiring students to explore who they are as Johnnies, and get to know everything on campus. When I first arrived, I didn’t know what was happening and wish I had gotten involved sooner. I want to ensure the first-year students know all the possibilities and resources available.”

Divyani Rani Singh, a business major from Nepal, always wanted to become an orientation leader, but didn’t feel ready until now. “I’m a rising senior, so time was running out, and I thought, ‘OK I can do this.’ It’s going to be fun meeting new students and telling them how great St. John’s is. That was my experience and I want to share it.”

Mathematics major Justin Ashton, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, missed his orientation. “My student mentor loved orientation and told me how much it shaped her St. John’s experience,” he said. “She was so helpful to me that I thought this would be a great way to honor her.”