St. John’s Welcomes Students to First Day of Classes

The aura of first-day-of-school optimism was in the air on September 3 as St. John’s University welcomed students on the opening day of classes with a celebration at the D’Angelo Center (DAC) plaza meant to inspire learning and showcase student resources.

First-year students, in particular, gathered to learn more about degree programs at the University’s Schools and Colleges. Some, such as Mokshada Choudry, a native of Maharashtra, India, came to St. John’s from a faraway destination. Others, such as Denise Samaniego, from Richmond Hills, Queens, were from nearby.

Huddled near an information tent, the two new friends were eager to learn more about programs at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, where they plan to study.

“I arrived last week. It is my first time in New York,” said Mokshada, recruited from her western Indian hometown to join the Red Storm Women’s Fencing team. “It was lonely at first, but since I met with the team of orientation leaders, it has been great.”

“I came here for a visit and thought it was a lovely place,” Denise added. “It had the business programs I was interested in. I have really liked it so far.”

Representatives from St. John’s five undergraduate Schools and Colleges lined the DAC plaza, joined by teams from Campus Recreation, Counseling and Psychological Services, Dining Services, University Career Services, the University Learning Commons, and the Division of Student Affairs, which sponsored the event.   

Music from alumnus DJ Zeke—Ezekiel O. Akinyemi ’08TCB—blared from loudspeakers while mascot Johnny Thunderbird glad-handed the newest members of the St. John’s family. Students dined on freshly prepared food from Chartwells Higher Education, and picnic tables and board games added to the festive atmosphere. 

A photo booth helped students mark the first day of college classes for posterity. Giveaways of University merchandise added to the energy.

But there was more to the event than fun and games. Administrators and faculty, including Andres Laurito ’97C, ’03GEd, Assistant Dean, St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,  met with students, answered questions, and provided counsel.

“We hope to introduce them to all St. John’s College has to offer,” Mr. Laurito said. “We want students to see the value of a liberal arts education and know that with the minors available here, say, in business, there are many more options for liberal arts students.”

Students were greeted by New Student Orientation team members, who helped to introduce them to life at St. John’s.

“We are the first people that others see when they come to St. John’s,” said Kyntel Hines, a graduate assistant working with the orientation team. “We are their first impression—and we aim to make a good one.”