September 17, 2025
St. John’s University’s commitment to student wellness took center stage on September 15, when the Division of Student Affairs hosted its annual Student Wellness Fair on the D’Angelo Center plaza.
More than 20 campus offices and departments were represented. Among them were Campus Recreation, the Department of Public Safety, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Student Government, Inc., Student Health Services, and University Career Services. Offices and departments showcased the resources available to help St. John’s students care for themselves emotionally, mentally, and physically.
“There is a connection between your physical and mental well-being,” said Dayana Cordero-Palomo ’25C, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation. “When you work out, you feel good about yourself; when you feel good about yourself, you work out more. It enhances your self-esteem and makes you feel better about yourself.”
Students who attended the fair discovered all the resources St. John’s offers, including counseling, physical wellness, sexual-violence prevention, and more. Representatives discussed the causes of various mental health challenges and helped to show students how preparation can lead to prevention.
“An event like this is so important,” said Catie Gilrane, a junior at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. “People never know what they might experience at college or elsewhere.”
A series of booths dedicated to wellness strategies, including body positivity, resilience, self-care, and more were available. Others advocated for alcohol awareness and discussed skills for coping with stress. Students who visited 10 of the 20 booths were eligible to participate in a tie-dyed T-shirt creation activity.
Students also learned more about Student Health Services’ new partnership with Northwell Health’s Rapid Virtual Care program which creates a new, free telehealth option for St. John’s students when Student Health Services is closed.
Students can access the service from anywhere in New York State or Connecticut. Northwell will connect them with local hospitals if necessary. “This telehealth option expands access for our students,” said Luis G. Manzo, Ph.D., ABPP, Assistant Vice President for Student Wellness.
Representatives said the start of a new school year can be stressful for students, whether with newfound responsibilities or merely being away from home for the first time.
“Alcohol, for example, can become a coping skill that some people might turn to,” said Abby Blick, a graduate assistant in the Office of Wellness Education and Prevention Services, pursuing a doctorate in School Psychology at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “We want to educate students to make safe and responsible choices.”
Students seemed eager to learn about the resources available to them. Lauren Rodriguez, a Computer Science major at The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, noted the importance of self-education on mental health and wellness issues.
“Mental health is not talked about as much as it should be,” Lauren, a senior, said. “There have been efforts to destigmatize it, but there is still a stigma attached to it.”
First-year student Angel Perez, a Legal Studies major at the Collins College of Professional Studies, added, “I’m glad they did this. It helps everyone grow together and helps each other out.”
The Office of Wellness Education and Prevention Services cultivates resources for students struggling with issues ranging from financial insecurity to drug use. Director Megan Johnson, M.S., M.C.H.E.S. said hosting an event such as this as early as possible in the school year is best.
“We cover topics related to warning signs of mental health concerns and showcase solutions such as the importance of community and counseling centers,” Ms. Johnson explained.
Likewise, the SOAR (Sexual Violence Outreach, Awareness, and Response) Office aims to prevent incidences of sexual assault, dating and relationship violence, and stalking. Graduate assistant Nikki Demacopoulos reinforced the office’s commitment to providing students with the tools needed for healthy relationships. “Everyone should feel seen and heard on campus,” she said.
Students were introduced to the diversity of wellness resources through interactive presentations. In one presentation, students were asked to document a setback they had encountered and what they did to overcome it. Both bulletin boards were filled with anecdotes.
“Awareness of the resources available to us is important,” said Mariem Iqbal, a junior majoring in Marketing. “Everyone needs someone to talk to sometimes."
Karen Simons, Director, Office of Parent and Family Connections and of the Veterans Success Center, helped students learn about the wellness practice of aromatherapy—the use of essential oils to improve health and well-being.
“The aromatherapy kits help with stress and anxiety,” Ms. Simons said. “It will help ground students in times of stress. We also encourage them to get good sleep, exercise, and take care of their health.”