Once a Johnnie, Always a Johnnie: StormFest Welcomes Families Home

St. John’s University hosted its annual StormFest celebration on October 18 on the Queens, NY, campus. This joyful event brings together a wide swath of the University community, including students, parents, alumni, and employees, in a festive atmosphere marked by music, attractions, campus tours, college presentations, a Men’s Basketball exhibition game—and, most importantly, fellowship.

This year, the day also served as an opportunity for the wider St. John’s community to learn about the University’s Hearts on Fire campaign, a comprehensive, $400-million fundraising effort aimed at igniting a bright future for the next generation of Johnnies.

Sara Hunt Munoz, Ed.D., Senior Director, Alumni Engagement, Office of Alumni Relations, remarked, “StormFest was an incredible success. It was amazing to see so many of our alumni return to campus, reconnect with each other, and enjoy the spirit of our community. This annual event continues to grow, and each year it becomes more evident just how strong and proud our alumni network truly is.”

The day began with a breakfast for current students and their parents hosted by University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. As morning sunlight filtered into Montgoris Dining Hall, excited families gathered around tables marked by coffee cups, chatter, and an air of anticipation.

During his welcoming remarks, Fr. Shanley remarked, “This is a joyful weekend. There is much that is good, beautiful, and from God that is here. So, we invite you to enjoy the moment, to appreciate the gift that is St. John’s.” 

He continued, “We appreciate the gift that are your sons and daughters. Our students are our most precious resource. Today, we celebrate what St. John’s is gifting to your students and to your families because a St. John’s education not only changes the students who come here, it changes families.”

As festivities began under clear blue skies, Karen Moritz Simons, Director of the Office of Parent and Family Relations, spoke of the great partnerships across the University that made this day a reality. “StormFest is a combination family weekend and a homecoming extravaganza,” she observed.

Ms. Simons added, “What’s great about that is we have current students and their families who are here at the breakfast, but later on at the Great Lawn mingle with alumni and begin to see the power of the St. John’s alumni network and the legacy of which they will be a part.”

Several proud families and students from Boston, MA, to Barbados shared their enthusiasm for St. John’s. “I was worried I wouldn’t adjust,” said first-year student Olivia Christopherson, a Boston native. “But I found a home here. The Government and Politics program is really cool, and the people are amazing.” 

She added, “I wanted to go to school in Boston, but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

Her family decided to attend Accepted Student Day and turn it into a vacation. On a cruise around New York City, they met a St. John’s alumnus. “He was so animated and passionate and kept telling me how much I would love it.”

Olivia’s mother, Carolita, appreciates the University’s engagement with parents. “I love the newsletters they send out. When we came to tour and when we moved her in, everyone was so enthusiastic. Even at the restaurants, as soon as people heard we were coming to St. John’s, they talked it up.” 

At one table sat a proud mother and two proud grandmothers of St. John’s first-year student Rory Forehand Jr. His grandmother, Damita Owens, said, “I love this campus. Everyone from the dean to the cafeteria staff are so welcoming.”

His mother, Jessica Owens, remarked that they were considering other schools, and she did not know her son applied to St. John’s. “My son said as soon as he came to campus he felt like he was home—and that was that.” 

Ms. Owens explained that Rory, a rabid lacrosse player in high school, knew he would not make the Men’s Lacrosse team as a first-year student, but his enthusiasm was so high he became manager of the team. 

She added that while she enjoys a check-in text from her son every day, if he was calling her every day, she would know there was a problem. “He barely has time for me—and that’s a good thing. What they put on paper about St. John’s is who they are,” she said. “They talk the talk and walk the walk.”

At another table, three women—two mothers and one graduate student—shared their St. John’s stories over breakfast. “St. John’s isn’t just a college,” said Nashawn Critchlow. “It’s a community that cares beyond the tuition.”

Danielle Rouse ’22GP, an international graduate student from Barbados, said, “I found my place in pharmacology doing cancer research on neuroblastoma. It has just been a phenomenal time. Throughout my doctoral candidacy, I have taught classes as a fellow and gotten to know so many students. That itself speaks to what St. John’s is because I did my master’s here, and once I graduated in 2022, I stayed for my Ph.D.”

Alumna Karen Taylor Bass ’89SVC, a publicist in the entertainment field, said, “Once a Johnnie, always a Johnnie. Whatever you pour into St. John’s, it pours right back into you.” She added, “It doesn’t matter when you graduated—it’s family. When you come back, it feels like you never left.”

Each college hosted a Dean’s Hour, which showcased programs, offered tours, and gave parents and students an opportunity to interact with deans and their faculty.

At the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Tina J. Kanmaz, Pharm.D., Associate Dean, Student Affairs, and Clinical Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, spoke with alumni, parents, and students about the College’s continued growth and innovative approach to health-care education. 

“As you can tell, the St. Vincent Health Sciences Center is our newest gem on campus, and the building is just incredible,” Dr. Kanmaz said. “We have state-of-the-art flex labs and simulator mannequins that can do all kinds of things a normal human body would do. Our students get to practice their patient care skills here before they work with actual patients.”

At The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, Maciek Nowak, Ph.D., Dean, spoke with parents and students about Tobin’s recent accomplishments and the College’s focus on preparing students for success. Dean Nowak shared how the College has risen in national rankings—an improvement he said that reflects the hard work and dedication of Tobin’s faculty, administration, and staff.  

“When you send your kids to us, you trust us to ultimately help them get a job,” Dean Nowak said. “We prepare our students for that, and are really focused on that right now.”

Luca Iandoli, Ph.D., Dean of The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, told his gathering, “We train students to meet real-world challenges in a way other schools simply can’t.” 

He added, “Because we have so many programs under the same academic roof, we’re able to give our students more flexibility—combining disciplines in ways that prepare them for the world they’re actually entering.”

At The School of Education, Dean James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D., discussed with parents, alumni, and even some current students what makes St. John’s unique. He discussed St. John’s evolution from a day college in Brooklyn, NY, to a modern university that remains committed to its foundational mission.

“Faithful to the mission since 1870—you will see that all around here,” Dean Wolfinger said, referring to the University’s motto. “St. John’s connects with the community because we believe that an education can elevate a person, and the education of one person can elevate a family, and ultimately, the community.”    

Enthusiasm was high across the Great Lawn as alumni old and young mixed with current, and perhaps, future, Johnnies. Some alumni were from nearby—such as Yumi Hugh ’08P of Queens, NY. Others, including Courtney Herbert ’06Ed.D., from Port Jefferson, NY, traveled longer distances to reconnect with their alma mater.

Wherever they came from, alumni, children, and guests were treated to outdoor activities, including slides and bounce houses, carnival rides, games cornhole; and food trucks offering everything from Italian specialties to Mexican delights and ice cream for dessert.

“We try to come to these events when we can; they are always great,” said Ms. Hugh, who attended with her husband, Alan, currently a graduate student at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, and their young daughter. “I love the community at St. John’s. I grew up in Queens, so this is home. Being able to grow up here, graduate from here, and come back to these events with family, is amazing.” 

“St. John’s is generational,” added Dr. Herbert, whose son, Joseph, is majoring in Actuarial Science at the Tobin College of Business. “Now that my son is here, it means even more to me. He is having a great time so far.” 

Joseph agreed. “I like my classes, and so far, everything has been great,” he said.