Open House Showcases St. John’s University’s Spirit, Tradition, and Innovation

Eager to experience all that St. John’s University has to offer, a record 850-plus prospective students and their families attended the University’s first undergraduate Fall Open House of 2025.

“It was a beautiful fall day on campus—the air was crisp and filled with energy,” said Kerri Darcy, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment. “We were thrilled to welcome prospective students and their families to experience the spirit of St. John’s firsthand.”

Traveling from as far away as Texas—guests of the University began their day signing in at Carnesecca Arena, home of the reigning BIG EAST Champion Red Storm Men’s Basketball team. From there, they fanned out across the 100-plus-acre campus, exploring on their own or via guided tours led by Student Ambassadors—exuberant St. John’s students who were eager to share their own experiences at the University, offer tips, and answer questions. 

The event also included a look inside the Residence Village, information sessions, and tours of various labs. 

A standout stop on the day’s special tours was the St. Vincent Health Sciences Center—a new centerpiece of the Queens, NY, campus. The 70,000-square-foot center, which opened in Fall 2024, is home to students in the University’s Nursing, Radiologic Sciences, and Physician Assistant programs.

Among those touring the St. Vincent Health Sciences Center was Brooke Louisa, a high school senior at Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School in East Elmhurst, NY. 

“The [St. Vincent] Health Sciences Center is just amazing,” she said. “I plan to study either nursing or go pre-med, so I certainly wanted to explore. St. John’s has such a beautiful, modern campus. I actually played in a basketball tournament here, but this is my first time really getting to experience all the facilities.” 

Her parents, Barbara and Mike, were pleased with everything they experienced at the Open House. “The campus is very secure, and I feel like we won’t have to worry about her when she’s here,” said Ms. Louisa. “I feel like she’ll get a quality education at St. John’s, and she’ll be happy. That’s what’s most important.” 

Inside Taffner Field House, the Student Services Fair welcomed guests with representatives from a diverse array of majors and programs of study and student services. Throughout the day, students also connected with deans, administrators, and current Johnnies to explore St. John’s many courses of study, and vibrant student life opportunities.

Tours were conducted of the Radiologic Sciences Lab; Instructional Television, Film, and Radio Center; Fine Arts Studios and Art Gallery; Advanced Graphics Lab; Media Arts and Design Lab; and Technology Commons.

For Julia Soto, a senior at Island Trees High School in Levittown, the day marked her third time visiting campus (not including Men’s and Women’s Basketball games). “I really love it here—I love everything it has to offer and it’s one of my top choices right now,” she explained. “I want to get a deeper look at classrooms and the dorms so I can really see what it’ll be like on campus as a student.” 

Her father, Christian Soto ’00Ed, ’02GEd, ’11Ed.D.—a triple alumnus—wanted his daughter to experience the campus that served as his home away from home for many years. “St. John’s was very, very good to me. The professors were amazing, and I had a really special relationship with them,” he offered. “The decision of where she goes to school is hers to make, but I would love for her to be a Johnnie.”

Like Julia, John Keogh of Richmond Hill, NY, would be the second member of his family to attend St. John’s. His grandfather, Robert Keogh ’61C, was a student in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when the University had just relocated from Brooklyn, NY, to its current Queens campus. 

“I’m thinking of studying Criminal Justice because I know it’s a solid program and St. John’s has such a prestigious reputation,” said the senior at The Scholars’ Academy in Rockaway Park, NY. “I’ve been to a lot of basketball games throughout the years, and St. John’s has always been at the top of my list. Now, I get to see the campus firsthand.” 

While many of the prospective students in attendance hailed from the New York metropolitan area, several students traveled to New York from Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Texas. 

Carmen Espinosa, originally from Santo Domingo, DR, traveled from her home in the Bronx, NY, after a representative from St. John’s visited her high school, East Harlem Scholars Academies. “After talking to them about everything St. John’s has to offer, I wanted to learn more,” she said. “I came here today to see the campus, and I really think I fell in love with this place. I’m very religious, so the fact that St. John’s is a Catholic school is very important to me, too.” 

Open House was more than just an introduction to campus life—it was a celebration of the St. John’s community, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, and families in the shared excitement of what lies ahead.

Reflecting on the day, Ms. Darcy said, “The excitement and smiles throughout the day truly reflected what makes our community so special, and we look forward to welcoming more students to our last Open House on November 15.”