January 28, 2026
At St. John’s University, every Johnnie’s story has the power to guide someone else’s path. That’s the idea behind our new initiative connecting alumni with current and incoming students in curated, virtual conversations.
These calls go beyond question-and-answers; they offer an authentic glimpse into life at St. John’s, from academics and campus culture to career opportunities and personal growth. Admission counselors support the process by offering their expertise during the virtual meetings and guiding incoming students on their next steps.
Alumni describe the experience as rewarding and meaningful. “This engagement is a wonderful way for current students and alumni to help others by simply sharing their personal experiences and thoughts about the program,” said Desislava Stoeva ’25Ph.D. “It does not require intense preparation and a large time commitment, yet it can be very beneficial for a student who is trying to understand whether the program they were/are in is a good fit.”
“Getting to meet someone who’s already gone through the program was incredibly helpful in calming my nerves,” said Aishwarya Gupta, who is enrolled in the Ph.D. in Multi-Sector Communication program and spoke with Dr. Stoeva. “Hearing about Desi’s experience with the coursework, which classes to take, and how to plan the dissertation gave me a much clearer picture of what to expect. Desi was honest about both the positives and some of the challenges, which really helped set the right expectations. She also gave great advice on how to navigate things if I ever feel uncomfortable, like how to adjust my path or talk to professors.”
Conor Fagan ’18CCPS, ’19MBA added, “I’d recommend it to other alumni who are looking to stay in touch with their alma mater; it’s a very casual, yet rewarding, way to kindle a relationship with the University and network with (hopefully) future St. John’s alumni.”
Incoming students have shared equally positive feedback. “When I talked with an alumnus through this program, I truly appreciated the openness and insight he shared about his experience at St. John’s and his career journey since graduating,” said Wavonye Sinclair, who is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Enterprise Risk Management. “I left the conversation feeling encouraged and better prepared.”
Giving back doesn’t always mean financial support; it can be as simple as sharing your story. Through these curated introductions, you can help students with career opportunities, business collaborations, or personal support.
Take five minutes to share your journey. You’ll inspire a Johnnie, expand your own network, and strengthen the bonds that make our community one of a kind.
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