From First Impressions to Future Plans: Accepted Student Day Brings Campus to Life

On a picture-perfect spring day, more than 1,650 accepted students descended upon St. John's University’s 100+ acre campus in Queens, NY, for its annual Accepted Student Day. This event that offered not only a glimpse of campus life, but also a hint at new ways the University is working to make a St. John’s education more accessible and affordable.

In his welcome address to future students, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., University President, introduced a bold new initiative: St. John’s Ready, which ensures that all new first-time, first-year students who enroll this fall will receive their required course materials at no additional cost. “We know that one of the pieces of the puzzle that’s very important to you is affordability—can I afford to come to St. John’s?” he said. “St. John’s Ready creates an equal starting line for all of our students, so that everybody on the first day of classes is going to have everything they need to be successful in their coursework.”

He added, “Our biggest commitment at St. John’s is to your success, and we will do everything that we can while you are here to support you in that success.”

The immersive experience was designed to help future Johnnies explore academic and service opportunities; tour the tree-lined grounds; and get a firsthand look at the University’s state-of-the-art learning facilities as they consider their future on campus.

Saturday’s event marked the second Accepted Student Day at St. John’s for Greg and Teresa Toohig, whose daughter Kaitlyn plans to study government and politics, and whose son is already enrolled in the pharmacy program.

“I’m thrilled Katilyn was accepted here,” Mr. Toohig said. “It’s such a beautiful campus to walk around. We have the luxury of having a child who is several years into his program. He’s actually studying abroad right now, and is loving every minute of it. We’re confident Kaitlyn will be happy here, too.”

While some students took a short drive or subway ride to campus, Violet Tunstall flew more than 2,700 miles from her home in Yakima, WA, to explore St. John’s campus for the first time. “I really want to study on the East Coast and one day work in either a nonprofit or help to shape meaningful policy decisions,” she said. “I’ve always been passionate about social justice, and St. John’s offers such a wide range of programs that really align with that.”

Throughout the day, visitors toured the campus. They interacted with current Johnnies, faculty, administrators, and staff, participating in  fun activities and engaging information sessions that helped them learn more about the St. John’s experience.

While high school friends Sarim Naveed and Donovan Sabatella, both of Farmingdale, NY, came to Accepted Student Day to explore what will likely be their homes away from home this fall, the pair are already factoring life after college into their decisions.

“St. John’s is so well-represented by its alumni,” said Donovan, who will study actuarial science. “Everyone I talk to who went here keeps telling me, ‘You have to commit! You’re going to love it!’ That potential for networking is one of the main reasons I deposited.”

His friend, Sarim, echoed that long-game mindset. “The outcomes I can get from St. John’s are exponential—that’s why I’m going to do the combined Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Juris Doctor (J.D.) program,” he explained. “I can definitely see myself preparing for the future by living here and meeting people. There’s so much opportunity here.”

Simon G. Møller, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, University Distinguished Professor, and Provost Endowed Chair, said Accepted Student Day remains one of his favorite events at St. John’s. “During their visit, students experience our excellent academic programs and faculty, cutting-edge learning environments, and a vibrant student life. Students will firsthand picture themselves on campus, in classrooms, and in one of the many specialized learning spaces, and will be encouraged to become leaders in their field of study, in their community, and in the world.”

By day’s end, that sense of possibility and momentum was felt across campus. “Accepted Student Day is one of my favorite days of the year—when our campus comes alive with the energy, excitement, and promise of the next class ready to make their mark,” explained Samantha R. Wright, Chief Enrollment Officer. “There’s something special about seeing students experience campus for the first time as future members of the St. John’s community.”