April 28, 2026
For nearly six decades, membership in the President’s Society—St. John’s University’s highest undergraduate student honor society—has represented a wonderful reciprocal relationship between the University’s present and its future. Members directly engage with some of the University’s most influential and generous alumni. In those key moments, alumni bear witness to the tangible fruits of their philanthropy.
On April 25, the President’s Society welcomed 21 new members during its 59th annual induction ceremony in the D’Angelo Center Ballroom on the Queens, NY, campus. Outgoing members were also celebrated for their distinguished service.
“A critical role of the President’s Society is to help donors and alumni see themselves in our students,” noted University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., during his welcoming remarks.
He stressed, “You’re the people at the events I attend. I need all of you to be good at interacting with people who help the future of our University.”
Equally important, Fr. Shanley observed, is that members find their ‘why’ in life—the purpose that drives them beyond making money and advancing in their career. College, he said, is a time to begin to try to answer that often-elusive question, “How am I going to find that unique thing that God created me to do?”
He added, “What you learn here contributes to that. Pass that on to the folks that come behind you. This is an hour for us to celebrate the beginning of the making of meaning in your lives.”
Incoming and outgoing members spoke about the desire to push beyond their comfort zone, make important connections, and serve the institution that has given so much to them.
Biomedical sciences major Ava Mabry-Spencer, a member of the Women’s Track and Field team, said, “I want people to see I am so much more than an athlete. You can also embody the spirit of your University and fulfill its mission. Being in a room with people who look different than me as I navigate this new chapter in life was very important.”
John Antonio Capozzoli, an accounting major, wasn’t optimistic he would be selected for this honor. “I remember when my sister graduated, and I was an incoming freshman, my first exposure to the society was when they were honored at Commencement. I thought if I could get a miniscule taste of that in college—to stand out, strive, and excel—I would love the opportunity.” He added, “If I could inspire someone else like that, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
“During my time at St. John’s, I’ve thrown myself into every possible opportunity,” recalled Jacqueline Noel Ghorra, a childhood education major. “I wanted to be a part of something bigger than me, something that stands for excellence.”
She added, “Being personable is a skill that will serve you well throughout your life. I want to meet new people, make connections, and create relationships.”
Outgoing member Harrison Noel, a business major and member of the Men’s Lacrosse team, shared, “Being part of a team helped me realize that leadership is the best way to grow.”
He added that interfacing with alumni and donors and listening to their journeys was revelatory. “What they’ve given to us is priceless.”
Outgoing member Brianna Cristello, also a childhood education major and member of the St. John’s Dance team, said, “We’re all from different majors, and I never would have met most of these people. I made so many great connections.”
Journalism major Katherine Garlisi called membership a “game changer.” Her parents are both St. John’s alumni and her mother was a member. “This gave me so many skills that you can’t get inside a classroom.”
Alumni speaker Sarah Cullivan ’22TCB, ’24M.B.A., a Customer Relationship Management Analyst at Madison Square Garden, and Cochair, President’s Society Alumni Association, told students that being inducted into the President’s Society is not just about academic achievement. “It’s about how you treat people when no one is watching; how you show up when it’s not required; and how you carry the essential values of service, humility, and community into every space you step into next. That’s what lasts. That sense of community doesn’t end here.”
Criminal justice major and incoming member Jack Collins spoke to the deeper meaning of the induction. “I love St. John’s and its Catholic and Vincentian mission. The President’s Society brings those values into sharper focus. I’m just excited to give back to the University in any way I can.”