May 21, 2026
On April 30, students, alumni, faculty, and friends of the University rallied around a shared purpose—opening the doors of opportunity that define a St. John’s education during Giving Day.
With live music, food trucks, and campus spirit on full display in and around the D’Angelo Center (DAC), the celebration was as vibrant as the impact behind it. While Giving Day was certainly about food, fun, and festivities, it also served as a powerful reminder that every act of generosity, no matter what the size, helps shape a student’s journey.
“Giving Day is about more than dollars raised,” explained Christian P. Vaupel, Ed.D., Senior Vice President for Advancement. “It’s a visible demonstration of our collective commitment to ensuring that our students have the resources, opportunities, and experiences they need to thrive.”
Today, 98 percent of St. John’s undergraduate and graduate students receive financial aid—meaning that for many of the students attending the Giving Day festivities, that support makes the difference between whether or not they will be able to attend the University.
For Amarra Lopez, a senior marketing major at the event, that support has been transformative. “I’m actually an endowed scholar recipient, so I think it’s super important that donors either give back or pay it forward to the next generation of students,” she said. “We are doing amazing things, and that bit of financial security benefits us in many ways, from academics to extracurriculars, or just being able to live comfortably on campus. St. John’s wouldn’t be the way it is without our donors.”
Fellow attendee Ishmael Faye had a similar take on the importance of supporting students through scholarships. “St. John’s is a place where so many students have truly transformative experiences, and a big part of that comes from the financial support the University provides through generous donors,” the senior advertising communications and public relations major said. “Without that support, those opportunities wouldn’t be possible for many students, and a lot of people would find themselves in much more difficult situations.”
On the plaza outside DAC, the celebration featured everything from gyros at Uncle Gussy’s food truck and loaded fries from Taste Buddyz, to classic Mister Softee ice cream and Fasullo’s Famous Zeppoles served by alumnus Glenn Fasullo ’75CBA. Those who made a gift of $10 received a food ticket redeemable for a sweet treat, such as zeppoles or ice cream, while donors who pledged $20 or more received a lunch ticket with dessert.
Back inside, Crystal Anne Dibenedetto, of Middle Village, Queens, credited the financial aid she has received with making her education possible. “I’m an independent student, meaning I have no financial help from my family, so I’m paying for college on my own,” she explained. “As a result, scholarships are essential for me to continue my studies at St. John’s.”
Her perspective reflects the University’s Vincentian mission, which strives to provide access to an exceptional education to those facing economic, physical, or social barriers.
“I feel like it’s part of the DNA of St. John’s always to be giving back in some way, shape, or form,” she added. “By giving back, you can help students like me continue on our path so that one day, we can help out the next generation.”
By the close of Giving Day, the University reached $352,126 raised from 1,273 donors—each contribution a testament to the shared belief that access to education changes lives.