May 27, 2026
St. John’s University celebrated one of the most successful experiential learning programs at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business with a look back at 2025–26 achievements and a glimpse ahead to a new and potentially brighter future.
The 53-year-old Executive-in-Residence Program (EIRP) has been renamed Tobin Strategic Consulting (TSC), a move designed to reflect changes in the corporate environment since the program launched in 1973. EIRP has graduated more than 4,000 students and has become one of Tobin’s most respected interdisciplinary capstone experiences.
Christopher P. Long, Ph.D., Executive Director of Tobin Strategic Consulting and Paul Naughton Professor of Management at Tobin, announced the rebranding at EIRP’s annual convocation on May 14 at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck, NY. Dr. Long said the rebranding aligns with Tobin’s increasing emphasis on experiential learning as a strategic differentiator in business education. Its newly unveiled logo incorporates imagery inspired by the Manhattan, NY, skyline, reflecting both the program’s New York City roots and its relationships with organizations throughout the metropolitan area.
“It is not a reinvention of the organization, it is an evolution of its identity,” Dr. Long said. “Tobin Strategic Consulting better reflects who we are today and the work our students are trained to do. Industry partners have consistently told us that the new name more clearly communicates the strategic consulting capabilities of our students and strengthens recognition of their experience.”
“We want our alumni to know that they remain an essential part of this community,” Dr. Long added. “The name is changing, but the relationships, values, and mission that define the organization remain the same.”
EIRP has traditionally been among the most competitive programs at Tobin. A limited number of undergraduate and graduate students are selected for each cohort. They take part in real-world problem solving with area businesses and nonprofits, working directly on strategic issues through consulting sessions, presentations, client feedback, and executive-level recommendations.
Among the firms that sought help from the University’s student-consultants this year are Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., Domini Impact Investments, J.A. Faccibene & Associates, Morgan Stanley, Protiviti, and QG Floral & Landscape. Over the years, Fortune 500 companies Henry Schein, Inc.; Merrill Lynch, Inc.; and Sony Corp. and nonprofits such as Brightway Living & Learning, Covenant House, and Goodwill Industries also have taken part.
The Tobin community celebrated the 2025–26 cohort at an awards dinner featuring students, faculty, administrators, and representatives from participating companies. Seven students received awards for outstanding achievement and Michael Natoli ’86SVC, Chief Client Officer at the financial technology firm Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. was honored as Executive of the Year for 2025–26.
During the 2025–26 academic year, EIRP worked with 24 organizations on more than 40 consulting projects, providing clients with actionable recommendations across areas including artificial intelligence implementation, innovation, market analysis, organizational culture, digital strategy, and strategic growth.
“When I think of what this program is about, it is experiential learning,” Mr. Natoli said. “How do you learn anything in life that is valuable? You learn by doing. When you learn to play tennis or golf, you must go out and hit balls. That is where you learn what you can do with the skills you have gained.”
The rebranding to TSC comes at a time of significant growth and external recognition for EIRP, a point made by Dr. Long made at the convocation. “It was the right moment for the change,” Dr. Long explained. “Tobin has made experiential learning central to its mission and strategic direction, and Tobin Strategic Consulting represents that vision in action.”
Student-consultants at the convocation were excited about the change, saying it better reflects the evolving nature of business consulting work. “The new name encapsulates the goal of the program much more accurately and reflects the real pressure, workload, and atmosphere that define the experience,” said Joella Paccione ’26TCB, one of the student award winners. Ms. Paccione, who soon will begin work as a data and analytics consultant at FTI Consulting, called EIRP “a one-of-a-kind experiential learning program that provides a necessary bridge between academic life and professional pursuits.”
Anthony Evangelista ’26TCB, another undergraduate award winner, agreed. “This program is truly amazing,” Mr. Evangelista said. “But there is more to it than real-world experience alone. You learn skills such as adaptability, the ability to think on your feet, and being able to communicate with members of a team.”
Roy Weissman, M.B.A., Assistant Professor of the Practice, Management, Entrepreneurship, Consulting, and Operations (MECO) at Tobin, closed the evening with words of advice for EIRP’s most recent graduates. “Do not worry about other people’s plans,” Professor Weissman said. “Focus on what you want your life to be and come up with a plan for it. Will you take any job that wants you or will you take a job that you want? You have just spent a year gaining experience at major companies; be proud of that.”
Awards winners included
Ridgewood Savings Bank Award
- Dylan Walters ’26M.B.A.
National Grid Award
- Alan Hui ’26M.B.A.
Eugene J. Sullivan Awards
- Anthony Brandimarte ’26TCB
- Anthony Evangelista ’26TCB
- Joella Paccione ’26TCB
- Emily Valle ’26TCB
- Santiago Corral Varela ’26TCB