Students Explore Extracurricular Opportunities at Fall Activities Fair

Eager to explore all the extracurricular opportunities at St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus, new and returning students gathered on the Great Lawn for the annual Fall Activities Fair on September 10. 

Representatives from more than 150 student organizations, ranging from performing arts groups to cultural organizations, e-gaming clubs, human services coalitions, and more shared their work and mission with those interested in getting involved. The fair began at noon, but attendance swelled during Common Hour, when hundreds of students sought out club leaders for information, including Mea DosSantos, a first-year student from Goshen, CT, who was chatting with representatives of the women’s empowerment organization Her Campus.    

“I am trying to learn as much as I can about opportunities here,” Mea said. “I am trying to build connections and get involved. I was very involved in my high school, and I imagine I will be in college, too.” 

The diverse collection of organizations spanned academic and extracurricular interests, offering students a chance to take up a new hobby, share a common passion, immerse themselves in a new culture, or enjoy the feeling of being part of the campus community.  

For the newest Johnnies, the activities fair, held on the second week of fall classes, is one of the first opportunities to see what the University has to offer.

Julia Jarvis, a first-year childhood education major from East Islip, NY, visited several clubs, including the St. John’s Crafts Club, which she joined. She was hoping to join a few more.  

“You have 200 organizations you can look at,” Julia said. “It can be overwhelming, but it is fun. To see just how many clubs and how diverse they are is interesting.”

Academic and professional societies; philanthropic organizations; science, technology, engineering, and math-based clubs (STEM); and representatives of fraternity and sorority life were also represented.

The University’s chapters of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the American Red Cross were among those organizations that help students to embrace St. John’s Vincentian mission. The St. Vincent de Paul Society helps to grow a community of faith through person-to-person service and works of charity. The Red Cross chapter organizes blood drives, disaster-prevention seminars, and CPR certification workshops.  

“We are a Vincentian university, and at the core of our mission is service to the poor,” said Alessandra Cesare, a junior biology major and a member of the Catholic Scholars program. “St. Vincent de Paul asked his famous question, ‘What must be done?’ As students at this incredible University and members of this organization, we work to answer that question.”     

“Being a part of the Red Cross is about being a part of the community,” explained Treasurer Mahmuda Meher, a sophomore biology major from Brooklyn, NY. “The things that we do are designed to help other people.” 

Performing arts groups represented included the Chappell Players Theatre Group, whose fall production of Come from Away coincides with the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks on the United States. The award-winning musical describes how the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed thousands of travelers forced to land there after US air space was closed after the attacks.

The group was looking to recruit backstage help, designers, musicians, and more. The show will be performed October 16–18 and October 22–24 at The Little Theatre.

“We think this show is a good way to honor the memories of the people who died,” said Mara Wild, President of Chappell Players and the Producer of Come from Away. “But we also feel the show tells a different story. This story is really about 9/12 and what happened in the aftermath of 9/11. We wanted to pick a production that showcased a sense of community and the sense of strength in people.” 

Students walked from club to club. A giant bounce slide in the middle of the Great Lawn provided entertainment. DJ music welcomed first-year and transfer students to their first activities fair.  

Returning students and club leaders shared advice with the newest Johnnies. Join as many clubs as possible, they said, and not just those that seem like a natural fit.

Nicholas Maselli, President of the Pre-Veterinary Club, chatted with interested students, telling them that the only requirement to join is a love of animals. “I would tell any new student to engage with the University and get involved on campus 110 percent,” he said. “Whatever clubs you join, you will learn things and add more skills to your résumé.”