September 17, 2026
St. John's University will observe its annual celebration of Founder’s Week from September 21 through 28. During this time, the University commemorates its Vincentian heritage and the legacy of St. Vincent de Paul (1581–1660), founder of the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians) and champion of the marginalized in 17th-century France. His work inspired thousands to respond to the needs of the impoverished around the world.
A variety of activities allows students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and friends to reflect upon and celebrate the more than 400-year-old tradition that guides the University.
The 2026 Founder’s Week offers the theme “Be Vincentian: Be a Healer.” War, political and social divisions, and the resultant physical and spiritual harm they cause are a clear call to contemporary healers. St. Vincent de Paul professed that we are one human family united by charity, hope, and justice. Founder’s Week can engage these values in a special way for us. The week’s events include receptions, lectures, service opportunities, and a solemn celebratory Mass.
On Thursday, September 24, at 3:30 p.m. in St. Thomas More Church, the University will celebrate the annual Vincentian Convocation, where it will recognize six honorees who embody the charitable ideals of St. Vincent. This year, the University will confer the Degree of Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, upon Monsignor Alfred LoPinto, President and Chief Executive Officer, Retired, Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens.
The University will also honor:
CMMB (Catholic Medical Mission Board Inc.) will receive the International Medal for its contributions to the global Vincentian community. The award will be accepted by Mary Beth Powers, President and Chief Executive Officer, Catholic Medical Mission Board.
The Daughters of Charity will receive the Caritas Medal, given for service to people experiencing poverty in the metropolitan area. The award will be accepted by Sister Teresa George, D.C., Visitatrix of the Daughters of Charity, Province of St. Louise, U.S.A.
Freedom Farm Community will be honored with the Frédéric Ozanam Award, which is presented to an organization that combines quality service with effective, respectful concern for the poor. The award will be accepted by Edgar Hayes, 97SVC, Cofounder of Freedom Farm Community.
Kerry Alys Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Catholic Charities USA, will receive the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal, which is awarded to a Catholic laywoman who embodies the values and vision of Mother Seton (1774–1821), who was canonized in 1975.
James R. Walters ‘04SJC, ‘06M.S.Ed., ‘09M.A., ’14 Ed.D., NGO Representative at the United Nations for the Sisters of Charity Federation, will receive the St. Vincent de Paul Medal, which is given to a Catholic layman who embodies in his life the ideals and values of St. Vincent de Paul (1581–1660), who was canonized in 1737. Dr. Walters will also deliver the keynote address at the Vincentian Convocation.
The Mass for the Solemnity of St. Vincent de Paul is on Friday, September 25, at 12:15 p.m., and University Service Day is on Saturday, September 26.
On Sunday, September 27, Brooklyn Bishop Robert J. Brennan ’84C, ’24HON, celebrates St. John’s Student Mass at 5:30 p.m.
On Monday, September 28, Founder's Week concludes with the Vincentian Heritage Lecture featuring M. Therese Lysaught, Ph.D., who will discuss "Knowing the Impoverished: Poverty, Race, Ethnicity and Catholic Bioethics" at 2 p.m. in the Belson Moot Courtroom (Room 2-13), School of Law, Second Floor.
Founder’s Week celebrates St. John’s continuing vitality as a Catholic and Vincentian University dedicated to academic excellence while reflecting the light of Christ in the world.