September 22, 2026
St. John’s University showcased its commitment to student health and wellness on September 21 when representatives from several campus offices and departments introduced students to the resources available to those eager to enhance their physical and emotional well-being.
Hundreds of students attended the Division of Student Affairs’ annual Student Wellness Fair, held on the D’Angelo Center plaza, where they received information about counseling services, physical wellness, sexual-violence prevention, and campus safety. Some students also sought career guidance and spiritual support, while student-veterans met with representatives from the Veterans Success Center to help in their transition to university life.
In 2025, St. John’s was ranked among the top 30 schools nationally by The Princeton Review® for its commitment to student well-being. In recognizing St. John’s, The Princeton Review® noted the hiring of a dedicated counselor to serve students in the School of Law and two full-time sport psychology clinicians to serve the University’s student-athlete community.
Among the students to attend were Tatiana Camilo and Jamileh James, members of the Red Storm Women’s Track and Field team, who gave St. John’s high marks for its commitment to the emotional development of all students, not just student-athletes.
“I am not surprised at all that St. John’s received such a high ranking from The Princeton Review®,” Tatiana said. “The way they support us as student-athletes and the resources they have for all students here are wonderful.”
“The University also does a great job of letting us know the resources that are available to us,” Jamileh added.
Students who attended the fair received detailed information on resources designed to promote mental health and holistic development at St. John’s. Representatives from the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Campus Ministry, Campus Recreation, the Office of Wellness Education and Prevention Services, and University Career Services discussed the mental health challenges students might encounter while at college, including alcohol awareness, dating and relationship issues, financial insecurity, and stress mitigation.
Eliana Schmidt, a senior and peer educator with the Division of Student Affairs, discussed alcohol awareness with her fellow students. Alcohol education is essential, she said, because many college students are free from parental supervision for the first time and are curious about drinking.
The University offers classes in alcohol awareness and students can see a CAPS professional should they sense a problem developing.
“It is very important for students to understand the risks and know that we have resources here if this is something they want to learn more about,” Eliana said. “Drinking can impact students’ academic discipline, sleep schedule, and more, which can lead to their grades slipping.”
Xavier Sarmiento, a junior studying business analytics, and Camila Gimenez, a junior majoring in speech-language pathology and audiology, manned a table on body positivity, discussing with their fellow students the value of self-respect.
“A lot of people struggle waking up every morning to a certain appearance,” Xavier explained. “We want people to learn how to love themselves and accept themselves as they are.”
“It is important to communicate this,” Camila added. “You never know how people feel about themselves or the other people around them.”
Students were introduced to the resources available to them through a series of interactive demonstrations. In one, students left an inspirational message for others while selecting one for themselves. Students who visited 10 of the 15 tables could participate in a community T-shirt tie-dye event after the fair.
Jonathan W. Dator, Ph.D., MSCP, CGP, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services, said college is an ideal time for students to evaluate their mental and physical health and seek out resources when needed. “It is one of those rare times when you have all these resources available in one place,” Dr. Dator said. “You can see a doctor if you need to; you do not have to drive a half-hour to a doctor and then spend time in a waiting room. You do not have to drive to see a therapist or to the gym because we have all of it here.”