October 27, 2026
A picture-perfect autumn day provided the backdrop as prospective students and their families explored St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus for its first fall Open House.
Held on Sunday, October 25, a new generation of potential Johnnies discovered firsthand the academic programs, campus traditions, resources, and countless opportunities that await.
Kerri Darcy ’10M.L.S., Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission and Recruitment, Office of Undergraduate Admission, noted that nearly 800 prospective students and their families were welcomed to campus. “The energy was fantastic,” she said. “From our campus tours running at full capacity to the faculty members who joined us to share their knowledge and passion for their programs, every part of the day helped bring the St. John’s experience to life.”
She added, “The undergraduate admission team had the opportunity to answer so many great questions from students and families who are excited about the possibility of becoming a Johnnie. For many families, Open House is their very first time stepping onto a college campus, which makes the experience especially meaningful. It’s an opportunity to explore, ask questions, meet faulty and current students, and begin to imagine what their future could look like at St. John’s.”
The moment they drove on the campus, high school students and their families received exuberant welcomes from a cadre of student ambassadors, and after checking in at Carnesecca Arena they enjoyed an array of options that included campus tours, an academic and student services fair, Mass in St. Thomas More Church, and information sessions on essential topics such as admission, student services, and Study Abroad.
For prospective students, the day offered an opportunity to discover how St. John’s could help them achieve their academic and professional aspirations.
Alexander Spataro hopes to major in finance and was attracted to the renowned program in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, as well as the University’s proximity to New York City, the heart of the business world. “The great connections between St. John’s and those on Wall Street are a real draw,” he added.
Alexander’s father Michael ’92SJC, a proud alumnus of St. John’s, fondly recalled his time at the former Staten Island, NY, campus. “It was fantastic. We had a great, intimate community there, tremendously solid academics, and approachable faculty. I graduated in three years and went to law school.”
He added, “The friendships I made continue. I had dinner in Manhattan with three of my friends last Wednesday.”
Olivia Sliwoski and her friend Alana Ferguson, a junior and senior from Lindenhurst High School respectively, were excited about eventually being together at St. John’s, and Alana had submitted her application the previous week. Olivia wants to enter the nursing program and was excited to visit the state-of-the-art St. Vincent Health Sciences Center. “It’s so new—everybody says it’s great,” she enthused.
Alana plans to try out for the St. John’s Dance team. “I’ve been to so many clinics at Carnesecca Arena. It’s beautiful here,” she noted. “I’m going to crash in her dorm when she gets here,” Olivia laughed. Alana’s father, aunt, and several cousins went to St. John’s as well, so she is proud to “continue the legacy.”
Erica Colon, a senior at Port Jervis High School near the Pennsylvania border, loves the St. John’s Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams, but wants to try out for volleyball. “It was a long drive, but now that we’re here, I’m so excited to visit.”
Renan Mogollan, a senior from Commack High School, is interested in joining the University’s acclaimed Reserve Officers Training Program (ROTC) battalion and major in homeland security. “I’m so impressed with the Cyber Security labs St. John’s has.”
His mother Mary Ann jokingly offered, “This is like his 80th visit. I’m sure he’s coming here.”
Several student ambassadors spoke of their desire to provide a welcoming atmosphere and encouragement to potential future Johnnies. Management major and first-generation college student Destiny White became a student ambassador after a positive experience at Accepted Student Day. She now mentors a student she originally met while giving a campus tour.
“I love giving the tours and I really like being able to make these connections with families. I’ve met a lot of people through being a student ambassador, and I’m grateful for the program.”
Accounting major Ava Andersen explained that she chose St. John’s because her mother is a double alumna. “I became a student ambassador because I have so much pride in my school and want to help new students learn about all the opportunities that we offer and how St. John’s really cares about your time here.”
Bryce Pierrelouis, a sociology major, wants to be a tangible representation of the diversity St. John’s is famous for to prospective students. “I want them to see themselves represented in me.” He added, “I want to encourage people and leave behind a legacy.”
Rashaun Gardner, a childhood education major, spoke glowingly about his Open House experience. “I want to ease any anxiety these kids might have. What really solidified my choice of university was my campus tour and the ambassadors. I loved the tour. I was with my mom, and right after the last stop in Marillac Hall I said, ‘This is the school that I’m coming to.’”
“Open House is about more than showcasing our academic programs and facilities,” Ms. Darcy offered. “It’s about helping students and their families feel welcomed, inspired, and connected to our community. Seeing that excitement, curiosity, and enthusiasm throughout the day made it a great experience for everyone involved.”
The next fall Open House will be held on Saturday, November 14.
A further selection of Open House photos can be viewed here.