Event Honors Legacy of St. John’s College Alumna

The Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders hosts this annual virtual event in Ms. King’s memory to bring students and faculty together to engage in critical learning, reflection, and collaboration—values she embodied throughout her life and studies. 

“Caitlin’s passion for speech pathology was only equal to her love for St. John’s,” shared her brother, Sean King ’20L. “We could not think of a better way to honor her legacy than by naming such an incredible event after her. Speech pathologists give a voice to the voiceless, and we are tremendously grateful for the grace that the St. John’s Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology programs have shown Caitlin.”

Born and raised in Valhalla, NY, Ms. King’s passion for helping others guided her academic and professional journey. After earning her undergraduate degree in Speech-Language Pathology with honors from Iona University, she continued her studies at St. John’s University, where she earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. 

An enthusiastic student, Ms. King was deeply committed to her coursework and clinical training. She approached her studies with curiosity, empathy, and determination to best support those with communication challenges. 

During her time at St. John’s, she served as a Graduate Assistant for the Office of Campus Ministry. She helped lead faith-based and service initiatives, inspiring others through her kindness, humility, and dedication to Vincentian values. Most notably, Ms. King led a mission trip with Campus Ministry to Lourdes, France, where she and a group of undergraduate students volunteered at the Baths at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes and supported pilgrims from around the world on their spiritual journeys. 

Ms. King’s career goal was to work with children with special needs, helping them develop the tools and confidence to fully express themselves. She was a student who exemplified both academic excellence and heartfelt dedication to her future profession. After earning her master’s, she continued to live out the mission of St. John’s through her work as a Speech-Language Pathologist for the Department of Education of New York City, serving students at P168X@P20 in the Bronx. 

Despite graduating, Ms. King remained connected to St. John’s until her passing. “Caitlin was a founding member of the Communication Sciences and Disorders alumni group of professional speech-language pathologists,” explained Monica Wagner, Ph.D., Professor of Speech-Language Pathology. “In all my personal encounters with Caitlin, both in and out of the classroom, her kindness and commitment to lifelong learning for the purpose of helping others shined through. Caitlin remains in our hearts and minds as a model for us all.”

Registration is required for the case study; the cost is $20 per person. For more information, email May Chow, Academic Support Assistant, at [email protected].