St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

For this St. John’s alumna, the encouragement Dr. Ruth Sanchez-Way found as a student helped shape a career focused on helping others navigate challenges, discover opportunities, and reach their goals. Now, she is paying that support forward through work that transforms lives and strengthens communities.

Learn more about her story: https://bit.ly/4ovPQXC

From residence hall life to studying abroad in Rome, Alexandra Schnepf made the most of her first year at St. John’s. By getting involved on campus, building new connections, and embracing new opportunities, she found her place and encourages others to do the same!

Learn more about Alexandra's story:

Finding Her Place: Alexandra Schnepf Thrives in Her First Year at St. John’s For Alexandra Schnepf, a psychology major from North Massapequa, NY, her first year at St. John’s University has been defined by growth, independence, and opportunity.

Scholars from across the nation and around the world joined St. John's College for the BRIDGES Symposium, a National Science Foundation-supported conference dedicated to bilingualism research. The event showcased groundbreaking scholarship, fostered new collaborations, and highlighted the importance of multilingualism in an increasingly interconnected world.

Learn more about this story here: https://bit.ly/4vnkfd1

Congratulations to Professor Nicole R. Rice, Ph.D., from the Department of English on earning a 2026 Guggenheim Fellowship! Awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship and creative achievement, this prestigious fellowship recognizes Professor Rice’s groundbreaking research in medieval literature and culture. We are proud to have such an accomplished scholar among our faculty and look forward to seeing where this exciting opportunity takes her work next.

Learn more about this success story here: https://bit.ly/4vokBQv

Congratulations to Dr. Joseph Serafin, of the Department of Chemistry, on receiving the E. Ann Nalley Regional Award for Volunteer Service from the American Chemical Society at the Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting! This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding volunteer leadership and service that advance the mission of ACS at the regional level. We are proud to celebrate Dr Serafin’s dedication, impact, and commitment to both the St. John's and chemistry communities. 🧪🏆

From working 60-hour weeks to pay for college to building a remarkable 50-year career in government and public affairs, Patricia M. Reilly ’74C, ’75G embodies what it means to lead with purpose, resilience, and service. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact a St. John’s education can have—not only on one life, but on entire communities. 💼❤️

Read more about her incredible journey: https://bit.ly/4fc8dyw

Over a week later and still thinking about the joy, pride, and possibility that filled undergraduate commencement. 🎓 Watching our students cross the stage after years of hard work, growth, challenges, and community was such a privilege. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Your stories are just beginning. ❤️

Tomorrow, we celebrate the dedication, resilience, and ambition of our graduate students as they cross the stage and begin their next chapter. 🎓✨

From late nights and big ideas to meaningful research and lasting connections, this milestone reflects the incredible work that brought them here. We can’t wait to celebrate the Class of 2026 tomorrow at Graduate Commencement! 💛

From Queens to Ireland! 🇮🇪

Under the guidance of Dr. Llano, St. John’s students recently stepped into the debate arena alongside some of Ireland’s top collegiate debaters—strengthening their public speaking skills, exchanging global perspectives, and representing the University on an international stage.

Experiences like these remind us that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Learn more here:

St. John’s Students Step into the Arena with Ireland’s Best Debaters A cadre of St. John’s University students held their own against some of Ireland’s most elite student debaters during two matches held at the University’s Queens and Manhattan, NY, campuses.

The Yeh Art Gallery and the Department of Art and Design at St. John’s University are pleased to present Diverging Realities, the 2026 BFA Thesis Exhibition. The exhibition features work by senior thesis students Jayden Carpio, Theresa Lovero, Iris Mastrogiacomo, Izamar Perez, and Selae Smalls.

Please join us for a reception to celebrate the opening of our new exhibition on Tuesday, May 5th at 4:30 pm! All are welcome and refreshments will be provided.

Diverging Realities brings together five artists who construct conceptual worlds that invite us to reconsider our own. Working across graphic novels, painting, printmaking, and illustration, each artist draws inspiration from a distinct moment in time. From ancient mythology, the eighteenth century and the year 1999 to the present day and into the distant future, each artist pays homage to a particular era while also dissecting and reinventing its source material for a contemporary audience. Within these imagined worlds, familiar ways of thinking are unsettled and curiosity is continually encouraged. Whether through the exposure of an artwork’s pre-production scaffolding or through the unfolding actions of characters performing their roles, each narrative is layered and immersive, inviting viewers to look more closely. These approaches give us time to become familiar with each world before prompting us to question it, and in turn, to question ourselves.