A message to Alumni

As an institution of higher learning, St. John’s University’s primary responsibility is to ensure to the health and safety of our students, faculty, administrators, and staff. As such, we have been closely monitoring the evolving public health situation related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and its potential impact on the University community, our alumni, and beyond.

Out of an abundance of caution, the University has moved to online instruction for the rest of the spring semester, effective Thursday, March 12, in response to the global crisis.

In addition, as part of our efforts to optimize a healthy community, we have taken steps to reschedule—and in some instances, cancel—certain alumni events and gatherings. We will continue to update our events page on our website www.stjohns.edu/alumnievents with new information as it becomes available.

These decisions did not come easily. The University’s efforts are focused on taking proactive and prudent measures to ensure the health and safety of the St. John’s community, while upholding our mission of educating those most in need.

It is in moments of uncertainty that the St. John’s community demonstrates our true commitment to Vincentian values. A great many members of our alumni community have reached out to members of the faculty, staff, and administration asking how they can help current students in a true expression of compassion and charitable spirit, especially as so many of you are dealing with this crisis in your own lives as well.

The most immediate and impactful way you can help right now is through the Emergency Fund for St. John’s Students. Your donation to the Emergency Fund will be used to assist students who currently:

• Have unexpected travel expenses as a result of having to travel home due to the University move from face-to-face to remote learning
• Need resources such as Wi-Fi for remote access to classes
• Had to secure offsite storage for personal items due to the closing of residence halls
• Require temporary financial support to address pressing financial concerns

In addition, while our work-study students are still being paid though federal grants, there are other student workers who rely on a paycheck and are in need of immediate financial assistance. We invite our alumni to assist the University by providing gifts now and/or by offering summer internships, permanent job placements, and providing other virtual mentoring opportunities.

We thank all of you for your continued support of our students as well as your understanding during these challenging and unprecedented times. Please stay healthy and safe, and know that we look forward to being in touch with you again soon.

While the coming weeks and months will be challenging, St. John’s has always been a community that comes together in the face of adversity. We have every confidence that this legacy will continue.

For more information, contact Scott Van Deusen, Executive Director of Advancement at [email protected].