St. John's Celebrates Commencement 2012 at Rome, Italy, Campus

Inviting them to use their education to assist those in need, Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s University, congratulated the newest graduates of the Rome, Italy, campus during Commencement Exercises on Sunday, June 10.

About 200 friends and relatives of the graduates joined faculty, administrators and University Trustees in the courtyard of the campus, located in the Prati district of Rome. The ceremony marked St. John’s 16th year as an international institution of higher education in the Eternal City.

A total of 60 degrees are being conferred this year in Rome (January, June and September): 18 M.A. degrees in Global Development and Social Justice; 28 M.A. degrees in Government and Politics (International Relations concentration); and 14 M.B.A. degrees.

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“The St. John’s diploma which you receive today gives testimony not only to your professional expertise, but also to your firm commitment to support and serve those in need,” said Fr. Harrington. “May you share the fruits of your education — whether in Business, International Relations or Global Development and Social Justice — with those who are in greatest need throughout the world.”

Two new graduates also addressed the guests: Alessandro Pastorelli ’12MBA and Melissa Snow ’12G, who received her master’s in Global Development and Social Justice.

St. John’s first Rome campus opened near the Vatican in 1995. In October 2008, the University dedicated and blessed its current facility — a four-story, 75,000-square-foot structure including administrative offices, classrooms, a chapel and beds for 200 resident students.

Founded in 1870 by the Vincentian Fathers, St. John’s University also has three residential New York City campuses (Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan); an Oakdale, NY, campus; and a location in Paris, France.