If you walked by the fence surrounding St. John’s University in Queens 20 years ago and returned today, you would blink your eyes in disbelief.
A renaissance has occurred these past two decades under the talented leadership of Reverend Donald J. Harrington, C.M. His vision, drive and passion have turned the institution into an international force.
The university has a mission of admitting “economically challenged” freshman - 40 percent of the class - who are eligible for Pell Grants to help pay for tuition. All the students are being prepared for what Father Harrington calls the “global workplace.”
In that endeavor, the school has acquired a campus in Rome and Paris with other global sites on the horizon. There are three other campus locations in Manhattan, Staten Island and Oakdale, New York as well. Being a part of the Vincentian community has opened many doors around the world including the Far East.
It took several months to arrange this interview because of Father Harrington’s trips around the globe building bridges for the university. His contacts with world leaders from Pope Benedict to the President of Taiwan to the Prime Minister of Thailand to the Korean leadership has enabled the school to attract over 1000 international students and send 500 U.S. students to Europe.
Every student gets a laptop and is encouraged to be technologically savvy.
He had set up a goal of raising $100 million for a capital campaign. He frankly and proudly said, “We beat the goal and raised $271 million allowing for the transformation of the university.
And that transformation has resulted in new doors, a new church, new ball fields and manicured grounds. When I visited I was amazed to see a tranquil quad with a waterfall as if I was in a small town college campus.
Although the growth has brought some controversy to the college, the school is addressing concerns of neighbors as they stretch beyond the new handsome gates that surround the school on Utopia Parkway and Union Turnpike.
“We work closely with the Civic Association,” said Father Harrington, “because we want to be good neighbors. A respected member of our administration, Joe Sciame, spends many of his days dealing directly with the surrounding communities.”
When I asked what were the “secrets” to his success he quickly responded.
1. “Believe in yourself and your mission.”
2. “Recognize that as a leader you can’t accomplish your goals alone; you must articulate your vision and gather a great team around yourself. I’m blessed with such a team.”
3. “Know what you know and what you don’t and get people who do know to help you.”
Numbers do not lie and with a record-breaking 40,000 applicants this year, they are being recognized nationwide for excellence. The success of the school has also enabled them to offer $150 million a year in financial aid to students both in the undergraduate and graduate divisions.
As I walked thru the campus, I saw the diversity of the students. Obviously, Father Harrington has accomplished his ambitious goals. Here’s to the next 20 years!
