As a university founded by the Vincentian community, St. John’s University continues to uphold their values by being named to the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.
“St. John’s University is guided by its mission of service to the poor and underserved,” said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at St. John’s. “Our primary goal is to combine academic study with service learning opportunities, professional training and real-world experience to our more than 20,000 students within a diverse and highly supportive community both domestically and globally.”
One of St. John’s new projects is its Vincentian Institute for Social Action (VISA), which allows students the opportunity to combine study in their academic discipline with service and experience that helps them develop the knowledge and skills necessary to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
“VISA is a new area in which students are being asked to serve in some capacity within the four years that they are here with us, and hopefully after they graduate as well,” said Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice President of Media Relations.
Among the many service projects that the St. John’s community is involved in, some of their biggest include oversees projects on their Rome campus, and a New Orleans service plunge.
“Back when the Katrina devastation happened, we sent students to help with the clean up effort and to work with local groups,” said Scianna. “We encourage all students to participate. I think that’s part of the unique experience of going to St. John’s and we certainly stress that because of who we are and how we were founded.”
