COMMUNITY SERVICE:
It is important that student-athletes at St. John's University develop an understanding and appreciation for the Vincentian mission of the institution. Each member of the Student Development for Athletes team encourages student-athletes to put their knowledge of the Vincentian mission into action through community service activities. Each team is provided with opportunities to perform community service throughout the year as a group or on an individual basis.
University Service Day (September)
University Service Day is a University-wide celebration scheduled each year on the fourth Saturday in September to coincide with the feast of St. Vincent de Paul (September 27). Student-athletes join the campus community in embodying the University core value of service and its Vincentian Mission, volunteering countless hours of service in the local community and on campus.
Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fun Run (October):
The St. John's Department of Athletics, in conjunction with University Community Relations, holds the annual campus Fun Run for Breast Cancer Awareness. All the student-athletes from Red Storm varsity teams are encouraged to participate in the walk around campus, hanging pink bows on trees and lampposts to help promote the annual Making Strides against Breast Cancer Walkathon.
A Night In Solidarity with the Homeless (November)
Each year, student-athletes join the campus community in experiencing a glimpse of what it means to be homeless and living on the streets. The night begins with a light supper, followed by a personal reflection of what it was like living on the streets of Manhattan, shared by a member of the Board of Directors for Midnight Run. Students are then asked to sleep outside for the night (mock shelters are provided for those who need to sleep indoors). The program concludes with an 8am liturgy.
Athletics Blood Drive (January):
Every year, St. John's student-athletes volunteer their time to help the New York Blood Center conduct its Athletics Blood Drive. The 11-hour event, sponsored by the Department of Athletics and University Community Relations, is held on the varsity courts of the Taffner Field House and Carnesecca Arena. Student-athletes from various sports work on-site to register donors, offer drinks and goodies for replenishment upon the completion of the donating process, and walk around the campus to invite and encourage other students and University employees to donate.
Relay for Life (April)
Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society's signature activity, and a huge campus-wide fundraising event. Student-athletes join the rest of the St. John's community by raising awareness and funds through this overnight walk against cancer, which takes place in Carnesecca Arena. Student-athletes are encouraged to join a team, such as "Athletes Storming for a Cure", and have a representative on the track at all times during the event.
St. Nick's Men's Shelter:
A visit to the St. Nick's Men's Shelter offers the opportunity for student-athletes to be engaged in food and fellowship with the homeless in a shelter setting. Every Tuesday night, from November through March, student-athletes from various teams cook and serve dinner to local homeless men, bussed from St. Peter's Place to neighboring St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish. Additionally, some of the male student-athletes spend the night in the shelter, providing conversation and serving as support staff.
Ronald McDonald House
The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is an organization that provides the "comforts of home" for families with seriously ill children undergoing critical medical treatment in area hospitals. Throughout the school year, student-athletes participate in the family dinner program where they provide a "home cooked" dinner and share in conversation with families staying at the facility.
Midnight Run
Midnight Runs offer the experience of personally interacting with the homeless of our city. Student-athletes gather in the evening to make bagged meals for the homeless. They are then transported into Manhattan, where they distribute the meals, along with clothing and toiletries, to those in need.
Team R.V.
Team R.V. (Residence Village) is a student-run organization that provides service opportunities for our resident students. The group runs weekly programs throughout the year, serving those in need in our local community, including the homeless, young children, and the elderly.
Mentoring
The Mentoring Program gives student-athletes an opportunity to work directly with at-risk elementary school students in Brooklyn. Transportation is provided as our student-athletes volunteer to make a difference in their lives of others by helping them to succeed.
Ozanam Nursing Home
Ozanam Hall of Queens is a nursing home that provides student-athletes with the chance to spend time with the elderly on a weekly basis. Student-athletes offer companionship by engaging in conversation, reading, and playing board games with the residents. Both student-athletes and the residents of Ozanam gain enriching and positive experiences through connecting with others.
Bread and Life Soup Kitchen
The heart of the Bread and Life Soup Kitchen is serving breakfast and lunch to needy New Yorkers on a daily basis. By volunteering, student-athletes' awareness is raised regarding their civic responsibility to address and prevent poverty. Most importantly, this is accomplished in an atmosphere of compassion and respect.
V.I.T.A.L. (Vincentian Initiative to Advance Leadership)
The goal of the V.I.T.A.L. Program is to develop spiritual values, Vincentian leadership skills, and a strong commitment to service. This multi-dimensional program enables student-athletes to collaborate with academics, student services, alumni, faculty, staff, and administration. V.I.T.A.L. is offered to student-athletes of all year levels. V.I.T.A.L Athletic goals are twofold: (1) to bring together the best of the leadership training models and (2) to give student-athletes the opportunity to experience programs that promote values based decisions in a group where there is great trust and support.
