From Classroom to Campus: Sacred Heart Seniors Dive into AI and Business Ethics at St. John’s

March 25, 2026

Eighteen seniors from Sacred Heart Academy (SHA) in Hempstead, NY, visited St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus on March 23 for an immersive day of learning centered on several of today’s most pressing issues. Through a series of engaging lectures and discussions, students explored topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and corporate and social responsibility, gaining firsthand insight into how these forces are shaping the future of business and society.

“The partnership between SHA and St. John’s is not new, it’s just getting stronger,” explained Jacqueline Grogan ’90SVC, ’95M.B.A., ’01P.D., ’10Ed.D., Associate Provost for Enrollment Partnerships and Engagement. “We share so much in common with SHA—their values match our values, SHA teaches their students the importance of giving back, and we teach our students the same.”

Before the presentations, the students learned about the University’s mission. They enjoyed a short campus tour led by Student Ambassadors, which included a visit to St. Thomas More Church.

“I loved seeing the mosaic inside the church and seeing how it tells the story of St. Vincent de Paul. It was really impressive,” said Ava Reda, a student from Inwood, NY, who plans to study marketing in college. “I was surprised at how big the campus actually is. Even on a rainy day like today, it’s just beautiful. I can only imagine what it’s like when everything is in bloom.”

After their tour, the group assembled inside the William L. Munson Lecture Hall for a presentation by Max A. Hergenrother, Associate Dean, Technology and Pedagogic Innovation, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies, who led a discussion of the University’s position on the hot-button topic of artificial intelligence.

He explained that the University embraces the often-misunderstood technology. “At St. John’s, we don’t ban AI—we teach students how to use it responsibly, ethically, and effectively in the real world,” he said. “We know AI is here, and we want students to use it responsibly so we can have a generation of innovators and leaders.” 

Mr. Hergenrother announced that St. John’s recently signed a partnership with Superhuman (formerly Grammarly), to develop a platform tailored to the ethical use of AI. 

Maciek Nowak, Ph.D., Dean, The Peter J. Tobin College of Business (TCB), added, “We want to make sure our students are as prepared as possible for what AI offers and add that human element— things like communication skills, presentation skills, and networking—which AI will not be able to replace.” 

Building on this forward-looking approach to innovation and responsibility, the conversation turned to another area where St. John’s is actively shaping the future of business education: ensuring that opportunity and representation evolve alongside emerging technologies.

Daniel Napolitano, Assistant Dean, Student Services and Community Design, TCB, noted that while most business schools are still dominated by men, St. John’s works to promote gender balance and economic equity at Tobin. “Our Vincentian mission is to serve the poor, elevate the underrepresented, and make sure access is granted to all,” he explained. “It is very important to me personally and to our students that we have female faculty and that we have students who are having conversations about the industry and how to improve it.”        

Later, the group attended a session on corporate and social responsibility led by Tobin’s Ingrid D. Fray, D.M., Associate Professor of the Practice, MECO (Management, Entrepreneurship, Consulting, and Operations) Management.

While the young women in attendance represented a wide range of academic interests, they found the content of the sessions strikingly relevant and deeply engaging. “Even though I plan to study biology, I think it’s smart to have a solid understanding of business principles and ethics,” explained Gabriella Sacco of Franklin Square, NY. “Whether you’re paying your taxes or your mortgage, you don’t want to rely exclusively on others to help you.”

For lifelong Red Storm fan Lila Lavelle of Rockville Centre, NY, the  campus visit could not have come at a better time, as it happened only hours after the Men’s Basketball team defeated Kansas on a last-second shot to reach the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament Sweet 16.

“I’ve been coming to campus for basketball games since I was a little kid, so that win makes my visit today feel even more special,” said Lila, whose grandmother, Mary Fascilla Craig ’88SJC, attended the University. “As a Sacred Heart student, the fact that St. John’s is also a Catholic school is very important to me.”

According to Kim Johnson, President of Sacred Heart Academy, the connection between the two institutions extends well beyond their shared Catholic identity and is rooted in a common commitment to forming students who lead with purpose. “At Sacred Heart Academy, our foundation is grounded in the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph,” said Ms. Johnson, who accompanied the students. “We strive to develop young women of courage, compassion, and commitment—students who excel academically while embracing a deep sense of service, giving back, and living lives of purpose. That mission closely aligns with the values of St. John’s.”

That shared commitment to mission-driven education is reflected in the long-standing relationship between the two institutions, something Dr. Grogan has witnessed firsthand. “So many SHA students have attended St. John’s University, and these women are strong, successful, proud alumnae of both institutions,” she said. “I look forward to working with and welcoming back SHA’s leadership and students to our campus.”