September 11, 2026<\/p>\n
Eager to explore all the extracurricular opportunities at St. John\u2019s University\u2019s\u00a0Queens<\/a>, NY, campus, new and returning students gathered on the\u00a0Great Lawn<\/a>\u00a0for the annual Fall Activities Fair on September 10.\u00a0<\/p>\n Representatives from more than\u00a0150 student organizations,<\/a>\u00a0ranging from\u00a0performing arts groups<\/a>\u00a0to cultural organizations,\u00a0e-gaming clubs<\/a>, human services coalitions, and more shared their work and mission with those interested in getting involved. The fair began at noon, but attendance swelled during Common Hour, when hundreds of students sought out club leaders for information, including Mea DosSantos, a first-year student from Goshen, CT, who was chatting with representatives of the women\u2019s empowerment organization\u00a0Her Campus<\/a>. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI am trying to learn as much as I can about opportunities here,\u201d Mea said. \u201cI am trying to build connections and get involved. I was very involved in my high school, and I imagine I will be in college, too.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The diverse collection of organizations spanned academic and extracurricular interests, offering students a chance to take up a new hobby, share a common passion, immerse themselves in a new culture, or enjoy the feeling of being part of the campus community. \u00a0<\/p>\n For the\u00a0newest Johnnies<\/a>, the activities fair, held on the second week of fall classes, is one of the first opportunities to see what the University has to offer.<\/p>\n Julia Jarvis, a first-year\u00a0childhood education<\/a>\u00a0major from East Islip, NY, visited several clubs, including the St. John\u2019s\u00a0Crafts Club<\/a>, which she joined. She was hoping to join a few more. \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYou have 200 organizations you can look at,\u201d Julia said. \u201cIt can be overwhelming, but it is fun. To see just how many clubs and how diverse they are is interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n Academic and professional societies; philanthropic organizations; science, technology, engineering, and math-based clubs (STEM); and representatives of\u00a0fraternity and sorority life<\/a>\u00a0were also represented.<\/p>\n The University\u2019s chapters of the\u00a0St. Vincent de Paul Society<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0American Red Cross<\/a>\u00a0were among those organizations that help students to embrace St. John\u2019s\u00a0Vincentian mission<\/a>. The St. Vincent de Paul Society helps to grow a community of faith through person-to-person service and works of charity. The Red Cross chapter organizes blood drives, disaster-prevention seminars, and CPR certification workshops. \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe are a Vincentian university, and at the core of our\u00a0mission<\/a>\u00a0is service to the poor,\u201d said Alessandra Cesare, a junior\u00a0biology<\/a>\u00a0major and a member of the\u00a0Catholic Scholars<\/a>\u00a0program. \u201cSt. Vincent de Paul asked his famous question, \u2018What must be done?\u2019 As students at this incredible University and members of this organization, we work to answer that question.\u201d \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cBeing a part of the Red Cross is about being a part of the community,\u201d explained Treasurer Mahmuda Meher, a sophomore biology major from Brooklyn, NY. \u201cThe things that we do are designed to help other people.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Performing arts groups represented included the\u00a0Chappell Players Theatre Group<\/a>, whose fall production of Come from Away coincides with the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks on the United States. The award-winning musical describes how the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed thousands of travelers forced to land there after US air space was closed after the attacks.<\/p>\n The group was looking to recruit backstage help, designers, musicians, and more. The show will be performed October 16\u201318 and October 22\u201324 at\u00a0The Little Theatre<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cWe think this show is a good way to honor the memories of the people who died,\u201d said Mara Wild, President of Chappell Players and the Producer of Come from Away. \u201cBut we also feel the show tells a different story. This story is really about 9\/12 and what happened in the aftermath of 9\/11. We wanted to pick a production that showcased a sense of community and the sense of strength in people.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Students walked from club to club. A giant bounce slide in the middle of the Great Lawn provided entertainment. DJ music welcomed first-year and transfer students to their first activities fair. \u00a0<\/p>\n Returning students and club leaders shared advice with the newest Johnnies. Join as many clubs as possible, they said, and not just those that seem like a natural fit.<\/p>\n Nicholas Maselli, President of the Pre-Veterinary Club, chatted with interested students, telling them that the only requirement to join is a love of animals. \u201cI would tell any new student to engage with the University and get involved on campus 110 percent,\u201d he said. \u201cWhatever clubs you join, you will learn things and add more skills to your r\u00e9sum\u00e9.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n