May 2, 2025
Queens NY, May 1, 2025 – St. John's University, a cornerstone of Catholic and Vincentian education in New York City for 155 years, has announced the launch of HEARTS ON FIRE: The Campaign for St. John's, a monumental $400 million fundraising initiative. This ambitious effort marks the largest campaign in the University's history and aims to propel the institution into a brighter future by strategically investing in its people, programs, and facilities.
This landmark campaign, the first major fundraising endeavor for St. John's in two decades, underscores the University's unwavering commitment to providing an accessible, affordable, and cutting-edge education rooted in its Vincentian values. HEARTS ON FIRE will focus on three key pillars:
- Expanding Institutional Scholarship Capabilities: Opening doors for talented and dedicated students through increased financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Enhancing Educational Programs: Ensuring a best-in-class academic and student experience that prepares graduates for success in a rapidly evolving world.
- Improving Campus Facilities: Reshaping and revitalizing the University's Queens campus with modern academic and athletic facilities designed for the decades ahead.
St. John's University President, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, "This campaign has already generated significant momentum and embodies a bold vision for the future of St. John's. By investing in our students, faculty, and facilities, we are ensuring that our Catholic and Vincentian University remains a beacon of accessibility, affordability, and educational innovation. We invite our extensive network of 200,000 alumni, friends, and partners to join us in this transformative journey. I am confident that through collective support, we will not only reach but exceed our $400 million goal, paving the way for an even brighter future for St. John's."
HEARTS ON FIRE is already demonstrating significant progress, with an impressive $251.5 million already secured as of today's announcement. The public phase of this ambitious campaign is anticipated to conclude on May 31, 2028.
Guiding this pivotal fundraising effort are the distinguished HEARTS ON FIRE Campaign Cochairs:
- Margaret M. Keane 81C, 87MBA, 19HON: Elected Vice Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Cisive.
- Kevin Reed’ 75C: Retired Managing Director, Citigroup Asset Management.
- James J. Shannon’ 87CBA: Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Indus Capital Partners, LLC.
William J. Janetschek’ 84CBA,’ 17HON, Chair of the St. John’s University Board of Trustees and Retired Partner and Chief Financial Officer of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P., will provide crucial leadership to the campaign.
