The Law and Justice Society at St. Joseph’s University, New York was busy in March as it marked Criminal Justice month on both its Long Island and Brooklyn campuses.
SJNY students were able to take a deeper dive into the field through a number of out-of-the-classroom events that exposed them to real-world activities and experts who shared insight on careers and more.
“It is during National Criminal Justice Month that we aim to highlight both local and federal agencies. By strengthening our students’ understanding of the criminal justice system, we hope to inspire them to continue to engage critically with the said system and become informed advocates for change,” said Amy Poland, Ph.D., a professor, associate dean and director of online learning at SJNY.
Students Witness Naturalization Ceremony
SJNY students were offered the unique opportunity to sit in on naturalization ceremonies, where foreign nationals officially become U.S. citizens.
For Brooklyn students, the ceremony took place inside the United States Federal Eastern District Court in Brooklyn.
“It was really cool to be immersed in such an event. There were 96 people being sworn in as U.S. citizens, and I learned about the lengthy process it takes to get there. As an international student, it was great to see the acceptance of America for these people wanting to be a part of this country,” said Reanna Noon, club secretary and a criminal justice major on pace to graduate in 2027.
In addition to witnessing the ceremony and a tour of the building, students learned the various roles involved in the court system. Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon made herself available to fielded questions and shared her story with SJNY students.
SJNY’s Long Island students visited the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York in Central Islip, NY to witness the same ceremony. Led by Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Jason W. Ostrowe, students met with Magistrate Judge James W. Wicks, attended a sentencing hearing and observed the naturalization ceremony. One student even had the opportunity to lead the Pledge of Allegiance during the proceedings.
“This was an experience of a lifetime for our students. And to witness the naturalization of dozens of new U.S. citizens was inspiring and moving. All who attended won’t soon forget it,” said Dr. Ostrowe.
Preparing for Law School
For students interested in pursuing a legal career, the Law and Justice Society also hosted law school information sessions featuring alumni who now are practicing attorneys. Long Island attorney and SJNY alumnus Sam Bifulco ’16 returned to the Patchogue campus on March 11 to speak with students.
Over the course of the common hour event, Bifulco took students through what to expect including preparing for and taking the LSAT (law school admissions test), choosing the right school and eventually passing the bar exam.
He also gave them advice while telling his own story from student to Town of Brookhaven employee to lawyer, proving to his audience that there is no one defined path to a career in law.
In fact, fellow alumna Grace Chamoun Taranto ’16, who returned to the Brooklyn Campus to speak with students, took a different pathway to law school, entering directly after graduating from SJNY. She spoke about her personal journey from St. Joe’s to Brooklyn Law School to her current role with one of the top firms in the U.S.
During her hour-long conversation with the students on March 24, Chamoun Taranto fielded questions and shared insight about the legal realm—such as the differences between working for a large and small firm and how she navigates complex issues, such as high-stakes divorce cases where children are involved.
Part of the honors program while an undergraduate at SJNY, Chamoun Taranto told the students that a law degree can lead to many opportunities beyond a lawyer and litigator.
SJNY’s Month-Long Engagement
Throughout the month there were other events that offered insight into many career opportunities that can stem from a criminal justice degree. At the start of Criminal Justice Month, the Law & Justice Society organized a bingo event, open to all students. It presented the opportunity to learn more about the organization and win prizes.
Additionally, the Law & Justice Society held their executive board elections.
On the Long Island campus, the Suffolk Sheriff’s Intelligence Bureau hosted a presentation on March 25, and students had the opportunity to visit and tour the Suffolk County Jail on March 31.
A few days later, the Suffolk County Police Department’s K-9 came to SJNY’s Patchogue campus to hold informational sessions and workshops aided by their police dogs Spark and Bolt.
“By organizing a variety of events both on and off campus, students and the larger SJNY community were exposed to an array of features of the criminal justice process beyond the classroom. This holistic approach to criminal justice awareness is in keeping with the spirit and intent of National Criminal Justice Month,” Dr. Ostrowe concluded.
Long Island's law school session was hosted by SJNY alumnus Sam Bifulco '16
The Eastern District of New York in Central Islip, NY
In addition to witnessing naturalization ceremonies, students were also given tours of the district courts during their respective visits.
The Suffolk County Police Department K-9 unit visited the Long Island campus on April 2
Police dogs are highly trained and obedient as seen above.
