Not unlike the wider world, it was a memorable January for St. Joseph’s College. History was made with the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, and St. Joseph’s College was there. The largest single-day demonstration in U.S. history followed with the Women’s March, and SJC was there. And behind the scenes — giving back to communities in Washington, D.C., and volunteering during winter break — St. Joseph’s was there.
Jan. 10 — Celebrating Our Mid-Year Graduates
An accelerated commencement is something SJC students are increasingly doing. Over the last several years, the number of undergraduate and graduate students graduating during the winter has jumped by almost 15 percent (from about 240 in 2014 to 270 in 2016). SJC’s January grads may not have the glitz and glamour of a winter ceremony to commemorate the completion of their degree, but they’re just as qualified for career employment. In fact, USA Today says that mid-year college graduates have the benefit of maximizing job opportunities by pursuing job prospects earlier in the year.
Jan. 12 — Orlando Dancing
Led by coach Jessica Desz ’13, SJC Long Island’s dance team left for Orlando, Florida, earlier this year in hopes of earning the College’s first medal at the UDA College Dance Team National Championship. The 14-member squad competed Jan. 13-15 at ESPN World Wide of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World Resort®. Facing off against more than 30 NCAA Division II and III schools in the semifinals, the squad qualified for the final round in both the Open Hip Hop and Open Jazz divisions, capturing sixth place in Hip Hop and placing 13th in Jazz.
.@SJCdanceteam is going to #UDAnationals and it’s almost time to give them a huge send off! Tues. 1/10 at 8:30 p.m. https://t.co/2kGlcyszdj
— St. Joseph’s College (@SJCNY) January 5, 2017
Jan. 19 — Making News and Assisting Veterans
U.S. Army veteran and SJC student Patrick Donahue was featured earlier this month on CBS Local’s Exit 10/55 with Richard Rose. Donahue spoke about Project9line, a nonprofit he founded in 2013 that helps veterans reintegrate back into society through the arts.
Jan. 20 — SJC: Ranked Among The Best
Just two years after its inception, SJC Online is among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for 2017, according to U.S. News & World Report rankings. St. Joseph’s College’s inclusion comes on the heels of the institution being selected as one of the nation’s top colleges by U.S. News & World Report in the Regional Universities–North category and one of the Best Colleges for Veterans in the north.
Great seeing you back on campus, Bears! Vandy has been lonesome on campus & finally has some company. Welcome to all our new transfers, too. pic.twitter.com/5XLWzeVHV8
— St. Joseph’s College (@SJCNY) January 19, 2017
Jan. 25 — From Journalism Grad to Reporter
Nick Esposito was hired as the first staff reporter for greaterpatchogue.com and greaterbayshore.com — community news websites that report on Patchogue and Bay Shore, and their surrounding areas. Esposito, a native of Centereach, N.Y., started his journalistic journey at SJC, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism and new media studies last May.
SJC Alum Hired as First Staff Reporter at Greaterpatchogue.com
Jan. 25 — Witnessing History
SJC Student Chris Malcaus traveled to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration of President Trump. He shared his impressions of the experience in a message to the SJC community.
Jan. 25 — Marching For What They Believe In
Exploring the empowerment, solidarity and support that came with making American history with SJC’s participation in the Jan. 21 Women’s March on Washington.
Jan. 26 — An Alternative Winter Break
More than 20 volunteers from both SJC campuses trekked across state lines to collaborate with a group called Martha’s Table. An organization serving needy communities in Washington, D.C., Martha’s Table addresses emerging needs with food and clothing programs, and increasing access to quality education programs, healthy food and family support.
