The Long Island Campus formally welcomed its first-year students to St. Joseph’s University, New York during its annual Investiture ceremony Thursday, Sept. 29, in the Muriel & Virginia Pless Center for Performing Arts.
The event, held each year in the University’s 107-year history, is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes the beginning of the students’ journey at St. Joseph’s.
Students had the opportunity to listen to inspiring addresses from several administrative, faculty and student leaders, including SJNY President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D.; Executive Dean Eileen White Jahn, Ph.D.; and Student Government Association (SGA) President Madison Frascogna ’25.
“I’ve heard people say college is the best years of your life; it’s really not true,” Dr. Boomgaarden said. “What college does is it prepares you for the best years of your life. You’re going to have a great time, don’t get me wrong. But there will be things that will be difficult. And they’re difficult on purpose, because to achieve greatness, you must overcome obstacles.
“You must have the opportunity to stand up and do something extraordinary,” he continued. “Everyone has something within them that is extraordinary. And the mission of St. Joseph’s is to bring that out.”
Frascogna, a sophomore, spoke to the Class of 2026 about making the most of their time on campus.
“Take advantage of everything we have to offer here at St. Joseph’s University,” said Frascogna, who is also involved in the Clare Rose Playhouse, Orientation Team and Circle K. “We have over 40 clubs and club sports teams, Greek life, over 15 athletic teams, work-study programs, travel abroad programs, the ability to start your own clubs, and countless amounts of on- and off-campus events.
“I challenge you all to try one new thing,” she continued. “You don’t have to commit, but I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new.”
Check out photos from Investiture:
