Service is more than a calling for Christopher Malcaus —it has defined his SJC Brooklyn career.
During his four years in Clinton Hill, the Bishop Ford High School graduate served as vice president of the campus’ Student Government Association, president of the Political Science Club, a campus tour guide and a nationwide Fellow. For someone so innately drawn to forming relationships and serving others, it’s no surprise that he identified so quickly and so deeply with the feeling of camaraderie at St. Joseph’s.
“I always follow my instincts, and everything told me to go to SJC,” said Mr. Malcaus, a May 2018 graduate. “The feel was right; the supportive atmosphere that I loved in high school was also present at St. Joseph’s.”
Once he arrived at the College, Mr. Malcaus immersed himself into student life.
“Ever since I could remember, I’ve always sought to be a part of whatever community I’m in. At the first club expo, I met the president of the Political Science Club, Kristina Hernandez, who took me under her wing and showed me how to get things done.”
It also did not take Mr. Malcaus long to direct his academic focus to a new and growing major at SJC — hospitality and tourism management (HTM).When he declared as an HTM major, he became an ideal candidate for a new SJC internship program: the Patient Ambassador Program in partnership with NYC HHHC/Bellevue Hospital. Designed to improve the patient experience on the non-clinical side, Mr. Malcaus was the first student chosen for this experience.
“This internship gave me a unique opportunity; I helped patients and their families make their stays more pleasant and I gained valuable experience,” he said. “I learned how a major health care facility operated, and I had the chance to work with hospital leadership.”
In recognition for his dedicated service to the College, he was selected to serve as St. Joseph’s College’s Newman Fellow, a prestigious nationwide program to support community service on college campuses.
After graduation, Mr. Malcaus hopes to work in health care while pursuing a master’s in public administration. When asked about his biggest accomplishment at St. Joseph’s, he didn’t hesitate:
I hope my peers learned the value of hard work and the importance of reaching out and including everyone,” he said. “I hope they are inspired to find their place in a community and work to constantly improve it.”