Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
A group of more than 130 members from St. John's University participated in the 2025 New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which is known as the oldest and largest parade of its kind worldwide. The participants included students, faculty, administrators, staff, and alumni who marched up Fifth Avenue on March 17. They were met with cheers such as “Go, Johnnies!” and “We are St. John’s!” from the crowd.
Brian Browne, Associate Vice President of University Communications and Public Affairs at St. John's University, remarked on the warm reception they received this year due to the recent success of their Men’s Basketball team in winning the BIG EAST Tournament Championship.
Before joining the parade, a special brunch for St. John's alumni was held at Stout New York City on East 41st Street. Martin Whelan ’84CBA owns this establishment and is an active supporter of university events. Whelan participated in both the parade and completed a charity run at the RBC Brooklyn Half marathon over the same weekend.
The Stormettes, members of the St. John’s Kickline team, joined in for their first time this year to entertain spectators along the parade route. Stephanie DiPrima, Coach of the Stormettes expressed enthusiasm about their participation: “What a fantastic experience! We plan to be back next year.”
Leading just ahead of them was Robert P. Lynch Esq., an Adjunct Associate Professor who teaches bagpipes at Kellenberg Memorial High School—a feeder school for St. John’s University campus in Queens—and had arranged for high school bagpipers to join last year's march.
Sara Hunt Munoz Ed.D., Senior Director of Alumni Relations noted that participating in such a legendary event allows alumni to celebrate both Irish heritage and their connection to New York City roots.
The tradition of this parade dates back to March 17, 1762—preceding even America's Declaration of Independence—and draws approximately two million spectators annually with around 150,000 participants marching each year.
Additionally available through affiliation with NYC's Parade Committee is a college-level research paper Scholarship Contest open until April 25th at 11 p.m., encouraging student involvement beyond just marching festivities.
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