Wednesday, September 9.
We marked our calendars back in June when St. Joseph’s College President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., announced plans for reopening in the fall. And now the day is almost here!
“To our new students, welcome … we can’t wait to meet you! To our returning students, congratulations are in order for your continued hard work and perseverance!” Dr. Boomgaarden said in a memo sent to the College community.
A New Normal
With the first day of classes quickly approaching, students, faculty and staff alike are eagerly preparing for the moment they’ve been waiting for.
“Returning to campus feels surreal after being away from it so long,” said senior Carly Credidio, a member of several clubs on campus who added that she is most excited to see all the events they put together this semester.
“Over the summer, I put a lot of hours in on Zoom meetings, planning for the day we return. Although people still are unsure of what the future holds, I know that St. Joseph’s is prepared to make this year as great as every other year.”
The College will take a multifaceted approach to holding classes, with options in remote, hybrid, on-ground and online courses.
“After six long months, I cannot wait to see our campus come to life again,” said SJC Long Island Executive Dean Eileen White Jahn, Ph.D., who also serves as chair and professor of the business administration and marketing department.
“The SJC community has done an amazing job adapting to the ever-changing challenges of this crisis,” Dr. Jahn continued. “I have every confidence that we will move forward to this new phase with the grace, consideration and compassion that we as a community are known for.”
Welcoming Incoming Students
The number of new students joining the SJC Long Island community this semester continues to grow, even with the semester’s start just days away.
“We are so pleased to welcome our new students and expand our Golden Eagle family,” said Andrea Volk ’04, director of undergraduate admissions and admissions operations.
In fact, the virtual portion of the College’s Orientation brought in a total of 750 unique viewers.
“The advice I have for any new student is to get involved,” said Credidio, a student-athlete, president of STARS, CAB member, Orientation leader and a frequent participant in Campus Ministry events. “I know this year, it’s going to be different, but make an effort and join all the clubs you were originally going to join. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help; whether it be a peer or professor, we’re all here to help and we want to make this transition as easy as possible.
“There is a lot to look forward to at SJC, and there’s opportunities for everyone,” Credidio added.
