Evidence Suggests Bent Granted Naming Rights ‘In Perpetuity’
Suzanne Ciechalski, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
May 31, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, News
The attorney for alumnus Bruce R. Bent says an unsigned agreement drawn up by St. John’s proves that his client owns the naming rights to the campus building that bears his name, according to court papers. A copy of the agreement, dated October 12, 2016, states in writing that Bent was granted the na...
Queens Campus Undergraduate Commencement Will Not Feature a Student Speaker
Angelica Acevedo, Editor-in-Chief
May 19, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, News
St. John’s Queens campus undergraduate commencement exercises on May 20 will not feature a student speaker, according to a student informed of the University’s decision. The Torch is not identifying the student. It is customary for graduation ceremonies to have a student give a speech and address ...
Staten Island Campus Student’s Racist Post Prompts Investigation
Derrell Bouknight, News Editor
May 10, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, News
After students on the Staten Island campus reported a “racist picture” that appeared on an Instagram account belonging to a fellow student in the Phi Eta Chi sorority on campus, President Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw said that the incident was “unacceptable and will not be tolerated” in an inter...
A Year in Review
Angelica Acevedo, Editor-in-Chief
April 25, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, News
1) Gempesaw interview President Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw sat down with our former Editor-in-Chief Suzanne Ciechalski in April to discuss various aspects of St. John’s University — among these were the issues of hiring, fundraising, basketball and education. He also touched upon the ...
String of Thefts Leaves Professors Concerned
Derrell Bouknight, News Editor
April 25, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, News
A string of thefts in St. John Hall has professors concerned for their valuables and personal items. According to three employees stationed in the building’s basement, the issue has carried on for years. Aaris Sherin, a 13-year University art and design professor, said she discovered numerous copi...
Poster Vandalized in St. John Hall
Nia Douglas, Staff Writer
April 25, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, News
Public Safety is investigating two instances of apparent racially motivated vandalism of a poster in St.John Hall, according to a university spokesman. Last week, a graduate student sent the Torch photos of the damage done to the word ‘black’ in a series of Research Month posters on display on...
Final SGI Meeting Held With New E-Board
Alexis Gaskin, Staff Writer
April 25, 2018
Filed under News
The final SGI meeting of the year was held on Monday April 23, featuring final reports from the 2017-2018 eboard, a recap of Relay for Life and final events taking place on campus. Graduatin senior Frank Obermeyer gave his final President’s report to the general body, congratulating everyone on a...
SJU Files Motion to Dismiss $10M Bent Suit
Suzanne Ciechalski, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
April 25, 2018
Filed under News
The University last month asked a judge to dismiss the lawsuit that accuses St. John's of reneging on an oral agreement to keep an alumnus' name on Bent Hall forever. The motion, filed on March 28, asks for the complaint to be dismissed entirely. Bruce R. Bent, an alumnus of St. John’s, sai...
Task Force for Diversity and Inclusion to Open New Center for Inclusivity
Jillian Ortiz, Assistant Chief Copy Editor
April 25, 2018
Filed under Home Scroll, News
As the 2017-2018 school year draws to a close, the St. John’s University Task Force for Diversity and Inclusion has seen the actualization of some of its initiatives. On the heels of the 2018-2019 academic year, the Task Force has a new measure underway. The Task Force’s new Inclusivity Reso...
Undergrad Commencement Speaker Pick Shows a Pattern
Isabella Bruni, Managing Editor
April 25, 2018
Filed under News
St. John’s announced last week that the His Eminence Luis Antonio Gokim Cardinal Tagle, D.D., S.Th.D Metropolitan Archbishop of Manila will serve as the 2018 undergraduate commencement speaker on the Queens campus, adding him to St. John’s long list of religion-related speakers. Last year’s spea...
Red House Hosts 12th Annual Fashion Shows: Seven Deadly Sins
Alexis Gaskin, Staff Writer
April 19, 2018
Filed under News
The 12th annual Red House Fashion show was held this past Monday, in Carnesecca Arena. Dozens of students, staff and community members were in attendance to participate in the interactive fashion show, along with a traditional catwalk. At $7 a ticket, Red House offered a 17-minute window where peopl...
