An ambitious Master Space Plan was undertaken, involving a
number of renovations and new construction in support of St. John’s
strategic objectives for developing a more student-centered
academic and institutional culture reflecting a commitment to
lifelong learning.
Capital Campaign monies helped the University make substantial
progress on Phase I of the Plan last year. Some of the most
noteworthy are:
- Reconfiguring Sullivan Hall’s fourth and fifth floors and
constructing an outdoor café on the ground level. These
enhancements “created an attractive work environment, so that our
students feel a sense of pride and place. Faculty and students are
starting to have a greater exchange of ideas now that they are all
in one place,” says The School of Education Dean Ross.
- Officially opening the new state-of-the-art
field house named for St. John’s donors and longtime supporters
of St. John’s University, alumnus Donald Taffner and his wife,
Eleanor. It is a two-story, 38,000 square foot athletic facility
with four full-size basketball courts — two for Student Life and
two for Varsity basketball; study space for athletes, offices for
coaches, strength and conditioning and medical facilities and
meeting space.
- Remodeling The Little Theatre by putting in a new ceiling,
expanded seating, improved electrical wiring, new carpeting and
lighting.
- Announcing a $100,000 endowment to construct The Sciarra Family
Pharmaceutical Sciences Seminar Room, named for its donors. Three
members of the Sciarra family graduated from the College of
Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.
- Building a Writing Center in
Staten Island as part of the University’s Institute for Writing
Studies.
- Refurbishing the Marillac Terrace Cafeteria.
- Constructing a new Student Career Center.
- Installing an eye-catching
antique clock, a gift of St. John’s trustee Eleanor Taffner and
her husband Donald, a University alumnus, in front of the new
Taffner Field House.
- Building 13 classrooms in Marillac Hall.