Message from the President
The St. John's University community is deeply saddened by the recent deaths of alumna Karina Vetrano and undergraduate student Arshell Dennis III, who lost their lives due to senseless acts of violence in New York City and Chicago this summer.Karina, 30, earned a master's degree in speech-language pathology from St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in May 2015, and Arshell, 19, a journalism major in the College of Professional Studies, was to begin his junior year this semester.
Both of their lives, filled with determination and great promise, were taken away far too soon. Karina and Arshell will always be part of the St. John's family and remembered for the joy and spirit they brought to the University.
The St. John's community mourns the passing of Karina and Arshell and sends our heartfelt condolences to their families as we keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
The St. John's community will celebrate their lives with Memorial Masses at St. Thomas More Church in their honor. The Mass for Karina Vetrano is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. on Friday, September 2, 2016. The Mass for Arshell Dennis III will take place at 12:15 p.m. on Friday, September 9, 2016.
You are invited to join us in the celebration of their lives. Thank you.
Conrado "Bobby" Gempesaw, Ph.D.
President