St. John's University Athletics
St. John's Hosts Student Athlete Career Night
4/14/2015 12:00:00 AM | General
QUEENS, N.Y. - More than 250 St. John's student-athletes, coaches, administrators and potential employers packed the D'Angelo Center Ballroom on Monday night, taking part in the department's annual Student-Athlete Career Night. The event, founded by Athletic Director Emeritus Jack Kaiser, was highlighted by a keynote address from James P. Riley '74 CBA, '75 MBA, '03 HON, Retired Partner and Managing Director of Goldman Sachs.
Nearly 30 corporate representatives from various industries including sport management, marketing, financial services, public service and education were in attendance to network, share advice and recruit members of the Red Storm to their respected companies and institutions.
The evening began with introductory remarks from Dr. Nancy Kaplan, Associate Vice President for Academic Support Services, who welcomed the assembled crowd to the lively event. "Student-Athlete Career Night is one of the many highlights of our overall Student Development Program. We are proud to showcase our Student-Athlete population and how well-rounded they are as individuals."
After Dr. Kaplan briefly spoke, Director of Athletics, Chris Monasch thanked the people who made the event possible and addressed the student-athletes about the tremendous opportunity presented to them.
"This is one of the most important programs we offer to you here at St. John's," said Monasch. "It's a chance to meet potential employers and start to look at your life more closely after St. John's."
Following Monasch's words, Riley came to the podium to deliver his keynote address, relaying the principles of success that have made his 40 years in the business world so exemplary. These characteristics included, but were not limited to: adaptability, competitiveness, tenacity, accountability and passion.
Riley went on to say "Passion on the fields, on the court, whatever you are doing, passion in your next stage of life, passion will win, passion is a marathon, not a 100 yard dash." Riley discussed how showing passion, networking and understanding your business are the things which helped made him successful.
After Riley concluded his address, dinner was served and student-athletes were able to interact with potential employers for the remainder of the evening in roundtable discussions. Soliciting advice on the working world and picking up tips to make their career prospects even more promising, student-athletes learned how to adapt their skills to potential future employment. As Riley said in his remarks, "you are here tonight to build relationships, this is why you are at St. John's. Find a mentor, maybe it's your coach, maybe it's a professor, maybe it's someone in your new job...I was mentored, I know it, I did not do this on my own, I spent an enormous amount of time mentoring others because I understood the value of mentorship."
Brittany Hurst, Women's Golf and President of SAAC stated "It is a great opportunity to see our student-athletes being able to hold conversations with multiple employers and talk about their experiences." She went on to say how Mr. Riley's comments to "never forget your past accomplishments, remember them in your future" really made an impact on her as a graduating senior.
St. John's student-athletes have demonstrated their motivation and achievement both on and off the field, excelling in leadership positions and throughout the community, making them strong candidates for employment. "We are hopeful the networking opportunities provided will be very beneficial to our Student -Athletes and their career pursuits" said Kaplan. Elisa Zervos, Career and Internship Advisor, was impressed to see the student-athletes engage with employers and said she "hopes the evening's success inspires the student-athletes to take charge of their professional development." Here at St. John's, Student-Athlete Career Night is just the beginning as the student-athletes start to plan for their future careers.
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