St. John's University Athletics
Photo by: Jad Nammour
Willis speaks at the 24th Annual President’s Dinner
10/30/2021 2:50:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
Senior represents student body at St. John’s marquee event
NEW YORK- Senior Dylan Willis of the lacrosse team expressed his gratitude for his experiences so far at St. John's to the audience at the 24th annual President's dinner.
Willis was the lone student speaker at the institution's largest scholarship fundraising event. Over the last 23 years, the annual dinner has raised over 45 million dollars in scholarship support for St. John's students. He addressed a crowd that included St. John's President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., senior members of the administration, distinguished alumni and contributors to the university.
"As I reflect on my journey as a Johnnie, I have learned to believe in myself, work hard, set high goals and to lend a hand to lift up others," Willis remarked. "I am inspired by all of you."
The Baldwin, N.Y. native has served as an exemplary student-athlete during his time in Queens. On the field, the midfielder has appeared in 26 career games and notched 19 points. He had a career-high four points in a 19-18 OT win over Hofstra on Feb. 13, 2021.
In the classroom, Willis is a three-time BIG EAST All-Academic Team honoree and a Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society inductee. Willis is slated to graduate in May with a bachelor's degree in finance and has already secured a full-time job in the industry.
"Dylan is a great representative of the caliber of student, and more importantly people, that make up our lacrosse program," said Head Coach Jason Miller. "I couldn't be prouder of him and I'm excited he has this opportunity."
Willis is an active member of his community, volunteering his time as a coach in his former youth lacrosse program based in Hempstead, N.Y.
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"Coaching the youth of Hempstead is a greater responsibility than just coaching lacrosse because I also assisted these young players with managing the challenges they encounter off the field," said Willis. "I believe I serve as life coach first, and a lacrosse coach second."
There were three honorees at this year's dinner at the New York Hilton in Midtown Manhattan. Among those honorees was St. John's lacrosse alumnus Thomas Cox '82CBA, a two-time captain in the program's early years.
Cox graduated with his bachelor of science degree in accounting in 1982 and has since gone on to have a successful career. He currently serves as the CEO of OnePoint Group LLC, a private equity firm in New York City.
For more information about the annual President's dinner and this year's honorees visit their website.
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Willis was the lone student speaker at the institution's largest scholarship fundraising event. Over the last 23 years, the annual dinner has raised over 45 million dollars in scholarship support for St. John's students. He addressed a crowd that included St. John's President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., senior members of the administration, distinguished alumni and contributors to the university.
"As I reflect on my journey as a Johnnie, I have learned to believe in myself, work hard, set high goals and to lend a hand to lift up others," Willis remarked. "I am inspired by all of you."
The Baldwin, N.Y. native has served as an exemplary student-athlete during his time in Queens. On the field, the midfielder has appeared in 26 career games and notched 19 points. He had a career-high four points in a 19-18 OT win over Hofstra on Feb. 13, 2021.
In the classroom, Willis is a three-time BIG EAST All-Academic Team honoree and a Chi Alpha Sigma National Honor Society inductee. Willis is slated to graduate in May with a bachelor's degree in finance and has already secured a full-time job in the industry.
"Dylan is a great representative of the caliber of student, and more importantly people, that make up our lacrosse program," said Head Coach Jason Miller. "I couldn't be prouder of him and I'm excited he has this opportunity."
Willis is an active member of his community, volunteering his time as a coach in his former youth lacrosse program based in Hempstead, N.Y.
            Â
"Coaching the youth of Hempstead is a greater responsibility than just coaching lacrosse because I also assisted these young players with managing the challenges they encounter off the field," said Willis. "I believe I serve as life coach first, and a lacrosse coach second."
There were three honorees at this year's dinner at the New York Hilton in Midtown Manhattan. Among those honorees was St. John's lacrosse alumnus Thomas Cox '82CBA, a two-time captain in the program's early years.
Cox graduated with his bachelor of science degree in accounting in 1982 and has since gone on to have a successful career. He currently serves as the CEO of OnePoint Group LLC, a private equity firm in New York City.
For more information about the annual President's dinner and this year's honorees visit their website.
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