Inspired to Serve

by Aidan R. Rooney, C.M. | Jun 25, 2017 | Formation, Reflections | 1 comment

Coming into contact with a Vincentian University has changed many lives. From their “10 under 10” series, here’s a story of someone inspired by the charism at St. John’s University.

When the financial crisis hit, Elisa Sciortino was a recent St. John’s graduate who was working at a local bank. “I knew it was time to return to St. John’s,” said the former marketing major at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. “I was inundated with questions about the state of the banking industry, so I decided to delve deeper into the field.”

Ms. Sciortino enrolled in the University’s M.B.A. program and, focusing on finance, attended classes at both the Manhattan and Staten Island campuses. “I learned a lot about the regulatory environment in finance and started to look for jobs in that space,” she said. Her search led to her current position with the Federal Reserve, where she is a Financial Services Associate.

While Ms. Sciortino’s finance courses at St. John’s prepared her for professional success, learning about St. Vincent de Paul peaked her interest in another area—serving others. “I began to picture myself giving back to my community, but I didn’t know where to begin,” she said. She soon discovered IlluminArt Productions, a nonprofit theater group in Staten Island that empowers local youths through performance. “Ultimately, our goal is to make a difference in students’ lives,” she said.

Elisa may not be in any formal Vincentian association, but she’s a Vincentian… of wherever.

Tags: St. John's University, Vincentians of Wherever

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1 Comment

Diann Mueller on June 25, 2017 at 10:14 pm

This story is so exciting. Last year I attended a Famvin Conference in Denver, CO. I was so impressed with the passion of the students attending. I am hoping influence our SVDP Board to hire a young person from one of these Universalities. Do you have any suggestions on how to contact people with a Vincentian heart to work for a non-profit?