Meet First-Year Students

Why choose 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ·? Learn about the 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· experience from those who have most recently become members of the 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· community.

First-year students are happy to share their personal stories detailing how they came to 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ·, what they like best about life on campus, and why they think you, too, should choose 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ·.

Connor Brown ’29

Nursing Student

Connor Brown

Connor Brown

Connor Brown ’29 always knew he wanted to pursue a career that combined service, leadership, and compassion. Now, a first-year nursing major, he says he came to 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· because of its strong nursing program and because he immediately felt a sense of belonging.

One of his most meaningful moments at 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· came just weeks into his first semester, when he organized a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in Ward Hall. Joined by 20 students before sunrise, Brown led the group in climbing the equivalent of 110 flights of stairs to honor the first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Academically, 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· has challenged Brown in courses like anatomy and physiology, which demand discipline, focus, and strong time management. “There have been times when the material felt overwhelming, but I’ve pushed through by staying disciplined, using study groups, and keeping up with review sessions.”

Brown plans to apply 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ·’s values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge to his future. His ultimate goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) while continuing to serve as a firefighter.


Juliana Camacho ’29

Legal Studies Major

Juliana Camacho

Juliana Camacho

Juliana Camacho ’29 is using her leadership skills and passion for advocacy to make her mark at St. John 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· University. A legal studies major, Camacho’s 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· experience is deeply personal. She is a legacy student, proud to share the Cardinal tradition with her mother. 

“After visiting campus multiple times and seeing the countless opportunities available for students to succeed both academically and socially, it was clear this was the right university for me,” she said.

Early in her 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· journey, Camacho was elected by her peers to serve as a First-Year Senator in the Student Government Association (SGA). “It’s been an incredible opportunity to strengthen my communication skills and learn how to advocate effectively.”

She hopes to give back to her community by representing underserved populations in Rochester through her legal work, while leading by example. “91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· has helped me grow intellectually by exposing me to new perspectives and ensuring we are well-rounded individuals through the 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· Creed. I’m grateful for that foundation as I prepare to make a difference in the world.”


Kyle Green ’27

Resident Assistant

Kyle Green

Kyle Green

Kyle Green ’27 has found his place at St. John 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· University by embracing leadership and community. From Auburn, New York, he was drawn to 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· after hearing about its welcoming campus culture, and he says those expectations have been more than fulfilled.

“I have very deep and meaningful connections that have made my experience here one of a kind,” Green explained. “The community is so open and motivating, it makes you want to embrace new opportunities every day.”

Academically, 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· has challenged him to think critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives. “The rigorous coursework and collaborative environment have strengthened my analytical skills and encouraged me to explore new ideas beyond my comfort zone.”

Ultimately, Green sees his greatest accomplishment not as a single achievement, but as the community he has built. “The relationships I’ve formed here have given me a sense of belonging that motivates me to contribute positively to others. That’s what makes 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· so special.”


Carissa Stachurski ’26

Dual Major Inclusive Adolescence Education and English

Carissa Stachurski

Carissa Stachurski

In her time at 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ·, Carissa Stachurski ’26 has found both her calling and her community. Originally from Solvay, NY, she is pursuing inclusive adolescent education with a dual major in English, and she says she knew 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· was the right place for her from the very first campus tour. 

That sense of belonging has been reinforced by her professors and advisors, who she credits with helping her grow both academically and personally. “All of my professors have been so kind and willing to help me succeed. They take the time to build personal relationships with every student, and that really builds confidence knowing you have people to turn to for help and advice.”

Stachurski has developed valuable skills in classroom management, problem-solving, and communication. Her clinical placements in Rochester-area schools have been especially impactful. “When I stepped into a special education classroom for the first time, I knew it was something I was going to love. Those hands-on experiences have shown me the kind of teacher I want to be.”

Looking ahead, Stachurski is excited to continue building on 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ·’s values of goodness, discipline, and knowledge. She encourages prospective students to embrace the opportunities 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· offers. “Look into the program you’re interested in; it will check all your boxes. You’ll build a community here with your teachers, peers, and friends that you’ll hold onto for the rest of your life. Joining the 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· community is the best choice I’ve ever made.”


Kai Tsoar ’29

Psychology Major

Kai Tsoar

Kai Tsoar

Kai Tsoar came to St. John 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· University from Los Angeles, California, and Rio Rico, Arizona, with his sights set on pursuing psychology while also competing as a member of the inaugural men’s ice hockey team.  A member of the Class of 2029, he was drawn to 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· by the opportunity to combine strong academics with athletics.

“The opportunity is amazing and I love it here,” Tsoar said. “The facilities and coaches are pushing us to be the best athletes we can be and, more importantly, better people. The student-to-professor relationship is so unique; they make learning fun and engaging.”

Tsoar has embraced leadership roles on campus, participating in Impact, where student-athletes connect with kids who have disabilities, and working as a school tour guide. “These positions allow me to share the experience I’m having and be a positive influence. I want to make 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· better than how I found it.”

Academically, 91Âé¶¹¾«Æ· has challenged him to grow with gratitude. “Every assignment makes me want to express how thankful I am. The people make the place, and that connection inspires me.”