News & Publications

St. John's In the News


“St. John's rehabs 291-year-old building, constructs a new one”
On the Annapolis campus, a ribbon cutting for the new Hodson House; Admissions moves back into the renovated, historic Carroll-Barrister House.
The Capital, June 18, 2013

BLOG: “Is it worth it?”
President Nelson considers a question many ask during the graduation season.
Huffington Post, May 22, 2013

St. John’s graduates carry on solemn tradition with a smirk
On a Saturday evening in early February, seniors at St. John’s College lined up in the foyer of school President Michael Peters’ home in a sprawling adobe compound.
Santa Fe New Mexican, May 16, 2013

“A life surrounded by beauty”
President Chris Nelson at home with his art collection.
Annapolis Lifestyle, April 25, 2013

“Navy triumphs over St. John's in 31st annual Croquet rivalry”
Bucking a trend, the U.S. Navy triumphed over the favored St. John's College in a traditional match of croquet on Saturday.
Patch.com, April 22, 2013

“Navy topples St. John's in croquet match”
For only the sixth time in the 31-year croquet rivalry between St. John's College and the U.S. Naval Academy, the Midshipmen emerged victorious.
The Capital, April 21, 2013

AUDIO: WNAV interviews the St. John's Imperial Wicket
St. John's – U.S. Naval Academy croquet match interview with Imperial Wicket Drew Menzer (A13)
WNAV, April 19, 2013

“St. John's College students in Annapolis spread spirit spot video before croquet challenge”
“Dancing to last summer's hit song "Call Me Maybe," Johnnies created a "Spirit Spot" for the 31st annual croquet challenge against the Midshipmen.”
The Capital, April 19, 2013

AUDIO: WRNR interviews the St. John's Imperial Wicket
St. John's – U.S. Naval Academy croquet match interview with Imperial Wicket Drew Menzer (A13)
WRNR, April 18, 2013

“Top Billing: St. John's battles Naval Academy in croquet”
The Capital spotlights the annual St. John's – U.S. Naval Academy croquet match.
The Capital, April 18, 2013

“St. John's, Navy prepare for croquet showdown”
The croquet rivals prepare for their annual competition.
Patch.com, April 17, 2013

“A liberal, and liberating, education”
President Chris Nelson speaks about the value of a liberal arts education.
The Hechinger Report, April 15, 2013

“Mids, Johnnies battle again for croquet's Annapolis Cup”
The Capital reports on predicting the outcomes of the 31st annual croquet match.
The Capital, April 11, 2013

St. John’s mentors aim to help elementary kids succeed
Students take part in a pilot mentoring program
Santa Fe New Mexican, April 8, 2013

“The fearless, risk-loving winemaker”
Former St. John's College tutor-turned-winemaker, Abe Schoener, is profiled in the New York Times.
The New York Times, April 7, 2013

“A tale of two colleges”
Students at St. John's and the U.S. Naval Academy are united in their common desire to defeat one another in their annual croquet match.
Annapolis.com, April, 2013

BLOG: “Lincoln and liberal education”
President Chris Nelson discusses the scene in the film Lincoln in which the president draws upon Euclid's Elements, one of the foundation texts of the St. John's curriculum, to make some of the most important decisions in the U.S. Civil War.
The Huffington Post, March 28, 2013

Onstage: Three for four: Atrium String Quartet
Formed in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2000, the Atrium String Quartet went on to secure important international performance awards and a busy schedule of international concert bookings. St. John’s College presents the ensemble in the Great Hall in its Peterson Student Center (1160 Camino de Cruz Blanca, 984-6000) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22.
Pasatiempo, February 22, 2013

Onstage: Whatever Lori/Lola wants: singer Lori Carsillo
The dynamic San Francisco singer Lori Carsillo is out front with John Trentacosta’s Straight Up combo at St. John’s College (1160 Camino de Cruz Blanca) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16.
Pasatiempo, February 15, 2013

“Five colleges misreported data to U.S. News, raising concerns about rankings, reputation”
Many highly regarded schools acknowledged that they had submitted incorrect test scores or overstated the high school rankings of their incoming freshmen. Christopher Nelson, president, St. John’s College, Annapolis, a champion of  liberal arts education, is among those who share insights.
The Washington Post, February 6, 2013

“Classical curriculum: Steeped in tradition”
St. John's is among those colleges who remain committed to a traditional liberal arts curriculum and continue to find success.
University Business Magazine, February 2013

“Glen Burnie man mimes for God”
Gospel mine Jeremy Gainous performs in Annapolis for the first time as part of the sixth annual “Lift Every Voice” concert at St. John’s College.
The Capital, January 15, 2013

“St. John's discussions honor King's legacy”
Panel discussion and community seminars explore protecting children in schools, and Dr. Martin Luther King’s “Where Do We Go from Here?” speech.
The Capital, January 15, 2013

Alumnus at Honda speaks about fuel economy
"We are going to redefine what a conventional vehicle is," says St. John’s alumnus (SF80) Robert Bienenfeld, senior  manager, environment and energy strategy, American Honda Motor Co., at a recent symposium on fuel-economy.
Wall Street Journal, January 14, 2013

“Veterans Tell Elite Colleges: ‘We belong’”
Many veterans who enroll in elite institutions are finding that they belong. Liberal arts colleges, such as St. John's, are among  those noted for their partnerships with neighboring military institutions.
The Chronicle of Higher Education, January 7, 2013

“Some private university presidents earn more than $1 million a year”
The Washington Post reports on The Chronicle of Higher Education's compensation survey of college and university presidents.
The Washington Post, December 9, 2012

St. John’s College among “best colleges” in the U.S.
Factors considered include: academic rigor, freedom of inquiry and expression, quality of faculty, school reputation, and job prospects for graduates.
The Best Schools, December 4, 2012

“I got it! The wipers are working!”
"Liberal Education," the flagship journal of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, features an article by President Chris Nelson.
Liberal Education, Fall 2012

St. John's College tops in nation among students who earn humanities Ph.D.s
According to research by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in a study covering 2001-2010 and including more than 1,500 colleges and universities, St. John’s  ranks first in the percentage of graduates who earned a doctorate in the humanities.
Baltimore Sun, November 14, 2012

BLOG: “In the early admissions waiting room, fighting off jitters”
New York Times blogger and high school senior includes St. John's among his top choice colleges --after alums help him discover the college.
New York Times "The Choice", November 2012 (several posts)

“Child's Play: Civil War history comes alive at St. John’s College”
In conjunction the “Civil War Era Drawings” exhibition at St. John’s College’s Mitchell Gallery, a Civil War field hospital encampment is presented on the college’s campus.
The Capital, October 25, 2012

“St. John's gallery plans Civil War weekend for families”
Civil War encampment is a way to enhance the “Civil War Era Drawings” exhibit, as well as commemorate the college’s role during the war.
The Capital, October 25, 2012

“Teaching what you don't know”
We all know the disadvantages of teaching a subject as a content novice, but what are the advantages?
Readers share insights about St. John's College in response to this essay on teaching.
The Chronicle of Higher Education, October 22, 2012

“St. John's graduate to lead Maryland Library Association”
Carrie Willson-Plymire (A96) says strong liberal arts focus of the college prepared her well for career.
The Capital, October 16, 2012

“St. John's College assists students in financial hardship”
The Caritas Society is recognized for its $35,000 in grants to students this year.
Baltimore Sun, October 11, 2012

St. John's at the first college fair in Sarajevo
St. John's among the liberal arts colleges features at the first College Fair in Sarajevo, held in Druga gimnazija on October 6, 2012, produced by FaceTV. (Bosnian version).
YouTube, October 6, 2012

“US News best colleges: Maryland road trips”
US News tweeted this story, which features St. John’s College, and includes a photo of current student Lan Nyugen.
US News, September 17, 2012

“U.S. News college rankings get new scrutiny”
How much suspense can there be in a ranking that lists Harvard and Princeton as the best national universities, followed by Yale?  Christopher Nelson, president, St. John’s College, Annapolis, and  a spokesperson for liberal arts education, shares his insights.
The Washington Post, September 12, 2012

Are we ready for myalmamater.com?: What will happen when colleges go digital?
Annapolis President Chris Nelson champions the classroom experience at St. John’s in an interview with The Baltimore Sun’s op ed columnist on the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project.
The Baltimore Sun, September 2, 2012

The Graduate Institute at St. John’s has been given the second highest ranking among MA programs in the country for its “contribution to the public good.”
Washington Monthly, September 2012

Summer Classics program offers glimpse of St. John's curriculum
Santa Fe New Mexican, July 10, 2012

New center at St. John's integrates living, learning
Winiarski Student Center will allow housing on campus for all undergrads
Santa Fe New Mexican, June 24, 2012

“Francis Scott was Key to the national anthem's creation”
Francis Scott Key's affiliation with St. John's College, Annapolis is highlighted in an article celebrating his role in military history.
Examiner.com, May 10, 2012

“Moving along from Dixon to D.C.”
St. John's College master's degree student is scooped up from retirement in Santa Fe to head back to D.C. to direct National Museum of American History.
Santa Fe New Mexican, May 13, 2012

"John Gray to lead Smithsonian's National Museum of American History"
Graduate Institute Eastern Classics student in Santa Fe is named director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Los Angeles Times, May 9, 2012

St. John's College noted as “one of the leading Great Books institutions in the country”
The St. John's reading list is used as an example in this article, “The Immersion Method -- I,” about the value of discussion-based education. The author points to St. John's as “an indispensable point of reference for all such programs.”
Inside Higher Education, May 3, 2012

AUDIO: WNAV interview on the Mitchell Gallery's Shaker art exhibit
Mitchell Gallery’s Shaker art exhibit interview with Lucinda Edinburg, art educator, St. John’s College and Christian Goodwillie, former curator, Hancock Shaker Village.
WNAV, March 9, 2009

Former Annapolis Assistant Dean Abe Schoener is academic turned vintner
Former Assistant Dean Abe Schoener will return to the college this March for the second time as an expert on wine, instead of as a tutor of the liberal arts. His appearance will be for the college-sponsored wine tasting In Vino Veritas. This WSJ article covers his transformation from academic to winemaker.
WSJ, March 5, 2009

St. John's College named one of "The Most Free-Spirited Colleges"
The Huffington Post reports on Inside College's list of those schools where students can "wear a tutu" if they want, and still be accepted as one of the gang. St. John's College's Annapolis and Santa Fe campuses are numbers 24 and 25 in the photo gallery.
Huffington Post, March 3, 2012

Arthur Frommer Online Recommends the St. John's Summer Classics Program
According to his blog, the St. John's programs he has attended are "among the finest summer vacations that you might ever enjoy."
Frommers, March 2, 2012

AUDIO: WNAV interview with Capitol Steps organizers
Capitol Steps interview with Alex Fotos, Assistant Director of Annual Giving at St. John's College, and Martha Schwieters, Caritas Society of St. John's College
WNAV, February 27, 2012

BLOG: "In search of higher education's Best Picture"
St. John's College is named one of the "bright spots" in higher education, and playfully called "Best Foreign Language Film."
College Inc., February 27, 2012

Bloomberg cites St. John's College in an article about possible affirmative-action changes
In an op-ed called "Campus Life, After Affirmative Action," Stephen Joel Trachtenberg uses St. John's College as an example of a college with a specific academic niche that is not seeking "one-dimensional" students.
Bloomberg, February 27, 2012

BLOG: Local Food Movement Growing Big Time in Annapolis
St. John's College is featured for the efforts of its food service provider, Bon Appétit Management Company, toward local and sustainable food practices.
Greater Annapolis Patch, January 23, 2012

"Where We Live: A Liberal Arts Education"
Annapolis President Christopher B. Nelson is a panelist in “Where We Live: A Liberal Arts Education.” Read the accompanying story on our website.
NPR, January 17, 2012

Santa Fe President Delivered Keynote Address at Santa Fe Veterans' Day Ceremony
On Friday, November 11th, St. John's, Santa Fe, President Michael Peters gave the keynote address at the Veterans’ Day ceremony in Santa Fe, and emphasized the need for shared sacrifice amongst the people of the U.S. when it comes to honoring soldiers in combat and veterans returning from service. The Santa Fe New Mexican covered the ceremony.
Santa Fe New Mexican, November 11, 2011

Remembering Martin Appell Dyer
Lawyer and fair-housing advocate was the first African-American to attend St. John's College in Annapolis
Baltimore Sun, September 19, 2011

St. John's tutor Andy Kingston shares his music, approach to jazz, and much more on Santa Fe public radio.
St. John’s College, Santa Fe, tutor Andy Kingston was a guest recently on KSFR Radio’s The Jazz Experience with Arlen Asher. They discussed Kingston’s life, approach to jazz, and much more. They also shared several recordings of Andy Kingston and his band. Listen to the program here (thanks to KSFR and Arlen Asher for sharing this audio with us).  
KSFR, September 12 , 2011

Santa Fe President Michael P. Peters Interviewed in Forbes Magazine
Alumnus interviews St. John’s College, Santa Fe, President Michael Peters: James Marshall Crotty (SFGI02) wonders “is St. John’s College the antidote to what ails us politically, culturally, and educationally?”
Forbes.com, August, 2011

$11 million residential hall will allow school to house 80 percent of its students
Alumnus and donor Warren Winiarski was present at the cornerstone unveiling ceremony to commemorate the new building.
Santa Fe New Mexican, July 29, 2011

St. John's College offers 'Life of the Mind' series
"College series allows students to stay immersed during summer"
The Baltimore Sun, July 7, 2011

A 'Sea Change' in Admissions
"...a guest post from John Christensen, outgoing director of admissions at St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, who shares some thoughts on how his field is changing."
The Chronicle of Higher Education, June 29, 2011

Salvatore Scibona: 'Where I Learned to Read'
Alumnus Salvatore Scibona (SF97), one of The New Yorker's "20 under 40" up-and-coming fiction writers last year, tells how a St. John's College brochure from a high school classmate changed his life.
The New Yorker, June 13, 2011

Bakersfield, CA television: Dr. Norman Levan honored by Santa Fe officials, St. John's College
Dr. Norman Levan (SFGI74) was honored in Bakersfield, California on Tuesday, August 23rd, for his generosity to St. John’s College. St. John’s Vice President Jim Osterholt presented Dr. Levan with a “Muchas Gracias” certificate on behalf of the Santa Fe mayor and city council.  
KGET.com, August 23, 2011

"What will they learn?"
St. John's College is cited by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni for focusing on seven key areas of knowledge in their "What Will They Learn?" report.
American Council of Trustees and Alumni, March 8, 2011

"Speakers at House Hearing Assail Regulatory Burden on Colleges."
President Christopher Nelson discusses the extensive federal regulations in place for higher education.
Chronicle of Higher Education, March 4, 2011

Tecolote Program Inspires Teachers to Great Thoughts
Santa Fe New Meixican article showcases the Tecolote program on the Santa Fe campus.
Santa Fe New Mexican, February 14, 2011

President of Lynn University, a St. John's alumnus, revamps curriculum
In this article, "Ramping Up Rigor," Inside Higher Ed magazine describes the newly adopted curriculum standards at Lynn University, implemented by the university's President Kevin M. Ross, who was influenced by his graduate education experience at St. John's. The magazine discusses this move in contrast to recent concerns among higher education experts that adademic standards in colleges and universities have become dishearteningly low.
Inside Higher Ed, February 2, 2011


Previous "In the News" Articles

WBAL TV November 12, 2010

Arcadia the campus dog makes a television debut
WBAL TV got wind of the intriguing story of the Annapolis campus dog, Arcadia, (a.k.a. "Cadie") and brought out their cameras to get the details about this canine that "came with" a six million dollar donation that helped build one of the campus' newest dormitories.

Kiplinger's December 2010

Kiplinger's cites liberal arts colleges as good values
Kiplinger's cites liberal arts colleges as good values, saying that after adjusting for inflation and financial aid, the net price for private college education has gone down from a decade ago. The publication lists St. John's College among its top 100 best value schools.

The Capital September 26, 2010

"Our Say: Kurdish school's priorities have a lesson for us"
A Hometown Annapolis article shares an opinion about St. John's College's mission in liberal education: "St. John's President Chris Nelson addressed the question [of the importance of liberal arts] in his convocation address for this academic year. The practicality of a liberal arts education, he pointed out, is clearer when you see serious-minded people in a dangerous corner of the world betting the future of their nation on it."

WashingtonCityPaper.com September 17, 2010

Washington Shakespeare Company's Sarah Barker (A98) will star in Friedrich Schiller's Mary Stuart
From October 21 through December 12, Ms. Barker will take the stage in a play about the 15th century power struggle between Queen Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots. In this article, Barker and her co-star Heather Haney, talk about how they landed their roles and even facetiously compare the female politics of the play with Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin.

Boston.com September 3, 2010

Luke Kirkland (SF04) and Robert Peckham (SF07) featured with their band "Marconi"
Luke Kirkland's music, developed over his years of travelling between Santa Fe, Boston, and other locations, reflects the depth and character of his adventures. He is joined by his fellow Johnnie, Robert Peckham, and a few other colleagues in the recording of Marconi's debut album called "Minutes to Manifest Destiny."

Newsweek September 12, 2010

St. John's in List of Top 25 Diverse Schools
Newsweek ranks St. John's College among the 25 most diverse schools based on "a broad view of related issues, including ethnicity, geographic origin, economic status, gender, and sexual orientation."

University of Iowa Press July 12, 2010

St. John’s Alum wins Iowa Poetry Prize
Lew Klatt, AGI'98, wins for Cloud of Ink: "The annual Iowa Poetry Prize, established in 1990, is one of the leading national poetry awards and is open to new as well as established poets."

The Princeton Review August 3, 2010

St. John’s College Named one of Princeton Review’s “Best Colleges in America”
Praised for its small classes, a supportive atmosphere, and a low student-to-faculty ratio, St. John’s College is again among the colleges included in The Princeton Review’s “373 Best Colleges in America.” The educational services company features St. John’s Annapolis and Santa Fe campuses in its annual college guide. Only about 15 percent of America’s 2,500 four-year colleges and two Canadian colleges are profiled in the book, which is The Princeton Review’s flagship college guide. The guide includes detailed profiles of the colleges with rating scores for all schools in eight categories.

My College Guide June 22, 2010

"Great Books Colleges: What It Means and Who It's For"
My College Guide interviews admissions representatives from St. John's College and Thomas Aquinas College on what sort of a student is the right match for this off-the-beaten-path liberal arts education.

New courtyard sketch
Plans for new courtyard outside Randall Hall

The Capital June 23, 2010

New courtyard and more planned in Annapolis
Annapolis' local paper, The Capital,  reports on St. John's College's plans for renovations to the quad, a new courtyard outside of Randall Hall, and a garden on King George Street, to include a medicinal plants garden for the study of plants mentioned in books in the program's reading.

The Huffington Post June 1, 2010

Interview with Alumnus Kim Paffenroth (A88) on his book Gospel of the Living Dead
Alumnus Kim Paffenroth (A88) gives a personal history of his inspiration for his award-winning book Gospel of the Living Dead: George Romero's Visions of Hell on Earth (Baylor, 2006). He offers intriguing and unconventional answers to his interviewer's questions about the connections between his interests in Christian theology and the "living dead."

The New Yorker June 14, 2010

Alumnus Salvatore Scibona (SF97) is named one of "20 under 40"
In the New Yorker's most recent cover story about today's the most promising young writers under 40, Alumnus Salvatore Scibona (SF97) has been featured in a Q & A session, along with the full text of his short story titled "The Kid." The editors explain in a related editorial that the purpose of the article is to highlight young writers that they believe will be "key to their generation."

Listen to Scibona on KSFR (mp3)

The Huffington Post May 21, 2010

St. John's vies for #1 in a poll of "Top Non-Traditional Colleges"
In an interactive poll on colleges that break the educational mold, St. John's competes for the leading position with schools like Evergreen State College and Sarah Lawrence College. The playfully designed scale ranges from "Snooze" to "Crazy!"

The Financial May 17, 2010

"American Helping Georgia to Revive Traditions of Liberal Education"
New Gelati Academy at Grigol Robakidze University in Georgia models itself after St. John's College in pursuit of intellectual vibrancy.

The Capital May 17, 2010

"St. John's holds 218th Commencement"
"Bells clanged in the tower of McDowell Hall as family members and friends gathered on the front lawn of St. John's College for the 218th commencement at the 314-year-old institution Sunday..."

The Capital May 14, 2010

"St. John's College graduation Sunday"
Senior Matthew Kalkavage talks with The Capital about graduation, military service, and marriage... to another Johnnie. The Capital reports that he and other seniors are preparing for their commencement into a full future in the world outside of St. John's.

Washington Post May 3, 2010

"Some colleges are opting out of magazine's annual survey"
"A small but determined group of college presidents is boycotting one of higher education's little-known spring rituals: the practice of lobbying each other for better 'peer assessments' in pursuit of a higher spot in the coveted rankings compiled annually by U.S. News & World Report..."

Washington Post - College Inc. May 2, 2010

"Lobbying for a better U.S. News ranking"
Washington Post's Daniel de Vise says that a handful of college presidents, including St. John's College's, refuse to participate in a kind of popularity contest that increases college rankings with U.S. News & World Report.

Askwith Forum April 22, 2010

"Whither the Future of Higher Education"
Annapolis' President Nelson spoke on March 11, 2010 at the Askwith Forum, hosted by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, on the future of higher education. Full video of the speech is available.

The Capital April 18, 2010

"Rite of spring: St. John's crushes Navy at croquet"
This year, as in most years, St. John's College's croquet team, led by the famous "Imperial Wicket," gave the Navy team a taste of true Johnnie sportsmanship with a win that would make any sports team proud.

The Capital April 11, 2010

"Johnnie-Mid Seminar breaks social impasse in Annapolis"
In one of several long-revered annual traditions between St. John's College and the neighboring Naval Academy, groups of scholars from both institutions gathered for a St. John's style seminar to discuss a student-chosen text and engage the bright minds from "the other side of the street."

My College Guide March 26, 2010

"Final exam? Not for Seniors at this college"
My College's Guide's blogger discusses the fact that at St. John's, students do not take final exams.

The Learning Channel April 21, 2010

St. John's Alumna featured on The Learning Channel
Alumna Leah Fisch, a professional reorganizer, will have her television debut at 10 p.m. Sunday, April 25, on The Learning Channel. Check your cable listings! Fisch will be featured on the show “Hoarders: Buried Alive!” For more on Fisch and her business, visit www.leahfisch.com. Fisch spent time on both the Annapolis and Santa Fe campuses.

Washington Post - College Inc. April 11, 2010

Washington Post reporter explores similarities between Johnnies and Mids
When Washington Post Higher Education Reporter Daniel DeVise came to St. John's to attend a joint seminar between students of St. John's and the U.S.Naval Academy, he found how much the two institutions have in common.