Leap of Faith

Big city lights and an affordable education led one student to the doors of SJNY, sight unseen

If he’s not on the volleyball court or in class, you might find Christopher Armstrong III playing the guitar, drums or piano, and more recently, the saxophone.

As a high school senior from upstate New York, Christopher Armstrong III ’28 did not have St. Joseph’s University, New York on his “list.” It was a Bears coach interested in his volleyball talents who played a role in Armstrong’s decision to commit to the University’s Brooklyn Campus, sight unseen.

“During my senior year of high school, the men’s volleyball coach reached out to me and put St. Joe’s on my radar. He was very thoughtful and thorough during the recruiting process. He took the extra steps like connecting me with advisers and students that were taking the same major I wanted to study. When decision day came around, I hadn’t visited campus yet, but with the affordability and location of St. Joe’s I chose to commit, and I am so glad I did,” Armstrong said.

While the allure of New York City and cost of attendance swayed his decision, faculty support at St. Joseph’s solidified that choice.

Armstrong described his first history class as “beyond amazing,” and shared how John Castaldo, MS.Ed., a lecturer in the history department, elevated the experience.

“He made an effort to connect with each student,” Armstrong said.

“I also knew St. Joe’s was the right place for me when I met Dr. Mulligan. She was really excited for me and was very happy about me being a history adolescence education major,” he said about Anne Mulligan, Ph.D., associate chair and assistant professor of education.

Armstrong is a member of the men’s volleyball team, and was named to the Skyline Conference Academic Honor Roll during his freshman season.

Being an NCAA Division III athlete is a big part of his college experience.

“I really enjoy traveling to away games with the team,” he said. “The rides are always fun to be a part of. Everyone is always amped up and it’s often a time where the team gets to bond with each other more. It’s also great to know that you always have a group of friends within the team.”

Armstrong lives at the St. George Residence, where he enjoys the large community of students who call the Brooklyn Heights high-rise home.

“There’s a few other schools that also live in the dorms, so the opportunities are endless to meet new people from all over,” he shared.

Like many SJNY students, Armstrong makes use of the communal cooking space inside the St. George.

“I often try to take advantage of it and learn new things to cook,” he said.

As a second year student at SJNY, Armstrong is preparing for a career of impact.

“In the future, I would like to become a high school history teacher and be able to teach and inspire the next generation of students,” he said. “I believe the representation of Black males in education is very important. With only 2% of teachers being Black males, I am looking forward to adding to the percentage.”