SJC @ 140: Celebrating 140 Years of Service and Community
A Legacy That Began in 1887
St. John’s College (SJC) is marking a major milestone as the institution celebrates 140 years of service, education, and community in Belize.
On today’s episode of Open Your Eyes, Dr. Alexis Pol-López, University Dean; Adelaide Sabido, Marketing Officer; and Linette Sabido, University Criminology Lecturer, reflected on SJC’s long history and the impact it has had on generations of Belizeans.
The institution’s story began in 1887 as a select school in the area of present-day Holy Redeemer. It later became St. John’s College and eventually moved to its Port Loyola campus in 1917. That campus was destroyed during the devastating 1931 hurricane, which claimed the lives of six priests, four scholars, a brother, and 25 students. Following the disaster, SJC temporarily returned to the Holy Redeemer property before moving to its current Landivar campus in 1952.
Growing With Belize
Since moving to Landivar, SJC has continued to expand. What began with a junior college of just three students has grown into an institution with three divisions: the high school, junior college, and university.
The university welcomed its first cohort in 2023, marking another major chapter in the institution’s development. The guests explained that SJC’s continued relevance comes from its focus on transformative education, which looks beyond academic achievement to the overall development of students.
The institution’s values emphasize identity, purpose, community, and service, with many SJC graduates going on to hold leadership positions and contribute to Belizean society.
Celebrating 140 Years With the Community
As part of the anniversary celebrations, SJC will host a special Street Fest on Thursday, September 17, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on campus.
The free community event will bring together SJC students, faculty, alumni, businesses, and the wider public for an evening of food, entertainment, games, and activities.
Families can enjoy attractions including a bouncy house and mechanical bull, while pop-up shops will showcase local businesses, many of which are owned by SJC alumni.
Food, Music and Entertainment
The Street Fest will feature a variety of local food vendors and businesses, including Gifts for You, Jewelry Hub, Mystic Brew from Corozal, Suncast Smart Courts, Don Ceviche, Crazy Corn, and others.
Entertainment will run throughout the event, with performances from the SJC school band, the school’s major red group, Yaza Ernestine Carpio, Supa G, and KTV performer Judson Baker, among others.
With games, food, performances, and activities for different age groups, the celebration is designed to bring the SJC community and Belizean public together.
Looking Toward the Future
While the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on SJC’s history, the institution is also looking ahead.
The university is working toward expanding its programs based on the needs of Belize’s workforce and exploring the development of master’s degree programs. SJC is also advancing plans for its hub in Punta Gorda, which will provide students in southern Belize with space for testing, research, and academic support.
As part of the 140th anniversary celebration, SJC will also offer a 40% discount on university application fees. Representatives will be available at the event to assist prospective students with the application process.
140 Years of Community and Service
From its beginnings in 1887 to its growth into a high school, junior college, and university, SJC’s 140-year journey reflects a long-standing commitment to education and service.
The September 17 Street Fest will give students, alumni, families, businesses, and the wider Belizean community an opportunity to celebrate that legacy together while looking ahead to the institution’s next chapter.