David Wegrzyn isn’t about to rush into his new position as the vice president for university development and athletics. But his mandate is clear. Wegrzyn is charged with transforming St. John’s into a national university.

The groundwork already has been laid by former athletic director Ed Manetta Jr., who announced his resignation last month. Now it’s up to Wegrzyn, who has served as the associate VP for alumni relations and development, to continue the transformation of St. John’s and to acquaint himself with the unique challenges that face today’s A.D.

Wegrzyn, was named as Manetta’s replacement yesterday by Rev Donald J. Harrington, the president of St. John’s.