global issue

NEW MEN’S
BASKETBALL HEAD

St. John’s
COACH RICK PITINO

Magazine summer 2023

Local
Roots,
ST. JOHN’S PEP BAND
STRIKES A CHORD ON
AND OFF CAMPUS
Global
Connections
SECOND ANNUAL
ALUMNI GALA AND
REUNION WEEK Mimi Reid
Keeps Her
Eye on the Prize
 IN THIS ISSUE

34
St. John’s Magazine GLOBAL ISSUE | SUMMER 2023, VOL. 2, NO. 2
3
â

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

8

60 54
AROUND THE CORNER, AROUND
LOCAL ROOTS, THE GLOBE: ELAINE LILLI ’56UC
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS 17
26 ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S DINNER
RICK PITINO: EYE ON THE PRIZE: SAVE THE DATE
HALL OF FAME HEAD COACH POINT GUARD MIMI REID LED 21
OF MEN’S BASKETBALL THE RED STORM WHILE PURSUING THANK YOU, DONORS
A DOCTORAL DEGREE 22
IN MEMORIAM: JOHN KENNEDY
BINGHAM ’80C (1958–2022)
”A MAN ON A MISSION“
26
DOUBLE ALUMNA AND CLARE BOOTH
LUCE SCHOLAR CHARTS A BRIGHT
FUTURE IN CYBERSECURITY
27
STUDENT SEES THE BEST OF ST. JOHN’S
STATEN ISLAND, QUEENS CAMPUSES

18 28
SPRING 2023 EVENTS
31
SECOND ANNUAL ALISSA D’VALE
ALUMNI GALA AND 32
ALUMNI EVENTS
REUNION WEEK
45
LEAVE YOUR LEGACY:

4
THOMAS AND TONI JOYCE

12
46
THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
THANKS OUR VOLUNTEERS
GRADUATES LOOK
48
TO THE FUTURE ST. JOHN’S PEP BAND Q&A WITH
WHILE APPRECIATING STRIKES A CHORD ON MACIEK NOWAK, PH.D., DEAN,
THE PETER J. TOBIN
THE PAST AND OFF CAMPUS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
50
INTERNATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
52
TOPPING-OFF CEREMONY
MARKS NEW PHASE AND MISSION
OF ST. VINCENT HEALTH
SCIENCES CENTER
56
KATHY MEEHAN
TRAILBLAZING ADMINISTRATOR

40 AND ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT ICON

RETIRES AFTER 48 YEARS
58
STREET SMART, NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS
A GAME CHANGER
WORLD WISE FOR COLLEGE ATHLETES
62
ALUMNI NEWS AND NOTES
 St. John’s
Magazine
GLOBAL ISSUE
SUMMER 2023, VOL. 2, NO. 2
Vice President for Advancement and
University Relations
Christian P. Vaupel, Ed.D.
Executive Editor
Brian Browne
Senior Editor
Andrew Miller
Editor
Stephanie M. Petrellese
Digital Editor
Linda Romano
Creative Director
Odaris M. Ithier-Olle
Writers
Meg Nugent Dwyer, James Stephen
Smith, and Steve Vivona
Photographers
Maria Keddis, Siobhan Mullan,
and Jad Nammour
Production Manager
Nicole Bertram-Secor
St. John’s Magazine is published
twice a year by the
Office of Marketing and Communications
St. John’s University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
www.stjohns.edu
email: magazine@stjohns.edu
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
To view St. John’s Magazine online:
www.stjohns.edu/magazine
A Message from
Our
Dear Friend of St. John’s:
Released in 2015, Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home offers
a wide-ranging vision for people of goodwill to take action to better care for our common home.
The Pope speaks as a moral and spiritual guide, not as a scientist or a politician. This encyclical is
addressed to “every person living on the planet” and aims “to enter into dialogue with all people
about our common home.”
The phrase “think globally, act locally” has its roots in the environmental movement. It focuses on the belief that all people
should take action in their own communities to make a greater contribution to, and influence on, the larger planet. That
phrase is also applicable to the unwavering work and global outlook cultivated at the University—and is the focus of this
issue of St. John’s Magazine.
In the pages ahead, you will meet students, scholars, and alumni influenced by, and making an impact through, the local
and global reach of St. John’s. With 195,000+ alumni in every corner of the globe, the extensive reach of our University is
boundless, transcending boroughs and borders.
Our world is more connected than ever because of centuries of information sharing, technological advances, and an
increase in global partnerships and progress. With our main campus located in Queens, NY, or what is colloquially known
as “The World’s Borough,” St. John’s reflects the multicultural makeup of one of the most diverse counties in America. In
fact, according to the recent US Census, 47.2 percent of the Queens population was born outside the US. With 91 distinct
neighborhoods, Queens residents are said to speak 130 languages and represent more than 120 countries.
Our Queens campus is a microcosm of that diversity and the vibrant learning environment produced when different people
connect to live and learn together for a common cause. At St. John’s, more than 40 percent of undergraduates study abroad,
making us a national leader in international engagement. We are also proud to host more than 631 international students
from more than 96 countries.
Preparing students with a global education and sending them off into the world career-ready is the sum and substance of
the transformative educational experience at St. John’s. The recently concluded 153rd annual Commencement Exercises
was a celebration and validation of that life-changing work.
A globally minded ethos of servant leadership forms the backbone of our enduring Catholic and Vincentian mission, and
guides both our world view and how we envision, support, and nurture education and collaboration. Our mission-focused
volunteer opportunities abound for students who want to “plunge” into immersive learning experiences and volunteer
service opportunities at home or abroad. With local roots and global connections, we aim to uplift and inspire all that
intersect with St. John’s.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.” These final words of Jesus to his disciples make clear that reaching the
nations has been a key part of God’s plan from the start. The word “disciple,” which is mathētēs in Greek, means “pupil,” but
also “follower.” Salvation was never meant to just stay in one place; rather, it was always meant for every nation, tribe, and
tongue. So, too, is the global mission of St. John’s.
I encourage you to join your alma mater in our local and international efforts and our shared mission to engage, inspire, and
elevate students who pursue a St. John’s education. Undoubtedly, your life has been enriched by your St. John’s experience
and we want to position the University to ensure that mission continuity.
Please be assured of my continued prayers for you, your families, and our beloved St. John’s!
Sincerely,
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P.
President

You have been exposed to many
narratives at St. John’s, and you
need to keep searching for the
stories that will bring meaning
to your lives.
—Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P.
Graduates Look to the
Future
While Appreciating
the Past during
n a picture-perfect Sunday with
glorious sunshine, St. John’s
University held its 153rd annual
Commencement Exercises on the Great Lawn
on May 21. More than 2,300 undergraduate
degrees were conferred at the ceremony for
students attending the Queens, Staten
Island, and Manhattan, NY, campuses,
and for those earning their degrees
through online coursework.
During his welcoming remarks, Rev. Brian J.
Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s, asked
graduates, “What is the meaning of your life?”
He added, “We are uniquely gifted by God for a
purpose-driven life,” and encouraged graduates to
find that purpose. “And do not confuse your purpose
with your job. A meaningful job is part of a meaningful
life, but the meaning of your life is something deeper
and more important than your job.”
He added, “We find meaning in our lives in telling a story about
ourselves, and we live in communities that find meaning in
larger stories. We need to find redemptive stories that give us
hope to persevere and to grow. You have been exposed to many
narratives at St. John’s, and you need to keep searching for the
stories that will bring meaning to your lives.”
His Eminence Timothy
Cardinal Dolan, Ph.D. ’10HON,
Archbishop of New York, served
as Commencement speaker, and
was also presented with the Gold
Medal—the highest honor the
University can bestow upon
a nonalumnus.
Educated by the Vincentian
community himself, Cardinal Dolan
told graduates that both he and
they were in the community’s
debt. “They are a most radiant
jewel in the crown of Holy
Mother Church and in
Western civilization.”
“You are my professors this beautiful spring morning,”
he told graduates. “You are teaching me the
pivotal importance of an education.” In an age that
emphasizes earning, getting, action, and pleasure,
“you opted for a value less coveted, but surely more
enduring—time out for learning.”
Graduates, Cardinal Dolan stressed, were telling him they
cherish community. “You chose to learn from and with other
people. That’s a college community at its finest.”
S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 5
St. John’s University is an institution that prides itself on tradition, is asking you, ‘Why are we Rachel Leviyev, also a Biology
Cardinal Dolan offered. It is a tradition fostered by the Catholic doing this?’” He added, “I major, completed her degree
Church and inspired by the Vincentian legacy. “You are true believe we all ran the in three years and is applying
radicals in that you’ve returned to roots nurtured in the rich same race, but each to medical school. Pointing
soil of tradition, that go back to the truth as revealed by God, of us had a different to a group of friends, she said,
especially in His son Jesus, the way, the truth, and the light. route to reach the “These friends I’ve made will be
Way to go, St. John’s Class of 2023! finish line.” with me for a long time. This is
Thanks for teaching me a lot of valuable lessons.” Several graduates such a thrill. It’s very special.”
The University also conferred honorary shared their Rodrigo De Almeida, a Business
doctoral degrees to Sr. Regina M. Bechtle, most treasured Administration major, pointed
S.C., Charism Resource Director, Sisters memories of their to his first St. John’s Christmas
of Charity of New York, and Pascal St. John’s experience. tree lighting in 2021 as his
Desroches ’86CBA, Senior Executive Biology major Asim Khan favorite college memory. “I just
Vice President and Chief Financial recalled that when he did remember a great camaraderie
Officer, AT&T, Inc. poorly on a test he would with my friends that night. We
play basketball with friends were all together, making jokes,
in Taffner Field House. “Being laughing, having a great time. It was a great ceremony that put
with them always lifted my us all in the holiday spirit.” On Commencement day, Rodrigo was
spirits on a bad day.” feeling nervous, but confident St. John’s put him on the right path.
St. John’s
On this special day he felt Marketing major Matthew Bhonsly was most proud of starting has been a
accomplished, but tired. the University’s Motor Enthusiast organization. “It was a great
On May 19, the University meaningful part
“I’ve been waking up early experience starting something from scratch that has grown
conferred graduate degrees of my life.
for the last five years. I was significantly from an eBoard of five people to more than 100
to students in four of its
hoping the ceremony members. It’s great to leave a legacy behind.” —Isabella DiPalma
Schools and Colleges:
would be at noon,” he joked.
St. John’s College of Liberal Anthony Lynch, an Accounting major with a minor in
Jasmin Ibrocevic, a History major and a
I’m sad today,
Arts and Sciences, The Italian, commented on his unique combination of subject
Peter J. Tobin College of student from the Staten Island campus, concentrations. Pointing to a sash on his robe with the colors but ready for
Business, The Lesley H. and always looked forward to his job at the of the Italian flag, Anthony wanted to explore that aspect of the next chapter.
William L. Collins College of Office of Student Financial Services, where his heritage by studying abroad. “I took advantage of the Rome, —Keely Bradley
Professional Studies, and the he would go after his classes. “I had that Italy, campus and all it had to offer, immersing myself in the
College of Pharmacy and feeling of going from school to a job all in language and culture as much as possible.” It’s great to
Health Sciences. one day. It was nice balancing the leave a legacy
“When we came back after the pandemic, my suitemates and
two experiences—and
In a special separate ceremony, the University conferred an I would get takeout and eat family style for dinner, and that behind.
great practice for
honorary Doctor of Commercial Science was something I never did growing up,” said Isabella DiPalma, —Matthew Bhonsly
the future.”
degree on Maurice “Hank” Greenberg, the a Philosophy major. “Today is bittersweet. I’m ready to move on,
namesake of the Maurice R. Greenberg Anthropology major Keely but St. John’s has been a meaningful part of my life.”
School of Risk Management, Insurance Bradley was thrilled to return
and Actuarial Science at St. John’s to campus after the COVID-19
University. He is the former Chairman lockdown. “It was really
and Chief Executive Officer of American rough having to isolate, and
International Group who now serves as when I got back I realized
Chairman of Starr Insurance Companies, a how much I missed
global insurance and investment organization. my friends. I loved
seeing campus
Student speaker Jethro Casie, graduating with his Business
slowly come
Analytics degree, said the word “growth” perfectly sums up his
back to life and
St. John’s experience. “The thing about growth,” he said, “is that
being part of
it’s hard at first, messy in the middle, yet so beautiful in the end.”
residence life
Another analogy Jethro put forth for the journey toward again. I’m
Commencement was that of running. “When you’re running sad today,
up a hill, your body is in pain, your feet hurt, your arms are tired but ready
from swinging back and forth, you start to feel pain in places you for the next
didn’t know could hurt, and if that wasn’t enough, your mind chapter.”

6 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 7
 While my friends
and I had different
backgrounds and
came from various
parts of the region,
we were bound

U
pon hearing that Elaine Lilli (née Andrews) ’56UC has
together by that
spent all her 89 years living in the cozy hamlet of West
Hempstead, NY, you may mistakenly believe that she has common St. John’s
not traveled far in life. But nothing could be further from experience.
the truth for this globe-trotting octogenarian who embodies the
Catholic, Vincentian, metropolitan, and global characteristics of
St. John’s University. Throughout an extraordinary lifetime, she
has quietly made a world of difference in others’ lives.
Sitting in her well-appointed dining room, the spry great-grandmother and retired schoolteacher
casually references having recently returned from a trip to Antarctica. It is another continent
stamped in her lifelong passport that has seen her travel near and far, but always return to where
she began—and the early life lessons learned along the way. Joining her on many of the trips
have been friends of 71 years whom she first met at St. John’s.
Growing up on Long Island post-World War II, Elaine was a firsthand witness to the postwar
boom of population growth and suburban development when first- and second-generation
children of immigrants moved from urban centers. When it came time to attend college, Elaine
chose the proximity of St. John’s.
“My older brother had completed college and was serving in the Korean War; it was
important for me to stay close to home and my parents,” she says. “St. John’s was a
lot of fun.”
As is still common to the student experience, Elaine traveled by train to and from
campus, then located on Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn, NY. She studied social studies
and English at University College, but also took all the required education courses to
prepare for a career in the classroom. It is a vocation that is never far from this lifelong
learner, who views the cultural awareness gained from travel as a lasting life lesson.
As a student, she enjoyed an active sorority experience and the social scene of New
York City in the 1950s, attending campus events and dances—and cheering for the
St. John’s Men’s Basketball team, even traveling to road games.

“St. John’s was always a tight-knit family,” she recalls. “I had a

great mix of friends, and while we had different backgrounds
and came from various parts of the region, we were bound
together by that common St. John’s experience.”
In the earliest days of the American Civil Rights Movement,
that shared St. John’s bond proved pivotal when traveling
with her girlfriends on overnight road trips as some Black
classmates risked being denied equal access to public
accommodations. “We made a pact to stick together, no
matter what,” Elaine reflects. “And we always did.” S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 9
 TURKE
Y GREECE
During her senior year, she was introduced to Joe Lilli, a veteran A longtime Girl Scout leader, she believes it’s important to seek
and St. John’s law student who generously drove her home one out and create opportunities for young women. Her generous,
HAPPY
late night after she missed the last train back to West Hempstead.
“I got a ride home and met my husband that night,” she laughs.
travels adventurous spirit is an inspiration to all those who know her,
particularly her grandchildren. “Grandma’s curiosity and love
of adventure have inspired me to travel and explore different
Recalling her St. John’s experience, she describes a supportive places and cultures. I have been fortunate to accompany her on
campus environment and called out mentors Vincentian priests N
LONDO a few trips, and she has shown me that there is much to learn
Rev. Jose C. Pando, C.M., and Rev. Martin J. Sleasman, C.M., as and appreciate from the world around us,” her granddaughter
extraordinary examples of the enduring Vincentian charism. Emily Ann Kaminski expressed.
MALTA Widowed suddenly in her early 50s, she leaned on the support
GERMA system found in her family, her faith community at the parish
PUERTO NY
RICO church of St. Thomas the Apostle, and in giving back to others—
an enduring trait.
When not traveling, she serves as
a longtime and regular volunteer
with Long Island Blood Services
ALASKA
and a Eucharistic Minister at
VA
T ISLA Mercy Hospital in Rockville
BRA
What better way to Centre, NY. While spending
summers in Hampton Bays, NY,
experience different
she also volunteers at St. Rosalie’s
people, cultures, and Parish and at a local food pantry.
experiences than to
Her graduating class—the class of 1956— Timothy J. Binkis ’89CBA, a son-in-law and fellow graduate
was the first to experience Commencement witness it firsthand. of St. John’s, describes her this way: “My mother-in-law is an
at the newly established Queens, NY, campus. incredible person. When people ask us how she is doing, they
She has returned to this campus often over the —Elaine Lilli are astonished to hear about all of her volunteer activities and
years with her classmates, including a memorable overnight stay travels. She is an excellent role model for our entire family. We are
in the residence halls for her 50th class anniversary in 2006. truly blessed to have her in our lives!”
“That was a fun weekend,” she says with a wide smile. Having traveled to five of the seven continents and countless
Upon graduating, she immediately miles in between, Elaine is retrospective and frequently comes
Joining her on many of these back to where it all began.
pursued a master’s degree while excursions are some of her same
teaching high school. She married, friends from St. John’s, including, “If not for St. John’s, I would never have met my husband, had
and per existing policies at that time, from left to right, Marie Wilson (née the career that I did, or made the lifelong friends that I still enjoy
had to stop teaching as soon as she DiPaola), Joan Dana (née Dobbs), today. I have a great family and live in a great neighborhood.
learned she was pregnant. Margie Jones, and Joann Conklin What a wonderful world!”
“It was a different time,” she sighs. (née Nordquist). The friendly group
“Back then, we couldn’t even wear values time well spent together.
slacks in the classroom.” While clearly personifying the
More children would follow, and metropolitan and global aspects of
she now enjoys the posterity of a St. John’s education, it is Elaine’s
six children and a growing Catholic and Vincentian traits
brood of grandchildren and that animate her dynamic and
great-grandchildren. busy lifestyle. As a student, she
experienced the importance of service
Inside and outside of the classroom—that she eventually
when, with her sorority sisters, she helped
returned to after raising her children— Elaine always saw travel
host picnics for a local orphanage. Years
as part of life’s lesson plan. When her children were young,
later, she would continue that spirit of
the family would go on boat trips along the eastern seaboard.
service as she privately sponsored the
As her children grew older, global travel opened a new world
education of international students in
of adventures.
Guatemala, some of whom are now
“What better way to experience different people, cultures, and adults and still correspond with her via
experiences than to witness it firsthand,” she says. social media.

10 ST. JOHN’S MAGAZINE G LO B A L I S S U E S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 11

 For most students, the
Pep Band provides
an opportunity to
continue playing
New Stu
de
music after high
nt Conv
ocation
school. It’s also a great
way to get involved
and meet people
on campus.

RDEN —Courtney White

ARE GA
ON SQU
Pep Band Director

DAY, MADIS
JO HNNIES

St. John’s
Strikes a Chord
COMMITMENT IS KEY Despite the rigorous
schedule, students rarely
Each year, potential instrumentalists are invited to a rehearsal
leave the band. In fact,
to perform with this elite troupe in an effort to ensure a
many student-musicians

On and Off Campus

or more than 40 years,
an eclectic mix of
amateur musicians has
been providing a spirited
soundtrack to the St. John’s experience
for students, alumni, and friends of the
University. They are the horns, woodwinds,
brass, and percussionists of the St. John’s
University Pep Band—one of the University’s
most beloved student organizations.
While the membership numbers fluctuate each year, the Pep
Band typically includes 25–30 student musicians. While their
majors are as diverse as their backgrounds, these students all
share a common love of music and performance.
“For most students, the Pep Band provides an opportunity to
continue playing music after high school,” explained Pep Band
Director Courtney White ’13C, ’14G, who played with the band
as both an undergraduate and graduate student. “It’s also a great
way to get involved and meet people on campus.”
Most have been playing an instrument for years, and many were
either first chair or section leaders of their high school bands.
Some have even received All-County or All-State accolades for
their talents.
good musical fit. Once they become band members, they
are expected to attend up to 100 events each year, as well as
weekly rehearsals. Members receive a scholarship/grant toward
their tuition, as well as official St. John’s licensed gear and free
admission to all games.
“Above all, we look for students who can make
the commitment,” said Ms. White. “We do so
many events and it’s a lot of nights and weekends.
It can be tough for students to fit all that into
their already busy schedules.”
“Thankfully, the director knows that school comes first,” said
Safiyah Seelochan ’23C, a trumpet player who will earn her
master’s degree in 2024. Safiyah is also an Assistant Director of
the band. “I try to make myself as available as possible, but it can
get overwhelming if we have back-to-back games. Fortunately,
we have a really supportive community within the band.”
will play all four years as
undergraduates, and then
stay with the band throughout their
graduate studies as well.
“We have students who started as first-year students and are
now in their fifth, sixth, or seventh year,” Ms. White explained.
“We even have a Ph.D. student in the band.”
HOME COURT ADVANTAGE
As the name implies, the goal of a pep band is to “pep up” the
crowd—and the St. John’s Pep Band does just that. The band
performs at virtually every home game for men’s and women’s
basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball,
electrifying the crowd and filling the arena with energy. The
band can routinely be seen and heard on almost every major
broadcast of Red Storm Basketball games.

12 ST. JOHN’S MAGAZINE G LO B A L I S S U E S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 13

“Our Pep Band always brings so much energy to our games,” said Coincidentally, “Thriller” is junior OVER THE PAST
Joe Tartamella, Women’s Basketball Head Coach. “They do a great Elisha Dorsey’s favorite song to FIVE YEARS,
job enhancing the game day atmosphere and it was a pleasure play. “The hardest song for me is THE PEP BAND The Dance Team and Pep Band have had a great working relationship for
to have them cheering us on at the NCAA Tournament this year.” ‘The Pretender’ by the Foo Fighters,”
HAS AMASSED many years. Our band is very talented, and we appreciate all they do to
Over the past five years, Ms. White estimates that the Pep Band he said. “As a drummer, there are so
many different combinations you A REPERTOIRE increase our game day atmosphere.
has amassed a repertoire of more than 100 songs, ranging from
the St. John’s Fight Song, to “Olé, Olé, Olé” (at soccer games), have to play at such a fast speed. It OF MORE THAN
to Pep Band standards like “Seven Nation Army” and “The Final took me a while to get it down pat.” —Christine McCarton, Head Coach, St. John’s Dance Team
100 SONGS. IN A
Countdown,” to newer selections such as “Uprising” by Muse. In a Similarly, band member each have songs they would skip
typical year, however, the group has 20–30 songs rehearsed and for one reason or another. “My least favorite song is ‘Cheap TYPICAL YEAR, The trip to the tournament was also Safiyah’s favorite. “The energy was super high, and it was reflected
ready for performance. Thrills,’” Elijah offered, “because of how slow and straightforward HOWEVER, THE in both the team and in our support groups,” she said. “Getting to perform at such a meaningful game
it is to play.” For similar reasons, Lauren is not a huge fan of was something really special and it was such a great memory!”
The band also provides GROUP HAS
music for many of “High Hopes,” which she In 2017, the Pep Band performed on Fox & Friends during the BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Tournament,
describes as “too slow and 20–30 SONGS and in 2000, the band performed on Good Morning America during the program’s Subway Series Rally.
the St. John’s Dance
Team’s performances, not very challenging.” REHEARSED They have also performed several times at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, NY.
complementing the Safiyah, who plays trumpet, AND READY FOR

â
team’s moves with a live finds “Through the Fire PERFORMANCE. A LONG HISTORY
soundtrack. “The Dance and Flames” the most AND BRIGHT FUTURE
Team and Pep Band have challenging on their
While a variety of musicians have
had a great working set list. “It has a really
performed at basketball games
relationship for many tough section in the
throughout the program’s storied
years,” explained Christine trumpet part that
history, according to the Winter
McCarton, Head Coach says, ‘Play as high and
1981 edition of St. John’s Alumni
of St. John’s Dance Team. as fast as possible,’”
Quarterly, the Pep Band officially
“We collaborate on new she said. “It can be a
debuted during the 1980–81
music each year to keep bit intimidating and
school year:
the crowd engaged at our difficult to get through.”
basketball games. Our band is very talented, and we appreciate â
all they do to increase our game day atmosphere.” TAKING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD
Recently, the Pep Band was asked to perform at select lacrosse While most of the band’s performances take place on the Alumni Q
and softball games, where the weather can play a substantial Queens, NY, campus, they are also regular performers at “The uarterly 1
role in the band’s performance. In addition to sporting events, World’s Most Famous Arena,” Madison Square Garden, where Pep Band 980–81
the Pep Band also performs at special University functions such they accompany Men’s Basketball for select regular-season
Started
St. John’s
Un
as Open House, Relay For Life, and Accepted Student Day. games, as well as the BIG EAST Tournament. exciting b iversity has a long
asketball history o
games at action to f providin
“We’ve probably played at the Alumni H fans who g
the action all. But fo attend Re
HITS AND MISSES Garden more than most bands has conti r the first
time this
dmen
halftime nued duri year
as the cro ng time-o
Not surprisingly, every student in the Pep Band has a favorite could dream of,” said Lauren. “I St. John’s wd has b uts and a
Universit een entert t
song to play. think only Billy Joel has us beat.” y “Pep Ba ained by
In the pa nd.” the
st, a small
high scho b and, consi
“My favorites would be a tie between Bruno Mars’s ‘Runaway The band has also performed ol studen sting of m
ts, would
Baby’ and our arrangement of ‘New York, New York,’” Safiyah at nearby UBS Arena, where the
complem
ent of 15 play at ga ainly
to 20 mu m
schools o
f the Univ sicians dra es. Now a
shared. “‘New York, New York’ is just such an iconic song, and Men’s Basketball team hosted the electr e r­sity have w n from all
icity in th banded to
whenever we play it, it means that the Johnnies won. It always Kansas in 2021 and the Women’s band num e air as th gether to
bers, and ey perform ke
makes me smile.” Basketball team took on UConn the St. Jo show tun ep
The most hn’s Univ es, big
ly brass g ersity Fig
earlier this year. direction roup rehe ht Song.
For drummer Lauren Huseman ’23C, of Antho arses wee
Music in ny LoBalb kly under
it’s “Cold Hearted” by Paula Abdul. “It’s The Pep Band also accompanied St. John’s o, Assista the
St. John’s College a nt Profess
Univerrsi nd compo or of
a fast-paced song, and as a drummer, the women’s team on their trip to ty Fight S ser of the
Reaction ong. official
I like to rush the song and play it Columbus, OH, this year for the to the ba
nd has be
As the Re e ne
v. Robert
even faster.” She added, “The most NCAA Tournament, which was Athletics, J. Rivard, xtremely favorable
said: “We C.M., Mo .
difficult song for me to play is ‘Thriller’ among Elijah’s favorite memories expressio h derator o
ns of prais ave been receiving f
by Michael Jackson. The drum part of this past year. “It gave me a chance to get to know my on the gre e for the exception
band and a
performe
at improv
ement ov commend l
involves a good deal of improvisation, colleagues and have deeper connections with each other,” d at game er past gro ations
s.” ups that h
which is nerve-wracking.” he explained. The staff ave
of the Alu
commend mni Qua
all those rterly wis
an excitin who have hes to tha
g part of made the nk and
14 ST. JOHN’S MAGAZINE G LO B A L I S S U E S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E St. John’s Pep Band G LO B A L I S S U E 15
Universit such
y basketb
all.
 I’ve always loved
playing music and
being in a band. What I
cherish the most about
the experience is the
spirit we all shared by
using our talents to
bring a positive energy
everywhere we went.

—Dana Gouldthorpe

th

annual
Since then, scores of musicians have been a part of the Pep Band, including
Assistant Registrar Dana Gouldthorpe ’10CPS, who played tenor saxophone with
the band for four years as a student and six more after she graduated.
“I’ve always loved playing music and being in a band,” she said. “What I cherish
PRESIDENT’S DINNER
the most about the experience is the spirit we all shared by using our talents to
bring a positive energy everywhere we went.” monday, october 30, 2023
Her twin brother, Kyle Gouldthorpe ’10TCB, a transfer student counselor at the
University, expressed a similar sentiment. “It was great to interact with the teams 6 p.m. Cocktail Reception
and cheer them on and be there when they made a big play or scored,” the
trumpet player said. “I also made lasting friendships with band members, many
7 p.m. Dinner
of whom I’m still in contact with to this day.” New York Hilton Midtown
Dana an
d Kyle Go
uldthorp
e 1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019

While most members have gone onto careers unrelated to musical performance Spirit of Service Award Honorees
after they graduated, some used their time with the Pep Band as a launch pad
toward a career in music and the arts. One such alumnus, John J. Gallagher, Ed.D. John R. Bender ’87CBA
’92CBA, is Director of Music and Fine Arts in the Longwood Central School District
in Middle Island, NY. Mary Jane Helenek, R.Ph. ’82P, ’84GP, ’87MBA
“I used my degree in communications to work in the field of marketing/ Michael X. Mattone ’91L
communications, but changed careers and returned to school to become a music
educator. My doctoral research focused on how music educators can publicize and
Dr. Solly Walker ’57CBA, ’94HON (posthumously)
advocate for school music programs,” he explained. “Playing with the band courtside
at Alumni Hall and Madison Square Garden—and being featured at the NCAA
D.
gh er, Ed. Tournament in Salt Lake City, UT—will always be among my fondest memories.” 
. Galla
John J Please visit www.stjohns.edu/presidents-dinner for more information.

16 ST. JOHN’S MAGAZINE G LO B A L I S S U E

 jubilant crowd of nearly 200 alumni and friends from
St. John’s University gathered for an exciting evening of
dancing, dining, and great music at the second annual
Alumni Gala on Saturday, April 29, at the Inn at New Hyde
Park in New Hyde Park, NY. The sold-out event capped a
host of activities that brought Johnnies together from around the nation to
reconnect and reminisce during 2023 Reunion Week.

“I get so energized about Reunion Week and anytime
we have a chance to gather together as a St. John’s
family,” said Mark A. Andrews, Director, Office of Alumni
Relations. “It is a glorious moment for each of us to bring
our individual passion for St. John’s University front and
center with great enthusiasm and to share that with
everyone else.”
“I am extremely grateful to St. John’s University
as it opened many doors for me,” said Weedens
E. Blanchard ’94SVC, ’97MBA, ’07PD, ’17Ed.D.,
during his welcoming remarks.
The gathering erupted in cheers and applause as soon as Dr.
Blanchard said he was “extremely delighted” to share that his son,
Noah Avery Blanchard, will enter St. John’s as a Cyber Security
Systems major for the Fall 2023 semester. “I am very proud that
my son will follow in the steps of his grandfather, his father, and
his two uncles to become a Johnnie.”
Dr. Blanchard is Teaching Fellows Program Director and
Manhattan Educational Program Director at Adelphi University.
At St. John’s University, this year marks his 20th anniversary
as Adjunct Assistant Professor with The School of Education
and The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional
Studies. Additionally, he is Copresident of the University’s 1990s
Black Alumni Collective, which boasts almost 450 members.
During the evening’s festivities, the Class of 1973 was honored
with a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of their
graduation from St. John’s. “This means so much to me because
I thoroughly enjoyed my four years at St. John’s,” said Rosanne
Buckley Hanratty ’73C. “The University helped me to grow
tremendously, partly by making available a few classes, including
those in African history and community organizing, that
changed my life.”

Second Annual

Alumni Gala
Reunion Week
and

are Celebrated at St. John’s University

S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 19
 Many of the guests needed no
coaxing after a sit-down, four-course
dinner to kick up their heels on the
dance floor while tunes filled the
room as they were spun by Anthony
Gelo ’00CPS, in his capacity as DJ for
the celebration. Mr. Gelo, owner of
Good Times Productions LLC, was
also DJ at the inaugural Alumni
Gala in 2022.
Guests also lined up outside a
photo booth set up adjacent to the dance floor for
individual and group shots they could take home as mementos.
Others poured through yearbooks for the Class of 1973, as
well as for the Classes of 1983 and 1998, which are respectively
celebrating 40 and 25 years since their commencements.
Joneil James ’03C, who was a mathematics teacher before
becoming a librarian for the New York Public Library, said of
her decision to attend the gala, “I want to meet other alumni,
network, and taste some really great food.”
Of her undergraduate years at St. John’s,
Ms. James said, “I had a very valuable
opportunity to meet and interact with
people of different nationalities and cultures.”
“This is an amazing night. My friends and I are
having a blast and we will be back next year,”
said Caitlin A. Cassidy ‘21Ed, ‘22GEd.
Martin “Marty” Moran ’52C has many fond
memories of the Vincentian priests who he
said greatly impacted and enhanced his college experience. “We
had Vincentians to the right of us and Vincentians to the left of
us when we attended the Lewis Avenue campus in Brooklyn, NY,”
said Mr. Moran. Noting he served during the Korean War as an
aviator with the US Navy, Mr. Moran recalled, “The priests kept in
touch with all of us who enlisted in the military service to let us
know where everyone was stationed and how they were doing.”
“Those priests stayed very close to us,” said Mr. Moran, a
member of the Lewis Avenue Alumni Association.
I would do anything for St. John’s. This University
installed my moral compass.
—Jeffrey Wengroff, Board of Governors Member
Although she is not an alumna of St. John’s, Kathleen Falk, Ph.D.,
nonetheless cherishes deep ties to the institution through the
memory of her late husband, Walter “Skip” Watts ’86Ph.D.
“I have a very long history with St. John’s,” said Dr.
Falk. She explained that during their first four years
of marriage, Dr. Watts was a student at St. John’s,
preparing for his career as a clinical psychologist.
20 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E
“I was walking with our baby son in his stroller at my husband’s
Commencement exercises,” she recalled.
Throughout Reunion Week activities that preceded the gala,
Johnnies were treated to festivities, including sport outings,
brunches, and happy hours by various organizations connected
to St. John’s. This includes the Women Investor’s Club Wine and
Wealth sold-out dinner on April 24. Appreciation dinners were also
held for alumni volunteers and the St. John’s Board of Trustees.
A major highlight of the week was the
Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Spring
Social. Graduates of the past 10 years were
invited to reconnect with each other and
include their friends on Thursday, April 27,
at 230 Fifth rooftop bar in Manhattan.
Another popular event was the Hispanic/
Latinx Alumni Happy Hour. Hosted by the
Hispanic and Latinx Alumni Association
chapters on Friday, April 28, at Stout New
York City in Bryant Park, Manhattan, the goal of the
event was to reconnect and network with all
Johnnies, including current students, alumni,
faculty, administrators, and staff, as well as
meet the next generation of campus leaders.
In addition, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P.,
President, St. John’s University, hosted a
dinner in recognition and appreciation of all
alumni volunteers.
Jeffry Wengroff ’73CBA, a member of the
St. John’s University Board of Governors and
one of the gala attendees, said of his alma
mater, “I would do anything for
St. John’s. This University installed my
moral compass.”
to everyone who donated in the 2022–23
academic year. Your gift helps ensure the
continued success of our students.

Written into St. John’s University’s
In Memoriam:
formal mission statement and codified
by the Board of Trustees in 1991 is
aspirational language that reflects the
John global charge of the University.
“...In educating students we pledge
Kennedy
to foster those qualities needed
for our alumni to become effective
leaders and responsible citizens in a
Bingham ’80C vibrant city and dynamic world.”
For the late John Kennedy Bingham
’80C, that global world view—fueled
(1958–2022) by an ever-present and bright burning
compassion for others that navigated
his professional career as a lawyer,
a migrant, and a human rights
defender—was sadly extinguished
with his sudden passing on
July 26, 2022.
STUDENT
GOVERNMENT, INC.
Faith, family, and service
to others were early lessons
taught by our parents.
—Mary Bingham-Johnsen
S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 23
JOHN
aised in a large, loving “St. John’s family” from Rockville Centre,
NY, and molded by his early college experience that included
two terms as President of Student Government, Inc. (SGI), John
dedicated his life to advocating in far-flung regions of the globe for the promotion
and protection of the rights and dignity of migrants and refugees.
The Bingham family is testament to the old Irish blessing that reads, “May love
connect us, faith direct us, and God protect us.” The devout family had eight
children born in eight years, including two sets of twins. The Bingham family
included six boys and two girls—Claire ’77C, Charlie, John ’80C, Joe ’82SVC, Mary
’82C, Richard ’85CBA, Jimmy ’85C, and Bobby. All of them attended or graduated
from St. John’s, save for Bobby, who died tragically in an accident a month before
he was to enroll.
“Faith, family, and service to others were early lessons taught by our parents,” shared
Mary Bingham-Johnsen. “Our parents set the example for us, and we followed.”
Mary, like her brothers John and Jimmy, also served as President of Student
Government while attending St. John’s, and all the siblings were actively engaged
in campus life of the University, which was then a commuter school.
Like many Irish-Catholic families at the time, the larger-than-
life influence of an ordained relative—in this case, the charism
and commitment of Rev. John Kennedy Bingham, S.J., a
Jesuit missionary who spent 50 years overseas and was the
namesake of John—would prove providential.
While at the University, John was an active member of Beta
Epsilon Rho, a popular fraternity that also held sway in Student
Government. He was active in Greek life, helped organize a
dance marathon fundraiser to fight muscular dystrophy, and
was a popular student leader.
Now the Senior Vice President of Student Affairs at the
University of Miami, Patricia A. Whitely, Ed.D. ’80CBA was the
Vice President of SGI, serving with John.
“As a two-time elected President of SGI, John personified the Vincentian charisma
of service to the poor and marginalized,” Dr. Whitely recalled. “He was passionate,
engaged, and deeply committed to his work, and his leadership was always
impactful and profound. He truly brought the light and love of St. John’s to all who
were lucky to know and love him.”

“As a college student, he was a young man
of action and compassion, and his many
talents were already evident. John was an John literally gave
excellent organizer and listener, and his sense away his suits and
of fairness drew people to him. For all of his
headed off to a life
accomplishments, John maintained a very
humble personality,” shared classmate Kathleen of service, ultimately
“Kitty” Prager ’78C. advocating for
After graduating from St. John’s, John secured immigration policy
a job at Kidder, Peabody & Co. and was rapidly reform on a
climbing the corporate ladder while pursuing global stage.
a law degree at Fordham School of Law at
night. He had found professional success, and
with a job on Wall Street, and a job title of Vice —Salvatore Barcia, R.Ph.
President, he was well on his way.
It was the 1980s, and the financial services industry at the time
was characterized by the Hollywood movie Wall Street and the
catchphrase, “Greed is good.” True to his intelligence, integrity,
courage and moral character, John identified and sounded the
alarm on an insider trading scandal. True to his faith, his selfless
character, and his bright burning compassion to serve others,
John would write his own Hollywood ending when he suddenly
gave up everything, quit his job, and announced that he was
headed to Thailand to work as a $248-a-month Catholic Church
volunteer with his uncle, the Jesuit missionary, to assist refugees
from Cambodia’s “Killing Fields.”
“I was scared to death, but I just felt myself being drawn” to
Cambodia, he would tell Newsday, his hometown newspaper,
during a 2002 interview.
L TO R: DIASPORA & DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE,
INTERNATIONAL CATHOLIC MIGRATION COMMISSION,
CIVIL SOCIETY PREP MEETING FOR HLD, AND PUERTA
VALLARTA CLOSING OF CIVIL SOCIETY DAY
24 ST. JOHN’S MAGAZINE G LO B A L I S S U E
John spent the next eight years teaching human
rights and criminal justice in a refugee camp
of 240,000 Cambodians in Thailand, and later
business law at the university in Phnom Penh.
While doing so he coauthored two books, Free
Market Contract Law and an English-Cambodian
Law Dictionary.
While toiling in the refugee camp, he met and
fell in love with another volunteer, Agnès Dupré
la Tour, who would become his wife and mother
to four sons: John, Thomas, Jérémy, and Matthias.
After eight years
in the camp, John
returned to Long
Island, where he
went to work
for the Catholic
Church and
became a major
figure advocating
for the rights of
Hispanic immigrants. At Catholic Charities, he
served as director of the departments of Immigrant and Refugee
Services and later Capital Projects and Law. He was also Chair of
the Board of the New York Immigration Coalition.
JONES BEACH, LONG ISLAND
In 2005, he joined the Vatican-supported International Catholic
Migration Commission (ICMC) as Head of Policy Director in Geneva,
where he worked until 2018. After leaving the ICMC in 2018, he
continued as an independent consultant and expert on global
migration policy and governance, and continued to advise and
serve as the Geneva Representative of the NGO Committee on
Migration, which has consultative status with the United Nations.
As an extraordinary leader for immigration rights and refugee
services, he had a wide network, but always remained grounded
and most at home with his family.
His deep love for family was
a powerful statement to the
“John was always a man on a mission,” shared Salvatore Barcia, R.Ph. ’79P, ’86GP, a
monument of generosity
classmate and fraternity brother. “He put the global mission of St. John’s into action
and his decision to volunteer in the Cambodian refugee camps reminds me of
and selflessness that was
Jesus’ gospel encounter with the rich young man. Unlike the young man, John Bingham.
who could not eschew his wealth to follow Jesus, John literally gave WITH MATTHIAS,
HIS FOURTH SON, —John D. Bingham
away his suits and headed off to a life of service, ultimately advocating AFTER A SOCCER GAME
for immigration policy reform on a global stage.”
The Bingham family will hold a
“My three brothers, Thomas, Jérémy, Matthias, and I had
one-year anniversary celebration in
the privilege of growing up in the footsteps of this
memory of John on Tuesday, July
extraordinary role model, who gave his life to fight
25, 2023. A memorial gathering will
for the destitute of the world at the highest summits
be held from 4 to 8 p.m. (with words
of international diplomacy, while somehow always
in loving memory at 6:30 p.m.) at
being available to cook up a Thai dish for the family,
St. Agnes Cathedral Parish Service
to give a hand on one of his boys’ essays, or to take
Center, 99 North Village Avenue,
care of his beloved garden,” reflected his son, John.
Rockville Centre, NY. Hors d’oeuvres
“He also served as a pillar for the wider Bingham family, and beverages will be served.
following up on each of his six siblings and their spouses, Please RSVP on or before July 15 to
his 14 nieces and nephews, and their young children, marybinghamjohnsen@gmail.com.
with diligence and a rare sense of community—and all
On Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at
that from France through (endless but much appreciated)
3 p.m., a one-year anniversary
phone calls,” John continued. “His deep love for family was
memorial Mass of the Resurrection
a powerful statement to the monument of generosity and
IN NY, WITH SON JOHN will be held at St. Agnes Cathedral,
selflessness that was John Bingham.” SERVING AS TRANSLATOR
29 Quealy Place, Rockville Centre,
When he passed, the news of his death spread around the world: from France and NY. ALL ARE WELCOME!
beyond to Vatican City, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Bangladesh, Korea, the Philippines, and
back to where it all began in Rockville Centre, NY, and to the extended global alumni
family of St. John’s. His mission over, the legacy of John Kennedy Bingham endures.
S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 25

Double Alumna and Clare
Booth Luce Scholar Charts a
in Cybersecurity
Q S
ueens, NY, native Grace LaMalva ’21CCPS, ’23MS came
to St. John’s University wanting to surround herself with
the diversity embodied by her home borough.
“Queens is one of the most diverse places in the world,” she
stressed. “I am fortunate to have grown up and received an
education in a place where I was exposed to so many ways
of life. Also, being close to boroughs like Manhattan and
Brooklyn, NY—that are rich with history, culture, and
art—was a priceless addition.”
Ms. LaMalva recently graduated from
Through experience,
St. John’s with her master’s degree in Cyber and
Information Security, a burgeoning field that
has become a central programming focus in
The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College
of Professional Studies (CCPS).
The College strives to offer a curriculum that
goes beyond national standards, Ms. LaMalva
noted. “The course content given to students
provides them with excellent foundational
knowledge of the different areas of a given field.”
The arts and sciences both utilize creative problem solving, she
observed. “Through experience, I learned how my skills and
interests lined up with the contribution I wanted to make to
society. Learning about my teachers’ careers and who they are as
human beings helped frame my ideal future, what I want my life
to look like, and the type of person I would like to be.”
While at St. John’s, Ms. LaMalva
was a member of the
Computer Science Society,
the Cybersecurity Club,
St. John’s University AI [Artificial
Intelligence], and Women
in Science, all of which were
eventually consolidated into
the University’s official student
chapter of the Association for
Computing Machinery. She
has successfully represented
St. John’s numerous times in
competitions and conferences.
Attending events known as hackathons, she has taken several
awards, including “Best Hack using New York City local APIs
[Application Programming Interfaces]” at the 2018 hackNY
26 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E
QUEENS
I learned how my
skills and interests
lined up with the
contribution I competition held at New York
wanted to make University. That same year, she
became a “Red Knight” or Student
to society.
Lab Control Officer, helping maintain
CCPS lab operations and serving the
student community for two years.
“The clubs and open labs gave me the freedom to learn from my
peers, make mistakes, and essentially grow my confidence as my
skills increased,” Ms. LaMalva stressed. “Your professors are one of
your greatest assets, but your colleagues can also teach you some
important tricks of the trade. I applied what I learned in class in
the clubs, my own personal projects, and professional roles.”
Ms. LaMalva was awarded a prestigious Clare Booth Luce
Fellowship during her graduate studies at St. John’s. The
program is dedicated to increasing the participation of women
in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering at every level of
higher education. As a Luce Scholar she represented St. John’s
University at the Future of Information and Communication
Conference in March, 2023, and the Women in Cybersecurity
Conferences in 2022 and 2023.
During her years at St. John’s, Ms. LaMalva made excellent
use of industry connections, securing several internships that
eventually led to a full-time position in her industry. In 2018,
she interned with the advertising agency Havas as a Help Desk
Intern, where she was responsible for responding to hundreds
of cyber threats. She returned the following year as a full-time
Help Desk Technician. Last November, after serving as an intern,
Ms. LaMalva accepted a full-time position as Security Engineer at
AppFolio, Inc., a cloud-based software company devoted to the
real estate industry.
Student Sees the Best of
St. John’s
Queens Campuses
taten Island, NY, resident Gabriella Alcamo ’23Ed knew
that to maximize her time at St. John’s University, she had
to gain new and different experiences to enhance those
presented to her at the University’s Staten Island campus.
So while pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Childhood
Education, Grades 1-6, part of a five-year, dual-degree program,
she made sure to travel from that nearby campus to the Queens,
NY, campus for classes, service opportunities,
extracurricular events, and more.
“So I went to basketball games,” Gabriella
continued, “and I went to St. Thomas More
Church. I’m happy I made the effort, because
while I loved my class sizes on Staten Island and
was able to really connect to my professors,
having access to the Queens campus and seeing
all the opportunity that is there was wonderful.”
Gabriella completed the undergraduate
portion of her dual-degree program on
May 21, becoming one of 2,377 St. John’s
undergraduates, and one of 175 from the Staten
Island campus, to receive their diplomas. She
will return to the Staten Island campus in August
to complete her Master of Science degree in
Childhood Education, specializing in Students
with Disabilities, Grades 1–6.
It is a fitting graduate school degree path for a
student who has always been mindful of the less
fortunate. While an undergraduate, Gabriella
was a member of the President’s Society,
the Catholic Scholars program, and the
sorority Phi Eta Chi, and participated
in Midnight Runs, University Service
Day, and more. She was also an active
fundraiser for charitable causes in the
Staten Island area, including Rise Against
Hunger and Michael’s Cause, to benefit those
stricken with a form of muscular dystrophy.
Dedicated to her Catholic faith, Gabriella was active in Campus
Ministry at both campuses, and will continue to be next year
as a graduate assistant to Rev. Tri M. Duong, C.M. ’00C, Director,
Campus Ministry, for the Staten Island campus. Among her
duties will be shuttling a new generation of Staten Island-based
Catholic Scholars to Queens for monthly meetings and retreats.
S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 27
STATEN ISLAND
“I’m learning to drive the van now,” Gabriella joked, while noting
how instrumental the University’s commitment to St. Vincent de
Paul’s mission was in her decision to enroll at St. John’s.
“That she was willing to come to Queens regularly shows just
how much love she has for the University beyond the Staten
Island campus,” Fr. Duong said. “That love is very genuine, and
she applies it to everything she does.”
With substitue
teaching, you
actually apply what
you’ve learned from
the teacher that you
followed, to see what
works and what
doesn’t work when
you have your
own classroom.
Victoria Santangelo ’98C, ’01GEd, ’11G, Associate Vice President
for University Ministry, agreed.
“Gab brought the mission to life in every aspect of her
involvement,” Ms. Santangelo said. “Whether she was doing
service, working with Student Government, Inc. or the Office
of Fraternity and Sorority Life, or connecting to Mass and the
Catholic Scholars, she always reminded everyone about the
importance of the Vincentian charism.”
Such qualities will undoubtedly help Gabriella in her eventual
transition to full-time teacher. After serving as a student-teacher
at P.S. 39 in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, NY, in 2022–23,
Gabriella will be a substitute teacher there this year.
“With student-teaching, you’re shadowing an experienced
teacher,” Gabriella explained. “But with subbing, you actually
apply what you’ve learned from the teacher that you followed,
to see what works and what doesn’t work when you have your
own classroom.”
 BLESSING OF
THE COUPLES

2023 ALBAN Y, NY
C Y DAY,
T ADVOC A
STUDEN

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 CC E P TED
A DAY
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Thanks to many generous supporters,

Alissa D’Vale received scholarships to
A
PHARMACY GAL attend St. John’s University and take
SENIOR NIGH advantage of the donor-supported
T opportunities and programs that
helped her prepare for a career in
public administration. She has gratefully
continued the mission with her generous
support of time and talent to help other
students along the way.
Our donors should be proud that Alissa
joined with hundreds of her peers and
walked with honors at Commencement!
Please continue to help our students by
STORM making a gift today.
IN’ LOU
D
As a first-generation student, I can’t
NER
FAMILY DIN emphasize enough how important it was
to find a welcoming community at
St. John’s University.”

— Alissa D’Vale, Government and Politics major,

Class of 2023; President’s Society member;
Ozanam Scholar; and mentor in the R.I.S.E.
(Reach, Inspire, Succeed, and Empower)
and E.P.I.C. (Establish relationships,
Promote possibilities, Impact direction,
and Confirm next steps) programs

30 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E
LARS
AM SCHO
OZ AN
 YOUR CLASSMATES
WOULD LOVE TO HEAR
WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU!
JULY
Visit Saturday, July 1 RSVP Date for Alumni Spain Trip
www.stjohns/newsandnotes Thursday, July 6 Alumni Professional Development Series: “In-Person vs. Virtual

Alumni
Interview” Webinar
to share memories and Monday, July 10 Johnnies Golf Classic, The Village Club
milestone events. Wednesday, July 12 LI Ducks Game
July 13–14 Summer on the East End with The McCallen Society

AUGUST
Tuesday, August 8 Great Lawn Summer Concert featuring the Queens

Events
Symphony Orchestra
Tuesday, August 8 Loughlin Society Reception
Saturday, August 12 Alumni BBQ
Tuesday, August 22 Atlanta Chapter Summer Social: Atlanta Braves vs. NY Mets
Wednesday, August 23 New York Boulders Baseball Game
Saturday, August 26 Tampa Chapter: Tampa Bay Rays vs. NY Yankees
TBD US Open

SEPTEMBER
Coming in September McCallen Society Jammin’ Johnnies, Tai Chi, and Gentle Yoga
Coming in September Pickleball Johnnies (PBJs)
VISIT WWW.STJOHNS.EDU/ALUMNIEVENTS FOR MORE INFORMATION. Wednesday, September 6 Washington, DC; Maryland; and Virginia (DMV) Chapter:
NY Mets vs. Washington Nationals
Thursday, September 7 Women Investor’s Club: “Understanding Investment Banking”
WANT TO HAVE YOUR OWN EVENT AT ST. JOHN’S? Thursday, September 14 Annual McCallen Society Recognition Mass and Luncheon
Alumni receive a 15 percent discount on space rentals. Please call the Thursday, September 14 Alumni Professional Development Series: “Cracking the
Office of Conference Services at 718-990-7300 for more information. Collaboration Code” Webinar
Sunday, September 17 Warwick Valley Country Club Alumni Reception
Saturday, September 23 University Service Day
Tuesday, September 26 St. John’s Giving Day
Tuesday, September 26 Vincentian Convocation
Wednesday, September 27 Staten Island Alumni Golf
Outing and Dinner

OCTOBER
TBD American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
October 6–14 Alumni Travel Program: Spain
Friday, October 20 Red Storm Tip-Off
October 26–29 Queens and Staten Island Homecoming Weekend
www.stjohns.edu/Homecoming

Monday, October 30 GOLD Drinks

after Dark

NOVEMBER
1870 Court Tailgates Join us for the basketball season!
Wednesday, November 8 Annual Retirees’ Mass and Luncheon
November 16, 17, and 19 Charleston Classic, Men’s Basketball

DECEMBER
Monday, December 4 Winter Carnival
TBD Christmas at St. John’s
Loughlin Society Reception

32 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E
 DEPARTURES

Local
Roots, Gilman Scholarship Opens
Affordable Paths to Study Abroad
Global
Connections Pharm.D. candidate Arya Singh readily recalls a trove
of memories from her travels abroad in Paris, France;
Rome, Italy; and Limerick, Ireland, during the Spring 2023
semester as a recipient of the US Department of State’s
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
She eagerly embraced her daily walks to the Eiffel Tower
during her time in the City of Light and a cooking class
in Rome helped her to unlock the mysteries of Italian
The Gilman program
prepared me to
become well versed
in pharmaceutics
in a more universal
culinary culture. But the most prized take-away for Arya,
sense.
New York City is just one of the remarkable places the St. John’s who was part of St. John’s Western Europe Pharmacy
program from January 17 until May 12, was rooted in
community calls home. With a campus in Rome, as well as locations in —Arya Singh
her visits to the countries’ local pharmacies, health-care
Paris and Limerick, and academic offerings and service opportunities museum exhibits, and historical sites, such as the pharmacy Santa Maria della Scala.
spread around the world…WE WELCOME THE WORLD AT ST. JOHN’S! “The Gilman program prepared me to become a better medical professional for the future,”
We invite students to explore all that we have to offer at home and explained the aspiring pharmacist, “because it helped me to become well versed in pharmaceutics
in a more universal sense—beyond a cultural sphere within the borders of America.”
abroad through our engagement with international partners and global
Arya is one of several students at St. John’s University to be deemed a Spring 2023 Gilman scholar.
30° 15° 0° 15° 30° 45° 60° 75°

academic programs.
90° 105° 120° 135° 150° 165° 180° 165° 150° 135° 120° 105° 90° 75° 60° 45° 30°

Named for the late New York Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, a former Republican chair of
the US House of Representatives’ Committee on International Relations, the highly competitive
program is administered by the Institute for International Education on behalf of the Department
of State. It is geared to accomplished students with limited financial means or those who have
C Y SANTA been historically underrepresented in study abroad programs.
PHARMA A
D E LL A SC AL
MARIA They include first-generation college students, ethnic minority students and those with
disabilities, students attending historically Black colleges and universities or other minority-serving
institutions, those attending community colleges, rural students, and students from US states with
less study abroad participation.

“My time abroad helped me to

0 150
80
BOUNDARIES AND POPULATION
“With this award, St. John’s Gilman scholars are able
to develop global knowledge, new perspectives,
and skills to better prepare them for their careers
in an increasingly interconnected world,” said Anna
Torres, Coordinator of Study Abroad Academics and
Scholarships in the Office of International Education
at St. John’s. Ms. Torres and Bianca Sylvain, Assistant
Director of Outbound Student Services, guided the
students through the rigorous application process
for the Gilman scholarship.
“Through their study abroad experiences, St. John’s
Gilman scholars have grown both personally and
academically—making them stand out and be
better prepared to pursue and assume professional
roles as true global citizens,” Ms. Torres added.
300 450 600 750 900km
80
understand that we truly do live in
a global society, and it helped me
to realize that I could continue my
studies abroad,” said Alianna Guerra,
an English major at St. John’s College
of Liberal Arts and Sciences who spent
16 weeks in Rome as a Gilman scholar
as part of the Rome Semester study
abroad program. “I have started to look
into graduate school options abroad,
especially in Rome, as the experiences
that I had there were some of the best
of my life.”
“Some of the most memorable moments from my journey were seeing all of the
monuments that the cities in Italy had to offer,” Alianna added. “I especially fell in
love with the Pantheon and the Colosseum. I would say my favorite moments
would include all the late-night gelato runs that would end with me sitting next
to these centuries-old monuments while I talked for hours with my friends.”

S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 35
70 70
National Capital
3,000,000 and over 60 60
50 50
500,000 to 3,000,000 40 40
Less than 500,000 30 30
20 20
10 10
EQ
0 150 300 450 600 750 900Km

MERCATOR’S PROJECTION

11:00 AM 12:00 NOON 01:00 PM 02:00 PM 03:00 PM 04:00 PM 05:00 PM 06:00 PM 07:00 PM 08:00 PM 09:00 PM 10:00 PM 11:00 PM 00:00 MID 01:00 AM 02:00 AM 03:00 AM 04:00 AM 05:00 AM 06:00 AM 07:00 AM 08:00 AM 09:00 AM 10:00 AM
30° 15° 0° 15° 30° 45° 60° 75° 90° 105° 120° 135° 150° 165° 180° 165° 150° 135° 120° 105° 90° 75° 60° 45° 30°
 First-Year Students Get a
Gilman scholar
BAL
Dakota Ashton, GLO RT
PO
who is majoring in Receiving this scholarship PASS

Taste of the World with

Legal Studies at The enhanced my academic
Lesley H. and William career by allowing
L. Collins College of
me to challenge my

a Global Passport
Professional Studies,
was in Paris from prior knowledge of the
February 25 until American legal system and
March 4 as part of a apply it internationally.
short-term program he Global Passport program—a rare gem—offers incoming students a chance to
called “Litigation “internationalize” their academic experience during their very first year at St. John’s.
Practice in Paris,” — Dakota Ashton
during which she
It is specifically designed for new college students to gain exposure to cultures outside
examined the differences between the American and French of the United States.
litigation systems. “Receiving this scholarship enhanced my
academic career by allowing me to challenge my prior knowledge “Students taking part in Global
PROGRAM ATT ROME, ITALY
of the American legal system and apply it internationally,” said Passport have a tremendous AL

RA C
THE GO
opportunity to engage with
Dakota, who plans to become a lawyer.
270

TS ABOUT
St. John’s global mission right
“I have always dreamed about advocating for those who are
from day one of their college

STU
misrepresented and have not always been given a voice in society,
career, making either our Paris, EN
TS P Y E A R.

D
especially in marginalized communities,” she added. “Lawyers must
France, location or Rome, Italy, ER
work with clients of different backgrounds and values, and my visit
campus their temporary
to Paris opened me up to this in a new way.”
St. John’s ‘home away from home,’” said Greg Bruhn,
Director of Outbound Programs within the Office of
International Education at the University.

Pharm.D. candidate Jenny Liu was particularly struck by the “Not only do they get to visit historic sites, engage
kindness of strangers during her travels as part of the St. John’s with the local cultures, and become familiar
Western Europe Pharmacy program, as well as her visits to with these incredible European capitals, they
PARIS, FRANCE
Belgium, England, Spain, and Switzerland. “I am forever thankful to come away with a sense of self-confidence and
local citizens for showing me and my travel companions around independence in the world—which will take them
and lending a hand when we needed help with essentials such far during their time with us and well beyond,”
as figuring out directions to places we were visiting,” she recalled. Mr. Bruhn said. “They will also make friends and
“It really made me feel more connected to the community and, memories for life.”
therefore, made the places we visited more memorable.” Participants in the program, which is also available
Arya offered an additional observation that was echoed by her to transfer students, pay a subsidized fee of
fellow Gilman scholars. “I learned plenty about independence $750, as well as airfare. The program fee includes
and adaptability. Traveling in a relatively large group with my on-campus accommodations, a welcome and
classmates taught me to become more flexible with plans and farewell dinner, a partial meal plan, Metro passes,
expectations. I learned to think fast on my feet.” and course-based excursions throughout Paris or
Rome, as well as international health insurance.
Students in Global
Students start by enrolling in a Passport course “For many students, it’s really their first step
ND
BELGIUM Passport have a toward engaging in further international
ERL A
SWITZ that enables them to fulfill one of their regular
tremendous opportunity
first-year requirements. The course takes place in experiences, including our semester
New York during the fall or spring semester, and
to engage with St. John’s programs abroad, since the unfamiliar is
includes content to help them prepare for their global mission from now familiar,” according to Mr. Bruhn. “They
time in Paris or Rome. When the term ends, in day one of their college feel much more comfortable returning
to Paris or Rome for a semester, because
SPAIN January or May, students continue their studies career, making either
by immersing themselves in Paris or Rome for they’ll already be familiar with the campus,
Paris or Rome their the neighborhood, and the St. John’s
seven days, along with their classmates and
temporary ‘home away teams abroad that will welcome them.”
professor, to culminate their semester’s work
together. The students receive one extra credit, from home.’ The Global Program attracts about 270
which represents their academic work in Europe. students per year, said Mr. Bruhn.
—Greg Bruhn
ENGL AND
36 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 37
 Management major, French minor Health and Human Services major
Ever since I was in elementary school, I have always been fascinated I chose St. John’s University to pursue my undergraduate degree because
by Paris and Parisian life. I admired the museums, monuments, language, of the Global Passport program. This seven-day program served as a test
and culture, and aspired to be a part of it one day. Once I joined the to determine if I would be able to handle studying abroad for an entire,
St. John’s community and learned that I had the opportunity to travel to four-month-long semester. I learned that I can absolutely thrive for much
Europe, I planned a trip to Paris. Having studied French when I was a younger longer than a week of studying in a country that is unknown to me.
helped compel me to go. Similarly, the ability to fulfill a lifelong dream of mine independently, One of my favorite experiences was visiting the
safely, and affordably made the Global Passport program all the more intriguing to me. Colosseum at night with my classmates. This trip
One of my favorite moments from this trip to Paris was helped me to break through my shell and be open
meeting the students from the University Gustave Eiffel. to any opportunity to discover new places—simply
It was so rewarding to interact with people of a similar because of the potential of that experience to change
age from a foreign country and to learn about the life of my life. I learned it is easy to befriend people you
teenagers and university students like me. It gave me never knew before, even while traveling abroad. I
ARDSON OV E R
MOLLY RIC
H the opportunity to break through my comfort zone and ALEXIS SH was worried about making new friends during this
Paris, Franc
e branch out of my usual social circle—it was one of the Rome, Italy journey—but it happened easily on the trip.
most rewarding moments of the trip.

English major Childhood Education, Grades 1–6, major

I came to St. John’s because I wanted to broaden my environment and the Global Passport
program has only furthered that. I wanted the adventure of moving to Queens, NY, being away
from home, and experiencing life as an adult. I needed to get out and go out, and I needed to
explore. Going to Paris was an extension of that need.
I adored the planned activities Global Passport program, but the most
important thing I did in Paris was spontaneously attend a concert by myself.
Traveling the Metro transport system on my own; navigating through security
guards with my basic, French vocabulary; and dancing to bossa-nova-indie-
pop music is what will stick with me the most. I have always considered
myself to be an extrovert, but after my concert experience, I’ve begun to
appreciate solitude in ways that I haven’t before. I was not alone on this
trip by any means. I was with a great class of great people whom I loved
talking to and traveling with, but some of the most impactful moments
I experienced in Paris were the times I was by myself.
I wanted to be a part of the Global Passport program, in part, because of its reasonable
cost. Additionally, many close friends who participated in the program said how deeply it
impacted them. One of my biggest joys was riding
scooters with my classmates around Rome, as well as
spending an evening visiting the Trevi Fountain and
seeing the Colosseum.
Another very impactful experience for me was visiting
a refugee center and listening to the story told by one
of the refugees about why he had to flee his country.
I was a little nervous to go abroad, but now
GIOVANN
understand that I am more mature and independent A WEST-SO
OWEN TAY than I thought. This trip has inspired me to plan visits to more countries. TO
LOR Rome, Italy
Paris, Franc
e

Biology major
I wanted to be a part of the Global Passport program because I heard it was a perfect way to
make friends. I chose to travel to Paris because I was interested in learning about the culture of
St. John’s University
the city and its impacts on global issues such as social justice, politics, and climate change. ting
about contribu
One of the most memorable moments of my journey 8000 Utopia Parkway To learn more
,
was learning about St. Vincent de Paul and visiting his Passport Fund
Queens, NY 11439 to the Global
Chapelle. I was surprised to see the preservation of his
remains enclosed in a wax covering. I also visited the www.stjohns.edu please visit
Sacré-Coeur and saw the surrounding neighborhoods. iving.
.edu/GlobalG
www.stjohns
There is a lot more that I want to learn about Paris—
and the best way to do that is to come back!
RREN
ANDRE WA e
Paris, Franc 38 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 39
 ARRIVALS

World Traveler Finds a Home at

St. John’s
Street
World V
anessa Bethencourt loves to travel the world. Her latest stop is St. John’s
University’s Queens, NY, campus, where she is pursuing a Master of
Science degree in International Hospitality Management.
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Vanessa, 27, has also lived in Panama, Spain, and
Canada. She speaks English, Spanish, and French, and holds passports from
Venezuela and Spain. Hired by Hilton after her college graduation in 2021,
Vanessa was encouraged by executives to pursue a master’s degree and arrived
at St. John’s nine days before the start of Spring 2023 classes.
“I always wanted to come to New York, and the moment I found
St. John’s it felt like God had put me in the right place,” Vanessa said.
“There is a mix of many different cultures here and I love that.”
Vanessa graduated from the Universidad Interamericana de Panama
with a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts. She later worked as part of
the kitchen staff at Hilton’s Panama City hotel. Her big break came
when she was asked to supervise the hotel spa, opening a door to
management and an opportunity to expand her skills.
With that promotion also came discussions with her superiors
about pursuing a master’s degree. A random Google search led
her to St. John’s program and the possibility of living in New York City.
“My boss there recommended that I consider a move out of the kitchen because
he believed that I would fall in love with the broader hospitality field,” Vanessa
recalled. “Sure enough, I did. The human resources manager recommended
that if this is what I wanted to do, that I follow up my bachelor’s degree
with something more. The first time I was here I felt a connection
with St. John’s and its people.”
For a global traveler, however, Vanessa’s journey to St. John’s was
anything but conventional. Visa issues delayed her arrival to
campus until January 9; spring semester classes began on
January 18.
Regardless, Vanessa is at home at St. John’s, which is where she
wants to be. She resigned from her position at Hilton once her visa
was secured.
However, arriving so near to the start of classes meant a rushed
registration process and an urgent need for housing. She was able to
manage both with help from the University’s International Student and
Scholar Services Office.
Leaving her car and dogs with her parents, Vanessa settled into an
apartment in Astoria, NY. She will need another year to complete
her master’s program, but in the meantime is enjoying St. John’s
and the city it calls home.
“My dream is to work in a corporate position for a hospitality
company and I’d love to be based in New York.” 

40 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E
 International Student Relishes
St. John’s Experience
A
deep-rooted sense of community drew Ignacio Prieto Ruiz de Ojeda to
St. John’s University. The native of Madrid, Spain, sensed it as soon as he
stepped foot on the Queens, NY, campus. “I felt at home during my first visit,
and knew I wanted to be part of this diverse, international community.”
Ignacio graduated this past May with his Bachelor of Arts degree in
Business Analytics and will continue at St. John’s, studying for his
Master of Business Administration degree in Financial Technology.
He speaks of his college experience with an infectious
enthusiasm and gratitude for an immersive academic and
cultural experience that has widened his horizons and given him
confidence for the future.
“The University’s location was a key factor in my decision,” he
stressed. “The campus is perfectly situated: close to Manhattan, NY,
but with enough distance to provide a different experience. The city
is your backyard, with thousands of possibilities for fun and culture at your
fingertips—as well as a host of global companies providing internship opportunities.”
Ignacio is grateful for the opportunities St. John’s provides to express his culture.
“Global Culture Night is perhaps the best example,” he explained. “Students get
together and enjoy different cuisines from around the world while wearing
traditional cultural garb. It is an unbelievable experience and makes you really
understand just how global St. John’s is.”
Queens is often called the most diverse borough in the United States, which
Ignacio observed is reflected in its student body. “There are hundreds of cultural
organizations for everyone to enjoy and learn from other ethnic groups. The campus
is really made for everyone, and St. John’s provides a space for all students to feel
comfortable and welcome.”
During his time at St. John’s, Ignacio has been involved with Project AIM, a peer
mentoring program for international students, and the International Student
Council, which supports international students at all levels by ensuring they
have the tools and support to achieve a holistic college experience.
At St. John’s, Ignacio has immersed himself in the University’s Vincentian
mission, participating in several Midnight Runs and the St. Louis, MO, and
Vermont Service Plunges. “Both of these experiences made me see the
I felt at home
world in a different light and taught me important values that I know I
during my first will apply in the years ahead.”
visit to St. John’s,
Perhaps his fondest experience was induction into the President’s
and knew I Society, the highest honor society a student can achieve at St. John’s,
wanted to be part Ignacio recalled. “It was a very rewarding feeling to know my efforts
of this diverse, were noticed by the University, and getting inducted in front of my
international loved ones was an indescribable feeling.”
community.
42 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E
To St. John’s Via Egypt and
Vancouver
B
orn in Cairo, Egypt, and raised in Vancouver, BC, Maria Keddis always dreamed of
attending college in New York City.
Now that she has completed four years at St. John’s University—in the heart of Queens,
the city’s most diverse borough—Maria does not plan to leave the area anytime soon.
“My dream has always been to work and live in New York,” Maria said. “There is a
multiplicity of faiths and ethnic traditions, and I just love that. The diversity of St. John’s
matches the diversity of New York. I do not believe I could have made a better choice.”
As part of a dual-degree program, Maria completed requirements for a Bachelor of Science
degree in Communication Arts in May 2023. She is scheduled to earn a Master of Science
degree in Integrated Advertising Communications in May 2024.
Wherever she has lived, Maria has successfully adapted to changing life
circumstances, attending school amid Egyptian deserts, Canadian mountain
peaks, and, now, New York City skyscrapers. “It hasn’t always been seamless,”
Maria joked, “but I’ve been able to grow into the person I am.”
Born to a mother who is a pediatrician and a father who is an Egyptologist, early in life Maria
was introduced to the value of education. She attended an international school in Cairo
before her family moved to Vancouver in 2015 when Maria was 12. She became a citizen of
Canada in 2019 and holds passports from both Canada and Egypt.
A childhood in Egypt presented some challenges. Maria’s family are Copts, a
minority faith in Egypt that has faced persecution for its Orthodox Christian
beliefs. While her family was not persecuted directly, Maria said, they were
outsiders in a country that is more than 90 percent Muslim.
“That was part of the reason my family decided to leave as the persecution of
Coptic Christians was getting out of hand. It was hard for my mom, who was
denied jobs because she was Coptic or because she was a woman,” Maria recalled.
Fluent in English and Arabic and with a conversational knowledge of French,
Maria faced no language barriers in moving to Vancouver. Despite knowing
little about Canada’s Pacific Northwest, Maria was drawn quickly to its natural
scenery and progressive culture.
Through her mother, Maria also became aware of the possibilities
that existed for women in Western society. When the time for
college arrived, there was only one city that could satisfy her
desire for such opportunities: New York.
Maria jumped right into the St. John’s student scene, becoming
a culture writer for the student newspaper The Torch, and joining
radio station WSJU and TV station WRED-TV—and, of course, the
Coptic Society. She was also hired to work as a student photographer
in the University’s Department of Marketing and Communications.
“St. John’s has given me such an opportunity,” Maria said. “I was just
thinking of myself in my first year versus the person I am now, there is such a difference. I
have grown closer to God and I have learned so much.” 
Beauty, Diversity, and Opportunity
Attracted International
M
embers of The McCallen Society make a
planned gift to St. John’s University to honor a

Student to St. John’s

beloved faculty, administrator, or staff member,
and/or in gratitude for the support they received.
Thomas Joyce ’73CBA made his gift as “a natural reaction to wanting to give back
to the school.” “We all have different motivations for supporting the University, but
they’re all rooted in the true Vincentian spirit of giving,” he said.

D
As Tom and his classmates celebrate their 50th reunion, he encourages everyone
uring his first visit to St. John’s University, Trinidad and Tobago native Joel Stephen was
to consider including St. John’s in their charitable plans as a way of acknowledging
immediately struck by the beauty of the Queens, NY, campus. “At other schools I visited in New
the University that has provided so much. Gifts of all sizes work together to create
York City, there was no space to maneuver or spend time in nature,” he explained. “Even though
opportunities for future generations of Johnnies.
it may seem rather small, this was something that I deeply appreciated.”
A Management major scheduled to graduate in 2024, Joel was also struck by the ultramodern facilities
Follow Tom’s lead with a gift that supports St. John’s University;
offered by The Peter J. Tobin College of Business. “The intensely focused setting of the building and visit www.mystjohnslegacy.org/reuniongift or contact Susan M.
classrooms seemed like a conducive place for learning and development, which was of paramount Damiani, M.B.A. ’87CBA, Director of Gift Planning, at 718-990-7562
importance to me.” or damianis@stjohns.edu.
The University’s diverse student population and surrounding communities reminded Joel of his home
country. “Ringed by areas such as Jamaica, Jackson Heights, and Flushing, Queens is a template
for the many positives that migration and other cultures offer—and St. John’s is a
microcosm of that.”
THOMAS AND TONI JOYCE
He added, “There are many international students and organizations
that assist their members with acclimatization and cultural events,
such as Haraya, and they are stronger than ever. To say that
St. John’s is diverse would be an understatement.”
As an international student at St. John’s, Joel has found many
ways to express his culture, most notably as a member of
Project AIM, a mentoring program for international first-year
students and sophomores.
Joel is also a member of the Caribbean Students
Association and the R.I.S.E. Network, which provides
Black and Latinx first-year students with skill-based
development, support, and opportunities to enhance
their overall academic career at St. John’s. Both
organizations have emboldened him to express his
culture and teach others about it, he stressed.
Upon reflection, Joel said that opportunity has
been the theme of his St. John’s experience.
“There are countless activities and clubs to
become involved in, and I am grateful for the
opportunities they have afforded me to make
positive impacts in the lives of others.“
Joel has not only immersed himself in campus
life; he has also taken the University’s Vincentian
mission to heart, assuming leadership roles
in several organizations devoted to student
success. He has served as a Discover New York
Peer Leader, Resident Assistant, and a Campus
Ministry Retreat Leader. 
S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 45
 PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA, ALUMNI Dorothy C. Hines ’86Ed Maria Nardini-Gallo ’85NDC
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR SUPPORT ON OUR COMMITTEES AND IN OUR REGIONAL CHAPTERS. VOLUNTEER John F. Kennedy ’83CBA Christopher J. Porcu ’85NDC
Peter J. Torelli ’72SVC John J. Kowalski ’76CBA, ’83MBA Laurie Tritini-Caruso ’85SVC
1870 COURT TAILGATE COMMITTEE GRADUATES OF THE LAST DECADE LONDON ALUMNI REGIONAL CHAPTER Luke Lichota ’05CCPS Maria A. Tychi ’83CBA
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Rose F. DiMartino ’81L Christine Elizabeth Freeze ’18Ed, ’20GEd Valerie D. Herrera Joan Lacagnina ’88CBA John Rasulo ’88MBA Vincent T. Iannelli ’73NDC
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Q&A with
Maciek
Nowak, Ph.D.
Dean of The Peter J. Tobin College of
Business and the Joseph H. and Maria
C. Schwartz Distinguished Chair
M
aciek Nowak, Ph.D., began
his tenure as Dean of The
Peter J. Tobin College of
Business and the Joseph H. and Maria
C. Schwartz Distinguished Chair
on June 1, after serving as Senior
Associate Vice President for Strategic
Planning and Implementation at
Loyola University Chicago. A member
of Loyola’s President’s Cabinet, he
previously served in a wide variety of
leadership roles at Loyola’s Quinlan
School of Business, including Interim
Dean, Associate Dean of Faculty and
Research, and Department Chair.
His leadership at the Quinlan School of Business
led to notable accomplishments in faculty and
staff recruitment and retention, scholarly growth,
student success, curricular development, and
donor engagement.
Dr. Nowak earned his Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems
Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology
and his bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees in
Engineering from the University of Michigan.
He has also served as a visiting scholar at Northwestern
University and the University of Tunis El Manar, a visiting
faculty member at Creighton University, and a Fulbright
Scholar at the SGH Warsaw School of Economics.
Through his research, Dr. Nowak has worked with
Federal Express, the United Parcel Service, the Polish
Post Office, The Home Depot, and Bosch. He has also
received grants for research from the US Small Business
Administration, the US Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration, the US Department
of Transportation, and the US State Department.
WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY?
After 15 years at a Jesuit institution, I couldn’t imagine working at a school that
doesn’t have a mission-oriented focus. As I met with St. John’s students, faculty,
administrators, and staff, I was impressed with how everyone shared their
excitement and optimism about the leadership of Fr. Shanley and Provost Møller.
It became clear to me that this is an exciting time to join St. John’s and the Tobin
family. Tobin has risen in academic rankings and reputation over the last few
years, and I am excited to have the opportunity to continue to build on this strong
foundation.
WHAT WAS YOUR ORIGINAL CAREER CHOICE?
I always wanted to be an academic. My dad is a professor of civil engineering, having
spent 25 years at the University of Michigan and currently serving as the Department
Chair at Auburn University. Family friends would call me “little professor” when I
was growing up. Raised in a campus town like Ann Arbor, MI, the son of a professor,
the academic life is all I’ve ever known and it’s hard to imagine a better life. The
one adjustment from my original career choice is that I wanted to get a Ph.D. in
Environmental Engineering, as I hoped to develop more effective ways to desalinate
water. However, my chemistry skills fell short, and I eventually realized that the field
of Operations Engineering was a much better fit.
WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR CHOSEN FIELD?
I took an elective course in transportation engineering in the last semester of my
senior year at Michigan and loved it (note to students that it’s never too late to
change your career direction if you find something you love). There was a professor
doing research in transportation in a different department, Industrial and Operations
Engineering, with a focus on logistics, or improving the processes we use to move
things around the globe. After starting work on a project with him, I knew that I
had found a career that perfectly fit my strengths. I moved to that department to
continue my graduate studies and have never looked back—and love every aspect
of my work in supply chain management.
WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
My wife. She is incredibly successful at what she does professionally, working in
development and alumni relations for Northwestern University. She somehow
manages to balance that with being an amazing mother to our daughter. She’s who I
most often turn to for advice as she has a great understanding of people and always
offers a unique perspective on different challenges I’m faced with. I wouldn’t be in
this position without her.
HOW HAVE YOUR PREVIOUS POSITIONS PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR
CURRENT ROLE?
As Interim Dean at the Quinlan School of Business, I was focused on our mission of
building business for the betterment of society, educating future leaders who are
interested in both profit and purpose. We undertook several major initiatives, which
included working with minority-owned businesses throughout the Chicagoland
area, developing a workshop tailored to underrepresented minority students
interested in pursuing careers in academia, and enhancing collaboration with the
School of Environmental Sustainability. These initiatives closely coincide with both
Tobin’s and St. John’s mission, which further reinforced my excitement for this role.
S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 49
In addition, I served on the President’s Cabinet, which allowed me to see firsthand
how all schools and divisions operate together, providing unique insight into
interdisciplinary opportunities and challenges. It is evident the deans at St. John’s
are collaborative, and I look forward to working closely with them on initiatives that
bridge the various academic units.
WHAT LONG- AND SHORT-TERM GOALS DO YOU HAVE AS DEAN?
Prior to developing long-term goals, I plan to take time to learn about Tobin and
get to know more about its strengths and how those can be best utilized to benefit
our various constituents. Thus, my short-term goal is to speak with as many of our
students, faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and industry partners as possible,
hearing about their experiences as part of the Tobin family. From this, I will develop
a better understanding of the many promising opportunities to guide Tobin forward
and create a compelling vision for the future.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF YOUR POSITION?
Balance, both personal and professional. A dean is pulled in numerous directions,
engaging with faculty, students, administrators, staff, alumni, and industry. Each of
these constituents could require all of a dean’s time. Giving each the attention they
deserve is challenging—but it’s also incredibly important to get that balance right.
From a personal perspective, it can also be challenging to balance time at the office
with time for family, particularly as our two-year-old daughter is the most incredible
little person in the world and it’s always difficult to be away from her.
WHAT IS THE MOST GRATIFYING PART OF BEING DEAN?
Honestly, all of it. Every day is different as a dean, with new challenges and
opportunities to not only identify creative solutions to those challenges, but also
develop strategic priorities that will continue to advance the academic experience,
strengthen the College’s reputation, and deepen alumni and donor engagement.
While it can be exhausting, I find there is something each day that leaves me
feeling fulfilled.
HOW DO YOU DECOMPRESS IN YOUR FREE TIME?
I love to play racquetball—in fact, I won Loyola’s intramural championship a few
times. If anyone is interested in playing, being new to the area I’m looking for
competition. Short of that, our Peloton is my go-to source for decompression. I also
like to relax with a good TV show (I just finished the first season of The Bear, which is
set in Chicago, IL, not too far from where we lived), or book (I am reading The Night
Agent: A Novel by Matthew Quirk right now).
WHAT IS AN IMPORTANT LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM A STUDENT?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that every student has had a different life
experience that impacts how they learn, how they engage with each other, and how
they express themselves in and out of the classroom. This means that there isn’t
a one-size-fits-all approach to how we educate our students, and it is important
to bear that in mind as we think about the future of academia. It also reflects the
challenges that we face as we work to make every student feel like they belong at
Tobin and St. John’s.
WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE A STUDENT?
Always be building your network. I often see students start looking for a job during
their senior year as they approach graduation. The best time to look for a job is when
you don’t need a job, and the easiest way to do that is by building your network. The
contacts you make throughout your time here are the people who will be recruiting
you or who you can reach out to when looking for a job. St. John’s has countless
events bringing alumni and industry representatives to campus. Those are fantastic
opportunities to connect with people in the field.
WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT THUS FAR?
Being asked to serve as the Dean of the Tobin College of Business! 
 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT NIGHT

n ’s Univ
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ACTIVITIES FAIR CULTURAL CLUBS

St.

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IG

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H
T
H LIG H

HOLOCAUST
REMEMBRANCE DAY LUNAR NEW YEAR
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
 Topping-Off Ceremony Marks
THE
During the construction process, the last steel beam placed is
CONSTRUCTION a major milestone in the evolution of a building project. This
PROJECT IS milestone is commemorated by painting the beam white

New Phase and Mission ESTIMATED TO

COST
and having the steel construction team, designers, property
owners, and dignitaries sign it for posterity.
Reminiscent of old-fashioned barn-raising celebrations, in the

of Health $106M United States the beam in a topping-off ceremony is typically

adorned with a small evergreen tree and an American flag.
AND IS A MAJOR This custom celebrates the construction process and is

Sciences Center
viewed as the first introduction of the building to the public.
GENERATOR
The tree is the key symbol in the steel trade as it signifies construction has reached the sky without injury
OF ECONOMIC
and it bodes well for the future inhabitants of the building. Throughout history, the tree appears to have
ACTIVITY IN conveyed different meanings to diverse cultures and is believed to date back to the belief of Indigenous
QUEENS COUNTY People who believed no structure should be taller than a tree.
AND BEYOND. Fr. Shanley paused to acknowledge that construction
of the St. Vincent Health Sciences Center would not be
accomplished without the generosity and commitment
of benefactors like Peter P. D’Angelo ’78MBA, ’06HON,
and Margaret LaRosa D’Angelo ’70Ed ’22HON, and the
late Nickolas “Nick” Davatzes ’62C, ’64G, ’95HON, Trustee
Emeritus, cable television pioneer, and his late wife
RENDERING OF THE Dorothea Hayes Davatzes ’66Ed.
COMPLETED ST. VINCENT
HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER “We depend on our generous benefactors to help us to
help our students and to live our mission,” he said.
Dave Margolius, Executive Vice President of the New York Metro Region, Shawmut Design and
Construction, recalled first being exposed to the extraordinary mission of St. John’s when he
attended the 25th Annual President’s Dinner last October. “It was an incredible opportunity to
see St. John’s values in action,” he said. “These are the things we think of when we look at the
foundation and structure of this building.”
Turning toward a group of laborers donned in hard hats and safety vests, he shared, “On behalf
of the builders and tradespeople here, we are proud and thankful to play our part in bringing
to life compassion and service, and to serve your mission to educate the next generation of
caretakers—who will undoubtedly do extraordinary things for our families and our communities.”

R
ising from the ground of the
Great Lawn at St. John’s
University’s Queens, NY,
campus is the innovative
St. Vincent Health Sciences Center. Scheduled
to open in the Summer of 2024, the new
70,000-square-foot new home for existing and
future health sciences programs ushers in a
new educational era at St. John’s.
On a recent bright, sun-splashed April morning, the final piece of
steel in the construction of the building was hoisted three stories
above a cheering crowd. Gathered to witness the milestone event
were an eclectic mix of clergy, trustees, dignitaries, University
administrators, faculty, members of the design and construction
teams from Shawmut Design and Construction and CannonDesign,
and organized labor partners—all united in the mission of
advancing health-care education.
During his remarks, Simon G. Møller, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, University
Distinguished Professor, and Provost Endowed Chair, observed, “When completed, the St. Vincent Health
Sciences Center will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, cutting-edge laboratories, patient simulation
facilities, and transformative virtual reality technology that is redefining what is possible in the health-
care industry. It will include collaborative spaces, outdoor terraces, breathtaking vistas, and so much
more. But above all, it will be an amazing home for generations of caregivers, health-care professionals,
and individuals who are committed to improving the lives of others.”
That shared mission was invoked by After the beam was blessed with holy water by Rev. Aidan R. Rooney, C.M., M.Div., M.Th. ’78NDC,
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President, Executive Vice President for Mission, select guests were invited to individually sign the beam. The
who addressed the crowd by saying, variety of names immortalized on the radiant white beam include Fr. Shanley; the D’Angelos; Honorable
“St. John’s is making a major investment in Donovan Richards Jr., Borough President of Queens; senior campus
the health sciences and the people—like nurses leaders; members of the Real Estate Advisory Committee; the
and health-care providers who deliver extraordinary Nursing Initiative Executive Team; and the College of Pharmacy and
service to others—thus living the Vincentian mission.” Health Sciences’ Advisory Board.
The construction project, being completed Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky, a crane slowly lifted the
by Shawmut Design and Construction and special beam and gingerly placed it into its permanent location as
CannonDesign, is estimated to cost $106 million and a rousing cheer erupted from the crowd. The radiant beam joins
is a major generator of economic activity in Queens 1,137 columns and beams and 875 tons of steel being utilized in the
County and beyond. foundation of the innovative learning space.

52 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 53
EYE ON THE PRIZE:
Point Guard Mimi Reid Led the Red Storm
while Pursuing a Doctoral Degree
E
XCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
IS WHAT MIMI REID EXPECTS OF
HERSELF—ON THE BASKETBALL
COURT AND IN THE CLASSROOM.
While other college basketball players would
be satisfied with a routine course of study,
Mimi, the 23-year-old St. John’s University Red
Storm point guard, chose last year to pursue
a doctoral degree while playing National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Division I women’s college basketball.
Mimi was the first-ever St. John’s women’s
basketball player to compete while enrolled
in a doctoral program. She was also one of
only two doctoral candidates to play Division
I women’s basketball last season, joining the
University of Southern Mississippi’s Lauren
Gross.
In between leading the Red Storm to a 23–9 record
and a berth in the NCAA Tournament, Mimi took
classes toward earning a Doctor of Professional
ST. JOHN’S WOMEN’S
Studies degree in Homeland Security. She is
scheduled to complete her degree in 2024.
“I’ve always been a person who likes to keep
moving forward,” Mimi said. “Not that a second
master’s degree or even a certificate program
would not hold weight. But I wanted to take
advantage of every opportunity that was presented
before me. If you have an opportunity to take what
you have learned so far and advance it, why not?
Why not dream big?”
Born in the Bronx, NY, Mimi graduated from
The Patrick School in Hillside, NJ, where
she was a two-time all-state selection
and a top college recruit. She enrolled
at the University of Mississippi, where
she was a two-year starter, earning a
bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in
2021 and a master’s degree in 2022.
54 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E
With a year of playing eligibility remaining,
Mimi chose to return to New York, trading the
Southeastern Conference for the BIG EAST,
and swapping Mississippi scarlet and blue for
St. John’s red and white.
“I was pretty much done after my last season
at Ole Miss,” Mimi said. “But then I decided, if I
have a year of eligibility left, why not just have
fun and do it in front of family and friends?”
“If I was going to do it, I wanted to further my
education as well,” Mimi continued. “Growing
up in the Bronx, I knew about St. John’s, and
this doctoral program was right up my alley.”
Introduced in 2018, the Homeland Security
doctorate appealed to Mimi, whose parents
were both 9/11 first responders. Balancing the
research-driven curriculum with basketball
was a challenge, but she handled it with the
deftness of a veteran point guard, impressing
MIMI WAS THE teammates and Head Coach Joe Tartamella.
FIRST-EVER “It says more about her as an individual than
anything, the fact that she has put an incredible
amount of work into not only her athletic career,
BASKETBALL but her academic career,” Coach Tartamella
PLAYER TO said. “You see that in how driven she is to be
successful at a high level both in basketball
COMPETE WHILE
and in life.”
ENROLLED IN
Mimi finished the 2022–23 season averaging
A DOCTORAL 5.9 points and 2.9 assists. Against Villanova
PROGRAM. SHE IS University and BIG EAST Player of the Year
Maddy Siegrist on February 15, she scored a
ALSO ONE OF ONLY
season-high 23 points, dished out three assists,
TWO DOCTORAL and added three rebounds in a Wildcats victory.
CANDIDATES The Red Storm finished 13–7 in BIG EAST play,
earning their first NCAA invitation since 2016.
TO PLAY
The Red Storm defeated Purdue University
DIVISION I WOMEN’S
66–64 in the opening round of the tournament
BASKETBALL before losing a nail-biter to the University of North
LAST SEASON. Carolina, 61–59, ending their season and Mimi’s
collegiate career—this time for good.
SENIOR DAY
“It took me about a week
or two to get over that I WANTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY
loss,” Mimi said. “Simply OPPORTUNITY THAT WAS PRESENTED BEFORE ME.
because it is the feeling
IF YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE WHAT YOU
of your collegiate
HAVE LEARNED SO FAR AND ADVANCE IT, WHY NOT?
career coming to an
absolute end. Whether Why not dream big?
you play professionally or
not, you will never get those
college years back.”
“But I have always been a stickler about
my academics,” Mimi continued, “and I wanted to
stay on top of my grades. I guess the realization of ‘it is over
and now focus on school’ was a little different this year. We
always had a break from basketball after the season, but
now it is all actually over.”
A quick pivot to doctoral study helped to ease the sting
of the Red Storm’s loss to North Carolina. So, too, did
the offer of a yearlong volunteer position on Coach
Tartamella’s staff, where she will help the next
generation of St. John’s point guards in their transition
to college basketball.
After that year is complete, Mimi,
presumably with a doctorate
in hand, will target a career
with a federal agency focused
on counterterrorism, homeland
security, or cyberintelligence.
To earn her 78-credit doctoral
degree, she will have to complete a
comprehensive research project on a
topic she will identify this summer.
In the meantime, Mimi’s playing career at
St. John’s lasted only one season but created a
lifetime of memories. “I’ve always said Ole Miss
helped grow me into the woman I am,” she
said. “But St. John’s let me be that woman.
So now I am going to take everything
basketball has given me and put it into the
next phase of my life.”
S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 55

Trailblazing Administrator and
Athletics Department
Icon Retires after
YEARS
he conclusion of the Spring 2023 semester brought to an end the
pioneering career of Kathleen Meehan ’75Ed, ’79GEd, who retired as
St. John’s University’s Senior Deputy Athletics Director.
More than 50 years after first setting foot on the
Queens, NY, campus as a student, Ms. Meehan, a former
Red Storm Women’s Basketball player, Assistant Coach,
and administrator, called time on a 48-year career at
St. John’s that exceeded even her own expectations.
She and her husband, Lou ’74C,
’77L, plan to travel, tend to
their newly purchased home
in Massapequa, NY, and
remain active in the lives
of their family, which
includes sons, Tymon ’05CPS,
’07MS and Brian ’03C, ’11G,
and six grandchildren.
“I’m incredibly lucky to have had this association,” said
Ms. Meehan, who arrived at St. John’s as a student in
1971. “I’ve been lucky to have loved what I have done
and to have done it in a place I love so much.”
A member of the first women’s basketball team at the
University (1974–75), Ms. Meehan was also the first
winner of the University’s Outstanding Female Student-
Athlete Award. Upon graduation, she was hired to the
three-pronged position of Assistant Athletic Director
for Women’s Athletics, Women’s Intramural Director,
and Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach, by Jack Kaiser,
patriarch of the Red Storm athletic department.
Ms. Meehan was promoted in 1980 to Women’s Athletic
Director, and again to Associate Athletic Director
in 1985. She was named Senior Associate Athletic
Director in 1993 and Senior Deputy Athletic Director in
December 2018.
Regardless of position, Ms. Meehan
never lost sight of the values enshrined
in her as a St. John’s undergraduate
and reinforced by her mentor
Mr. Kaiser, who died in May 2022.
“Jack Kaiser always thought of
others and made sure that we
all remembered to concentrate
on others,” Ms. Meehan recalled.
“Hopefully, I have taken that into my
workplace. I never thought about a
legacy; I just think this is what I have
done and the way I have done it.”
S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 57
During her time at the University, Ms. Meehan helped
to mold the BIG EAST Conference into a power player
in intercollegiate athletics. She served on a host
of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
committees, including the influential Division I
Women’s Basketball Oversight Committee, which works
to enhance the public perception of the sport.
Ms. Meehan also served on the NCAA Division I
Women’s Basketball Committee from 2010 to 2015 and
the Division I Women’s Volleyball Committee from 2005
to 2009.
“Her caring is her legacy,”
Director of Athletics Mike
Cragg said. “Kathy has a
passion for people, a passion
for athletes, and a passion
for St. John’s. She epitomizes
everything St. John’s is about
and is irreplaceable. Her
work on the NCAA level was
second to none.”
Ms. Meehan, originally from Seaford, NY, was a
celebrated basketball player at Our Lady of Mercy
Academy in Syosset, NY. She enrolled at St. John’s,
where, at the time, women’s basketball was a club sport.
That changed in 1974–75, when women’s basketball
and three other women’s sports were elevated to
varsity status, creating the eventual need for a women’s
sports administrator. Mr. Kaiser quickly identified
Ms. Meehan.
At the time, Ms. Meehan did not anticipate remaining
at St. John’s for nearly five decades. But as women’s
athletics grew, so did the responsibilities of her position.
The passage of Title IX of the Education Amendments
of 1972, which eliminated gender-based discrimination
in activities that receive federal financial assistance, led
to a burst of interest in women’s athletics.
St. John’s now boasts nine women’s varsity sports, 16
varsity sports in all. The women’s basketball team
Ms. Meehan was instrumental in developing is among
the top programs in the BIG EAST and earned a bid
into the NCAA Tournament in 2023, where it defeated
Purdue University before losing a nail-biting game to
the University of North Carolina.

I’ve been lucky to have loved
what I have done and to have
done it in a place I love.
T
he landscape of college sports is ever-changing, be it the
expansion of the transfer portal, league realignment, or
the increasing value of personal brand. Nationwide, college
athletics is experiencing a substantial change due to the rapid
implementation by the National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA) of rules on athletes accepting benefits and earning money
for their name, image, and likeness (NIL). During these changing
times, the St. John’s Athletic Department remains focused on
developing all aspects of the student-athlete experience.
At the core of the NCAA has always been amateurism. NIL has
transformed that idea by allowing student-athletes to receive financial
compensation—bringing a marked change to college sports.
In June 2021, the US Supreme Court ruled in NCAA v. Alston, a loosely
related case, that the association could not bar member schools from
offering certain education-related benefits to student-athletes. This new
NIL policy allows all NCAA Division I, II, and III student-athletes to be
compensated for their NIL as of July 1, 2021, regardless of whether their
state has a NIL law.
NIL is a process for athletes to receive financial compensation for the
brand they build while in college. For example, players may profit
from endorsements, signing autographs, selling apparel, corporate
partnerships, charitable appearances, teaching camps, and starting their
own businesses, among other activities. They can also hire professional
service providers for NIL activities.
“I never thought about where I would be in
20 years, certainly not when I was in college,”
Ms. Meehan recalled. “But I was fortunate in that I
was involved in an industry, college athletics, that
for women was beginning to take off. The timing
was wonderful for me.”
Elected to the St. John’s Athletics Hall of Fame in
1991, news of Ms. Meehan’s pending retirement
drew reactions from
many corners of
collegiate athletics. BIG
EAST Commissioner Val
Ackerman called Ms.
Meehan “a trailblazer
of the highest order.”
Women’s Head
Basketball Coach Joe Tartamella described her as
a “living legend,” while legendary Men’s Basketball
Since various state laws and NCAA rules went into effect, student-
athletes may now profit from their own name, image, and likeness.
The federal and various state governments have begun to undertake
legislative efforts to better regulate what is already underway. According
to the NCAA:
• Athletes can engage in NIL activities in compliance with state laws,
and colleges can be a resource for NIL legal questions.
• Athletes can use professional service providers to help navigate
NIL activities.
• Student-athletes in states without NIL laws can still
engage in such activities without violating
NCAA rules.
• States, individual colleges, and athletic conferences
may impose reporting requirements.
NCAA rules still prevent schools from directly paying players, and
coaches may not offer high school prospects money as a recruiting
enticement.
• Deals must have a “quid pro quo.” The athlete must do something in
return for payment, such as providing a service or making a social
media post.
• No deal or payment can be tied to an athlete’s athletic performance
or achievement.
• NIL deals cannot be recruiting inducements, meaning deals cannot
be offered in return for a commitment to attend a specific school.
• Schools cannot enter NIL deals with their athletes. All deals must be
made through brands or outside agencies.
THE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM MS. MEEHAN WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN DEVELOPING IS AMONG THE
TOP PROGRAMS IN THE BIG EAST AND EARNED A BID INTO THE NCAA TOURNAMENT IN 2023.
Coach and 1992 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
inductee Lou Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON called
Ms. Meehan “a wonderful representative of the University and
its mission to the student-athletes.”
To St. John’s President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., Ms. Meehan is “a
true Vincentian leader.” “Kathy embodies all that is good about
the intersection of higher education, athletics, and service,”
he said.
Ms. Meehan’s greatest tribute, however, might have come
from her son Brian, who recognized her commitment to the
Vincentian ideals of the University. In 1994, Ms. Meehan received
the Vincentian Mission Award, given to a staff member who
embodies the ideals of the University through sustained service
to others.
To help navigate this new practice, many of these business deals
are now set up through “collectives,” which are separate, third-party
businesses typically formed by boosters or fans of a specific school with
the stated purpose of creating and supporting NIL opportunities for the
school’s student-athletes. They use a business plan that pools financial
contributions from donors to facilitate NIL deals for student-athletes.
For supporters of St. John’s Athletics, one of the first such
collectives created is Storm Marketing, LLC, an administrative
and marketing group not directly affiliated with the
University or its administration. Based in Mineola, NY, and
led by founding partner Vin Ochani ’06CPS, ’10L, Storm
Marketing, LLC, also includes St. John’s School of Law
graduates Adam Dressler ’10L; Justin Kramer ’04TCB, ’07L;
and Richard Seelig ’09L. All but Mr. Kramer are lawyers at
Seelig Dressler Ochani, LLC, and longtime St. John’s fans.
“We structure a majority of our deals with guaranteed
compensation for our brand ambassadors,” explained Mr. Ochani.
“Storm Marketing combines direct marketing, local ads, and business-
focused events and works to improve and enhance the lives of St. John’s
student-athletes—as well as grow our client’s brand through
NIL opportunities.”
By facilitating deals between the athletes and businesses, Storm
Marketing helps connect student-athletes with businesses such as Cafeína
water, Verizon, and The Bayview, a catering hall in Freeport, NY, to name
just a few. Fans can purchase subscriptions for varying membership levels
that provide access, information, exclusive events, and regular financial
support of NIL opportunities for specific Red Storm Athletic teams.
Brian recalled his family’s frequent volunteer visits to St. John’s
Bread and Life, the Midnight Run program, and other service
initiatives. Ms. Meehan’s spirit of service is sustained by both
of her sons; Brian manages parish facilities at St. Mary Catholic
Church in Greeley, CO, and Tymon is a newly promoted captain
in the New York Police Department. Tymon has made several
trips to the Poland-Ukraine border to assist refugees displaced by
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“My mom stressed the student in student-athlete, which can
seem rare these days,” Brian said. “She always understood that
sports are merely practice for life. The discipline and dedication
required can be applied to anything we do in any arena.”
“Catholic service is not a duty, but a calling to her,” he continued.
“It truly is her calling card.”
“If you are going to purchase a wireless phone plan, car insurance, or
even a coffee at Double J Deli, why not support those businesses that
support St. John’s student-athletes?” asked Mr. Ochani.
“We want St. John’s student-athletes to compete on a level playing field,
so we take an integrated approach that includes business opportunities
and academic enrichment,” stated Mike Cragg, Director of Athletics. “In
a global city like New York, St. John’s aims to leverage all the exposure
opportunities afforded to our student-athletes with an unparalleled
media market, coupled with access to world-renowned businesses
and brands. It makes our athletic program one of the most historic and
exciting in college sports.”
To that end, Mr. Cragg worked with the deans from The Peter J. Tobin
College of Business and The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of
Professional Studies on the creation of courses for a distinct academic
program tailored for NIL. The management minor in Sports Leadership
and Branding is designed for student-athletes and nonathlete
undergraduate students who are motivated to develop and sharpen their
managerial and promotional skills to manage their name, image, and
likeness as permitted by statutes, regulations, standards, and policies.
“St. John’s is a family, and at Storm Marketing we put family first,” said
Mr. Ochani. “We want the greater family of fans to know about the many
new and creative ways to support Red Storm Athletics. Creating stability
in NIL support is essential as it helps navigate the changing times.”
To learn more, visit www.stormmarketingny.com or
email info@stormmarketingny.com. 
“As an educator, what I care most about is what kind
of human beings these players become. … I believe
that Rick will not only bring a winning culture to
St. John’s, but he will be a transformative figure in the
lives of our student-athletes. I think that is the most
valuable quality that Rick Pitino brings to St. John’s.
… It is for this particular reason that I am thrilled
to introduce the next men’s basketball coach at
St. John’s University, Rick Pitino.”
“I am delighted to welcome Rick Pitino and his family to
St. John’s. This seasoned coaching veteran—who has won at
the highest levels and is as passionate as ever—is committed
to leading our student-athletes and our program to national
prominence. Rick knows BIG EAST basketball and is determined
to take and keep the Red Storm program where we know
it belongs.”
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P.
President, St. John’s University
“We are going to elevate all of New York City together. This
school is a great place to be. It is about the people.”
Mike Cragg
Director of Athletics, St. John’s University
DON’T MISS ST. JOHN’S vs. MICHIGAN
AT MSG ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13.
For tickets, please visit REDSTORMTIX.COM or
contact the ticket office at 1-888-GO-STORM
(467-8676) or via email at RedStormSports@stjohns.edu
S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 61
“One of my great coaching memories was having the
distinct privilege of coaching against Lou Carnesecca
and St. John’s, a Hall of Fame coach and historic
program that I have always respected. It is surreal to
now have this opportunity to bring St. John’s back to
prominence. I’m honored, humbled, and grateful.
All of us young coaches learned so much from
Coach Carnesecca. Everybody loved him, everybody
revered him. We all take a page from his book.
We will get back to those days, by exemplifying everything
he taught.
I think humility is the key to everything we do in life. It forces
you to be passionate, hungry, and driven. I want to do the
same thing at St. John’s that I have done to every place where I
have been: change lives, make lives better, and help the whole
community get behind the team to win—and win in a big way.”
Rick Pitino
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Coach
“Rick is coming here at the right time. We needed an injection,
and he’ll give us that. I know he will. It’s a gift. He has the ability
to teach and he has a great desire. And he’s a local guy. There
are a lot of qualities that are important to coach at St. John’s. I
think it’s a home run. That’s the best way I can put it.”
Lou Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Coach 
 LUMNI
news and notes
2010s
DARIA CONEY ’13CPS, ’15MBA CHRISTOPHER T. M. KHAN ’19TCB
Daria Coney graduated from St. John’s with a
Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations
in 2013 and earned her M.B.A. in Marketing
Management in 2015. She was a Graduate
Assistant for the Office of Alumni Relations,
which kick-started her career in fundraising and
development. Ms. Coney got engaged in Paris,
France, in 2019 and married her now-husband
(a University of North Carolina alumnus) in 2020.
The couple bought a house in New Jersey in
2022. She recently started a new role as Director
of Events for the Kent Place School in Summit, NJ.
LLOYD W. HOWELL III ’18TCB She graduated from St. John’s in 1992 at
L3howell@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/lloydhowell3
After graduating
in 2018, Mr. Howell
moved across the
country to San
Diego, CA, to start
his first job. He
returned to the
East Coast during
the COVID-19
pandemic to be
with his family in
Miami, FL, and
work remotely.
After the pandemic peaked, he decided to
further his education. In 2022, he enrolled in
the joint degree pathway program at Florida
International University to earn a dual-joint
degree program with an M.B.A./MSIS focus. He is
expected to graduate in 2024.
While gearing up to return to the workforce
after completing his graduate studies, he
hopes to further expand his involvement and
re-engage with the University. Mr. Howell would
love to connect and chat with members of the
St. John’s community as he seeks a more active
role as an alumnus.
62 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E
2000s
VIVIAN SAUNDERS ’03CPS
Vivian Saunders majored in Computer Science with a minor in Business and Telecommunications. He enjoys
serving as an alumni volunteer as it is a natural progression from his days as a student. “I enjoy volunteering,”
he said. “It all actually started out at St. John’s, volunteering at soup kitchens and with various organizations
including Student Government, Inc.”
Mr. Saunders felt a huge sense of community and alumni support when he was a student in the College of
Professional Studies (now The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies).
He continued, “It’s come full circle. As an alumnus and a Board member of the Black Alumni Association, I’m
on the other side of the equation, so I want to give back to students and provide them with the fulfilling
www.linkedin.com/in/christophertmkhan experiences that I enjoyed.”
After completing his undergraduate degree, In addition to his role as Thread Vulnerability Management Analyst at Bloomberg L.P., Mr. Saunders is also the
Christopher T. M. Khan continued pursuing a career in Founder and Owner of www.BuyCheapCentral.com. In 2008, he created this platform for the Black community
the insurance industry. He has been in the field to shop for items they would purchase regularly, but at a lower price.
now for eight years and is a Compliance Officer
for a privately held insurance company.
Mr. Khan is a member of the St. John’s
Alumni Committee and lives in Jamaica
Estates, Queens. 1990s 1980s
ADINA LUNDY, ED.D. ’92SVC MARIE FIORELLI ’89GED
Adina Lundy is a researcher, professor, public Marie Fiorelli has been associated with St. John’s and
speaker, and advocate for the marginalized. the Staten Island, NY, campus since 1967. Her husband,
Edward Fiorelli, was the first Director of Admission
LUBNA LUNDY ’10TCB the age of 19 and owned a chain of coffee there in 1971 and her two daughters are alumna. She
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fidelitylubnalundy/recent-activity/all houses, Muddy Waters, in New York City. now has a grandchild continuing the family’s St. John’s
After serving as an intern in 2009, Lubna Lundy began her career in The chain employed former felons with legacy as a student at the Queens, NY, campus.
financial services at Pershing, a BNY Mellon company, as a Corporate the assistance of The Fortune Society. She
Trainee in 2010 and started her career as a Product Manager, where transitioned out of entrepreneurship and ANA GARCIA ’83SVC
she managed platform solutions for investment products such as earned her master’s degree in psychology Ana Garcia is a contributor
exchange-traded funds, mutual funds, and alternative investments. from Harvard University and her Ed.D. from to ABC’s 20/20, providing
She moved to Fidelity Investments in 2016 to manage their Investment the University of Hartford. Dr. Lundy is now a analysis and commentary
Research platform for institutional and advisory clients, and in 2020, Professor at the University of Rhode Island. on complex crimes. She
took a role in the Asset Management Investment Product Group to was recently on Good
develop and manage thematic investment solutions. In this role, she ALAN J. MILLER ’90SVC Day New York, promoting
creates investment product solutions with the Fidelity Fundamental her popular podcast,
Alan J. Miller has been a public relations
and Quantitative True Crime Daily, which
professional since shortly after earning his
Investment teams has more than 19 million
degree from St. Vincent’s College at the
and has launched downloads and five
Staten Island campus. Since 2001, he has
six public equity million subscribers on
operated his own public relations agency (i.e.,
products that are YouTube.
Alan Miller Public Relations) and has done PR
trading on the
for a wide range of mostly live entertainment
exchanges today. STEVEN A. LOCASCIO ’80CBA
brands, including off-Broadway productions,
She lives in circuses, touring theatrical shows, monster Steven A. LoCascio is President of CBS Media Ventures,
Montclair, NJ, and truck arena spectacles, bull riding events, the syndication division of CBS Entertainment,
is engaged to Jon children’s museums, art shows, ice shows, Paramount Global.
Roberts. The couple touring museum exhibitions, and Rock & Roll
has a three-year-old Hall of Fame musicians. He recently released an album of original songs KATHLEEN MCGOVERN ’88CBA, ’91L
daughter named with another St. John’s alumnus, Shawn Moynihan ’91SVC, under the name In January, Kathleen McGovern was named Partner
Ella. Brother Dynamite, which is available on all streaming platforms. Mr. Miller at Squire Patton Boggs, an international law firm in
lives in Staten Island, NY, with his wife of more than 30 years and their son. Washington DC, in the Government Investigations and
White-Collar group.
S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 63
 RICHARD R. SANZEN ’73P
Richard R. Sanzen graduated from
ELIZABETH A. MUCHOW ’87CBA St. John’s University in 1973, and was
AND PATRICK L. MUCHOW a brother of Delta Sigma Theta, the
’87CBA, ’92MBA international fraternity of the healing
arts. He completed a one-year Clinical
The Muchows were honored as the
Pharmacy Residency at Mercy
“Supporters of the Year” in 2022
Hospital in Rockville Centre, NY,
at the “Evening with St. John’s
specializing in infectious diseases.
Basketball” for their contributions,
He then worked as a representative
support, and fund-raising for the
for Lederle Labs, and as a retail and
Men’s Basketball program.
hospital pharmacist.
ANTHONY D. YANDOLI, With an interest in chemistry and formulations
C.P.A. ’86CBA and owning horses (and living next to the famous Saratoga
Race Course and neighboring Saratoga Harness Track), he
Anthony D. Yandoli is a
turned a hobby of making products for racehorses into a
proud alumnus of the
business: Saratoga Veterinary Products.
University and was a
founding member of Beta In the early 2000s, he sold that business, and in 2010 founded
Alpha Psi, the accounting Ameriquest Pharmaceutical, LLC, which focuses on offering
honor society at St. John’s. unique, high-end nutritional supplements for animals. He
In 1996, he attended Baruch would like to encourage other pharmacists to consider
College and earned his entrepreneurial opportunities outside of the traditional
master’s degree in taxation. pharmacist role.
He will always be a Johnnie
at heart, and credits God 1960s
and St. John’s for his professional success, which led him to a
STEPHEN MCFADDEN ’63C
real estate controllership position. Mr. Yandoli and his wife Kim
seekingpars@yahoo.com
celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in 2022 surrounded
by 30 family members. His mother passed away in 2011, Stephen McFadden graduated from St. John’s in 1963 with a ANDREW J. BARTILUCCI, PH.D. ’44P, ’98HON Dr. Bartilucci’s distinguished career has resulted in him being
suffering from dementia. In her honor, he and his wife support degree in Chemistry and then earned an M.S. in Chemistry recognized in a variety of ways: with honorary degrees from
Andrew J. Bartilucci, Ph.D. ’44P, ’98HON, Dean Emeritus of the
the Alzheimer’s Association to help those families in similar from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an M.B.A. Union and Niagara Universities; with the first American
College of Pharmacy—a post he held for 34 years—recently
situations. They are also supporters of the American Legion and in Finance from The Wharton School at the University of Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education Distinguished Service
celebrated his 100th birthday and received the Lifetime
the Veterans of Foreign Wars, as well as the Air Force Association, Pennsylvania. He joined ExxonMobil in 1968 and worked in Profile Award; and with the Pietas, President’s, and Outstanding
Achievement Award at the sixth annual College of Pharmacy
which helps Air Force families in need. seven locations around the world before retiring in 2000. He Administrator Medals; the St. Vincent de Paul Medal; and the
and Health Sciences (CPHS) Gala held on April 1.
now lives in The Woodlands section of Texas. He has been Medal of Honor from St. John’s University. In 1990, Dr. Bartilucci
married to Elvia for 56 years and the couple has four children In videotaped remarks shared at the gala, was honored by being named an Affiliate of the Congregation of
and seven grandchildren. Mr. McFadden applies his chemistry Dr. Bartilucci conveyed his deep appreciation for the Mission community.
training to the kitchen and has been cooking meals at home the award. “I was privileged to work with many Always a prolific communicator, Dr. Bartilucci recently donated
1970s since 1993.
good people at St. John’s—faculty, staff, and to the University Archives a bound collection of vignettes that
ROBERT M. IANNIELLO, PH.D. ’76C, ’79G administrators—and I cannot forget the students, document his long pharmacy and academic career and trace the
After spending 35 years employed in the industrial chemicals
1950s without which we would have no work.”
growth and expansion of St. John’s.
research and development field, Robert M. Ianniello retired in JOSEPH M. MATTONE, SR., ESQ. ’53C, ’55L, ’94HON
After serving in the US Navy and briefly working in the
2016 and relocated to Boca Raton, FL, in April 2022. He continues Joseph M. Mattone, Sr. is a proud graduate of St. John’s pharmaceutical industry, he returned to St. John’s as a faculty
to provide technical guidance as a consultant to the precious University and a son of New York City. The author of A Life Well member and Dean of the College of Pharmacy (now the WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUBMISSION!
metals reclamation industry, assisting companies that Lived has seven children and 27 grandchildren. He is dedicated College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences). Dr. Bartilucci We have received so many that we have decided to print a special “News
recycle spent automobile catalysts for the platinum group to a lifetime of philanthropy in many areas and supports his served as Dean of the College for an unprecedented 34 and Notes”-only edition of the magazine. You will receive it before summer’s
metals content. alma mater. He has been honored by St. John’s with many end, so if you don’t see your post in this issue of St. John’s Magazine, don’t
years, guiding it into national prominence; developing new
He reflects fondly on his interaction with the faculty and awards for his philanthropy, including the President’s Medal, academic programs in various health and science professions worry—they will all be included in this other publication.
students of the Department of Chemistry at St. John’s. Having Spirit of Service Award, and the Medal of Honor. At the School including clinical laboratory science, toxicology, physician You may continue to submit “News and Notes” by
been an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at various colleges/ of Law, he has served as Annual Bar Association Chairman assistant, and pathologist assistant; and inaugurating creative • Emailing newsandnotes@stjohns.edu with your brief update, along
universities, he firmly believes that the quality of education he at the School’s luncheon, and on the School’s Alumni Board initiatives such as the Self-Pace program to expand with your full name, class year, School/College, and major.
received at St. John’s was a primary success factor in his career of Directors. Mr. Mattone recently completed his tenure as a • Visiting the St. John’s submission page at
educational opportunities for the disadvantaged.
www.stjohns.edu/newsandnotes.
development and accomplishments. member of St. John’s Board of Trustees.

64 S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E S T. J O H N ’ S M A G A Z I N E G LO B A L I S S U E 65
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