The
persistent rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the many alumni
and friends who gathered in Marillac Terrace on the Queens campus
on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 for the 11th Annual Summer
Concert. Featuring the Queens Symphony Orchestra, the concert
was a joint effort of St. John’s University’s Offices of Community
Relations and Alumni Relations and
St. John’s The
School of Education. It was co-sponsored by Con Edison,
Rienzi Foods, Coca Cola, the New York State Council on the Arts,
the New York Department of Cultural Affairs and the Parks
Department of New York City.
Founded in 1953 and in its 57th season, the Queens Symphony
Orchestra is the borough’s only professional orchestra and the
oldest and largest professional arts organization in Queens. The
Queens Symphony Orchestra is made up of professional, union
musicians who also perform on Broadway, with the New York City
Ballet, and other freelance orchestras.
Famed Maestro Constantine Kitsopoulos, in his fourth season with
the Orchestra, occupies a rare position in the orchestral world in
that he is only the third Music Director in the 57-year history of
the organization..
“We thank the Queens Symphony Orchestra for bringing this
concert to our community,” said Joseph Sciame ’71Ed, St. John’s
Vice President for Community Relations. “This event is a
labor of love and a great number of people contribute to the
success of this venture. We appreciate all of their
efforts.”
As
part of the festivities, Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall
presented a Declaration of Honor to The School of Education on the
occasion of its 100th anniversary. The concert drew many
alumni and friends of the School who had been participating in the
many activities of the School’s Centennial Celebration during the
past year.
“I was president of The School of Education Alumni Association for
many years,” noted Anna Maria Montuori ’68Ed, ’70GEd, ’82PD “and
I’ve always been active at St. John’s. I came to St. John’s
on a scholarship. The University was very good to me, and now
it’s time for me to give back. That’s why I’m a member of The
McCallen Society, and why I’m planning to help St. John’s in the
future.”
Maria E. Giampaolo ’62Ed said that she came back “…because I wanted
to join some friends and have a pleasant evening with good food and
good music. This campus is so different now – there were only
three buildings here when I was a student. It’s amazing to
see all the changes that have taken place over the years.”
Many guests came early to socialize and enjoy a pre-concert
reception featuring the traditional barbeque fare of hot dogs,
hamburgers, salads, cookies and soft drinks. For them, the
Summer Concert is an event not to be missed.
“I’ve
been involved with St. John’s since I graduated,” said Kathleen M.
LaVache ’74Ed. “I’ve come to other concerts here and always
enjoyed them. It’s a nice way to spend time with other people
who are graduates and friends of St. John’s. I have a really
strong connection to the University and have come to love it even
more since I graduated.”
“I have good memories of St. John’s. I love to come back and
I really enjoy these concerts and barbeques,” concurred Timothy
Schlameuss ’78CBA. “I like coming back to see the different
things that are always happening on campus.”
Charles Buckley ’69CBA was also quick to acknowledge his affinity
for alma mater. “I went to school at the [St.
John’s] Brooklyn campus,” he said. “I came to this concert
last year for the first time and really enjoyed it. I also
came to the Christmas concert, which was also very enjoyable.
I have a real sense of pride in St. John’s!”
The warm feelings for the University were readily apparent as
alumni reminisced about their student days. “I really like to
stay involved with the University, and these alumni events are
great,” remarked Joseph Costa ’04TCB. “I had a positive
experience here as a student and I really like what St. John’s
stands for.”
“I try to get back to St. John’s as much as possible,” said Joseph
M. Composto ’56C. “I attended my 25th and 50th anniversary
celebrations, and it’s always good to come back and keep my
relationship to St. John’s alive. This University means a lot
to me. We’re all in the St. John’s family.”