The McCallen Society Keeps SJU's Future in Focus

Members of The McCallen Society enjoy reminiscing about the past – but they can’t help but keep tomorrow’s students at the forefront. And at The McCallen Society Annual Recognition Mass and Luncheon, St. John’s University thanked these generous donors for all that they do.

Interim President Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M. used the event as his first opportunity to introduce himself to members of The McCallen Society and personally express his gratitude. Comprised of alumni and friends who choose to include St. John’s in their estate plans, The McCallen Society contributed more than $2.3 million to the University this past fiscal year.

“Those resources have had an incredible impact on what we do here every single day,” Fr. Levesque said. “They’ve helped us to enhance our academic programs, improve our facilities, provide much needed scholarship assistance and simply make the St. John’s experience the very best it can be for every student.”

For longtime McCallen Society members, like Elizabeth Hassan Meismeyer ’57CBA, knowing they’ve made an impact on deserving young men and women is what makes it all worthwhile.

“Without question, St. John’s made a great difference in my life,” she said. “It’s obviously making a difference in the lives of students today – just look at how many Fulbrights we had. To know that my support has helped other students have a great experience is quite rewarding, so to see the University making strides year after year is like the icing on the cake.”

Jack Scheich ’63C, ’66L, meanwhile, traced his connection with St. John’s back to his grammar-school days. From being an altar boy to his time at St. John’s Preparatory School all the way to St. John’s University, he enjoyed nearly 11 years of Vincentian education and will never forget the generous financial assistance that made it all possible. 

“I would never have been able to attend these great schools without their monetary aid, because my family just couldn’t afford it,” he explained. “Back then, the powers that be always made sure my tuition was paid, so I always want to return the favor. And to see what’s gone on around here – the transformation of the campus, in particular – shows me that we’ve all had a very strong and meaningful impact.”

The McCallen Society welcomed 30 new members this past year, many of whom were in attendance and eager to share their reasons for giving.

“I wanted to support St. John’s in a way that was permanent,” said new member John P. Della Ratta ’59L. “I persevered through St. John’s School of Law, and that was a wonderful experience, so I want to make sure that students many years from now will always continue to benefit from my support. That’s why I joined The McCallen Society, and I’m very glad to be here.”

Daniel Scanlon ’83C, ’87L – also a new member – fondly recalled his student years at St. John’s, noting how back then, the seeds to give back were first planted. A former student-athlete, Scanlon viewed The McCallen Society as the perfect way to make a lasting contribution for young men and women following in his footsteps.

“Social justice, Catholic philosophy and big-time sports: what’s not to love?” he asked. “My student days were so great that I’d do anything for St. John’s. And you can see today that the University continues to modernize while keeping its values constant. It’s important for me to know I’m putting my dollars to good use through The McCallen Society and helping our community accomplish so much.”

The McCallen Society is named after former University Treasurer Rev. Thomas J. McCallen, C.M.. And Fr. Levesque, as he thanked all the guests in attendance, recalled how he was once a student in one of Fr. McCallen’s classes.

“Fr. McCallen was a great professor, but what was most striking about him was that he had a very generous heart,” Fr. Levesque remembered. “He gave his whole life to the community, and now I want to thank you for the life you’ve led and, like Fr. McCallen, for including St. John’s right in the center of your heart.”

For additional information on The McCallen Society, contact Susan Damiani ’87CBA, Director of Gift Planning, at (718) 990-7562 or e-mail [email protected]