December 13, 2016
There was fun, laughter, and German music in the air as more than 250 alumni and friends came together on Saturday, October 1, 2016, to enjoy the fourth annual St. John’s University Alumni Oktoberfest at Plattduetsche Park in Franklin Square, NY.
The Oktoberfest has quickly become one of the most popular alumni events of the fall season. This was the second time it was held in one of the area’s most famous ethnic venues.
“It’s important that alumni have opportunities to stay connected with each other and St. John’s, so this is a seasonal event that does just that,” remarked Mark Andrews, Director, Office of Alumni Relations. “It’s great to see everyone having such a wonderful time sharing St. John’s stories and making new ones.”
For many alumni, coming to the Oktoberfest has become an annual tradition. They enjoy the food, music, and camaraderie, as well as the opportunity to share their memories of the University that continues to remain an important part of their lives.
“This is my second time at this event,” noted Bob Guida ’85CBA, ’91MBA. “My wife and I were here last year and had a wonderful time. Coming to St. John’s events brings back so many good memories. We met at St. John’s and were married several years after we graduated, so St. John’s has always been close to our hearts.”
Mary-Ann Egel Guida ’86CBA, ’07MBA agreed. “We’re also bringing 12 of our friends, some of whom are also St. John’s graduates. It’s great to get everyone together on a Saturday afternoon with nice people in a nice environment.”
Although this was her first time at Oktoberfest, Donna Luisi ’82C, ’84G regularly attends St. John’s activities and events throughout the year. One of the reasons she enrolled at the University was its commitment to academic excellence grounded in the values of the Catholic faith. She is happy to see that those traditions are still a part of the St. John’s experience.
“Going to a Catholic college was important to me, and I’m happy to see that the University has remained true to its Catholic and Vincentian ideals,” she said. “I have an attachment to the University—it’s in my heart! I’m very proud that I went to school there. My best memory is all about the friends I made there. I worked in the library while I was an undergraduate, and I look back on that fondly. This is my first time at Oktoberfest. My friends and I go to many St. John’s events, and we decided that this sounded like fun, so here we are.”
Whether they graduated decades ago or are among our youngest alumni, being a part of the University family depends not on age, but rather the shared experiences that make St. John’s so incredibly unique. For many, the opportunity to reminisce about their student days on campus will always remain a powerful attraction to the university they love.
“I love to spend time with St. John’s alumni and relive our glory days,” acknowledged Cathleen Tomes ’15C, ’17G. “I love the University, and I miss all of the on-campus activities. My best memory of St. John’s is the feeling of community that was a part of all Campus Ministry events. I always enjoyed being able to do something for others, and I still try to keep up with serving others and volunteering as much as possible. The St. John’s mission is, and always will be, a part of my life. My mom went to St. John’s, so for us the University is a family tradition.”
And as in any good family, everyone looks forward to inviting friends to share in the warmth of good times and special occasions.
Although not an alumnus, Paul Schueller was enjoying his first St. John’s Oktoberfest. For him, the exceptional German food and music was a special way to enjoy his family’s Old World heritage.
“I was born in Cologne, Germany, and came to the United States when I was two years old,” he said. “I’m a friend of Flo and John (’59UC) Tutungian, and I go where they go. I’ve been to a number of celebrations in Germany, but this is my first time at the St. John’s Oktoberfest. I like to stay in touch with my ethnic heritage, and this is a fun way to do so.”