Reverend James J. Maher,
May 23, 2011
Marking the latest milestone in the University’s Vincentian mission
of excellence and service, the 2011 graduating class included the
first students to receive degrees in two new programs created
through VISA, the University’s ambitious Vincentian Institute for
Social Action.
On
May 13, St. John’s celebrated the graduation of the first classes
in the
Advantage Academy and Ozanam Scholars
Program during a special ceremony at the D’Angelo Center. Both
programs are successful outgrowths of VISA an initiative designed
to more visibly embed St. John’s Catholic and Vincentian mission
into the educational experience of its students.
Thirty-one students graduated from the Ozanam Scholars Program,
which provides an academic platform for students to address issues
of global poverty and social injustice. Rooted in the themes
of academic scholarship, Vincentian leadership and global
citizenship, the program gives students the opportunity to elevate
their contribution to society through solutions-based
research.
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The Advantage Academy is the fruit of an innovative partnership
between St. John’s and the New York City Department of Homeless
Services. Housed in the
College of Professional Studies, the Academy allows qualified
homeless and formerly homeless, individuals earn associate’s
degrees. This year 11 students graduated with degrees in
Business and Information Technology. Through mentoring and other
support services the students also gain the skills and confidence
necessary to break the cycle of poverty.
Reverend
James J. Maher, Executive Vice President for Mission, said the
event represented “a wonderful blend of the gifts of intellect,
passion and faith” of these students. He added that both
programs were indebted to James
Pellow, Ed.D., outgoing Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of St. John’s, and Julia
Upton, Provost, whose tireless efforts, faith and vision led to
their creation.
“Our first graduates of the Ozanam Scholars Program will take
their abundant talents to serve those who live on the margins of
life,” said Fr. Maher. As the first graduates of the Advantage
Academy go forth, they are equipped not only with an important
academic degree, but with a spirit of confidence in their own
abilities as graduates and members of the St. John's family.”
In addition to the ceremony, the evening recognized VISA’s
community partnerships and presented awards to students and
faculty. The Excellence in Service-Learning Award was presented to
Nina Dorata, Ph.D., for her leadership with the
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), which allows
students to offer free tax assistance to low income individuals and
the Excellence in Teaching Awards were presented to Thomas
Kitts, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, English and Speech, and Lawrence
Pitilli, Associate Professor of Speech, for their work with the
Advantage Academy.
St. John’s Bread and
Life received the Community Partnership Award, given to an
agency that provides VISA with opportunities to address issues of
poverty and social injustice. In addition to VITA, VISA launched
Project Identity at Bread and Life, a program that enabled
Ozanam Scholars to assist clients in obtaining various forms of
legal identification.
Dr. Pellow received a special Leadership Impact Award for his
“visionary leadership and understanding of the University’s
Vincentian mission.” in the development and creation of
VISA.
Fr. Maher noted, “His efforts will have an essential role in the
educational experience of future generations of St. John’s
students.”