June 14, 2012
The New York City
Council honored St. John’s University’s
Mock Trial Team on June 14 with a proclamation recognizing the
team’s 20th anniversary and its continuing success in preparing
students for “distinguished legal careers and public service.”
The ceremony at City Hall was attended by all 10 team members
along with Julia
A. Upton, RSM, Ph.D., Provost, and the coaches:
Bernard Helldorfer, Esq., ’77CBA, ’80L, Professor and Chair of
Criminal Justice and Legal Studies in the
College of Professional Studies; and Oscar Holt, Esq., ’73C,
’76Ed, ’79L, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Legal
Studies.
“It is wonderful to see the city pay tribute to our students and
coaches for a successful season — and two decades of distinction,”
said Dr. Upton.
Signed and read by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, the
proclamation was sponsored by Council Member Jimmy Van
Bramer ’94C, who was on the 1991-1992 inaugural Mock Trial
Team. The proclamation cited the team’s “determination, focus and
talent” and the “tireless support” of its coaches, including that
of Assistant Coach Kareem Vessup ’01CPS, ’04L, who was unable to
attend.
Thanking Helldorfer and Holt for their efforts, Van Bramer noted
that the team finished this year in the top 20 out of 700 colleges
nationwide. “Professors Helldorfer and Holt helped me hone my
skills as a public speaker and debater,” he said. “By giving me
opportunities like this, St. John’s prepared me for my future in
the political arena.”
Reflecting his long-term dedication to the team, Van Bramer
added that two interns at his office are St. John’s students and
current members of the team. “I am proud of all of them — current
members and past,” he said. “Many have gone on to distinguished
careers as lawyers and public officials.”
Accepting the honor, Helldorfer said, “Professor Holt and I
founded the team to showcase the University’s academic excellence.
Today, our students are being recognized not only for excellence,
but for their countless hours of hard work.”
Acknowledging the long hours, Co-Captain Gary Dunn ’13CPS added,
“It’s all been worth it. Today is a culmination of what has been a
life-changing experience.”
“Being part of this 20-year legacy is inspiring,” said
Co-Captain Xuan Gong ’13C, an intern at Van Bramer’s office. The
team's third co-captain, Peter Ozelius ’13C, also is an intern
there.
“Like the Council Member before me and all the others, I’m
gaining preparation to become an advocate for the downtrodden,"
said Xuan. "Belonging to the Mock Trial Team is not just an
extracurricular activity, but a lifestyle.”
