May 14, 2011
Staten Island, NY (May 14, 2011) – More than 2,000 family and
friends gathered on the Great Lawn of St. John’s University’s Staten Island campus
this morning to celebrate the 2011 Commencement. University
President,
Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M. presided over the ceremony and
conferred an Honorary Doctor of Commercial Sciences degree upon CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo
and awarded local Staten Island hero, Elissa Montanti, the
President’s Medal for her work with children from war-torn areas
around the world.
Rev. Harrington, C.M. praised the 352 proud graduates, as
well as their families, and offered his blessing as they make their
way into the world as alumni of St. John’s.
“Today, you, our graduates, will leave this campus with a St.
John’s diploma in hand,” he said. “May that diploma always
call you forth to use your personal gifts fully. May it also
challenge you to never lose sight of your brothers and sisters in
need and to find each in your own way the opportunity to serve
others. It is with great pleasure and pride that I welcome you to
the ranks of alumni of St. John’s University.”
Bartiromo, a New York City native from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, was
honored to be speaking at the ceremony and has always felt a deep
connection with St. John’s. Her brother, Pat, is a graduate
and she shared her fond memories of growing up and watching him
enjoy his experiences at St. John’s. The University was part of her
family, she said, and today felt like “coming home.”
“St. John’s has helped you grow and you now know that success comes
with preparation and hard work,” said Bartiromo. “But, as you
embark on this next chapter, you will need more than hard
work. You will need to reach into your faith and your value
system to do the right thing at all times.”
Famous for her business acumen as one of the lead anchors on CNBC,
Bartiromo’s weekly network show “The Closing Bell” is one of the
highest rated programs on CNBC airing Monday-Friday from 3-5 p.m.
EST. She has covered Wall Street for more than 20 years and is the
anchor and managing editor of the nationally syndicated “Wall Street Journal
Report,” rated the most watched financial news program in
America.
Elissa Montanti was given the President’s Medal in honor of a
lifetime of service. Montanti’s work with children – most of
whom have lost limbs in war zones all across the world has been
featured on CBS’s “60 Minutes” and PEOPLE magazine’s “Heroes Among
Us.” These children are assisted with visas and accommodations at
Montanti’s Staten Island (GMRF) facility sponsored by the Richmond
County Savings Foundation (a local business affiliate).
Tomorrow, Sunday, May 15, the Queens Commencement will take place
at 11 a.m. Mike Repole, co-founder of Glaceau vitaminwater
will deliver the commencement address and receive an honorary
Doctor of Commercial Sciences degree. St. John’s Hall of Fame
Basketball Coach Lou Carnesecca will be presented the St. Vincent
de Paul medal for his 50-years of service to the University.
For more information regarding St. John’s and the 2011 Commencement
Exercises contact Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice President for
Media Relations, by calling (718) 990-6185 or e-mail inquires to sciannad@stjohns.edu.