July 16, 2012
During
its 142-year history, St. John's University has risen from a
relatively small college in Brooklyn to a world-renowned
institution, with campuses in the United States and Europe.
But aside from its physical growth, St. John's has become a great
influence on the intellectual, cultural and business life of New
York City and the country. Serving a rich mosaic of students
from its onset, the University at first fulfilled its original
vision of providing a superior education for first-generation
college students and for the immigrant population of the
city. Through the years, St. John's evolved into a University
that attracts a diverse population of students from all over the
country and the world, while maintaining the moral traditions of
its Vincentian roots.
The history and achievements of St. John's will be the subject
of a forthcoming book. Dr. Frank Brady, a faculty member of
St. John's College of Professional Studies, and his wife, Maxine
Brady, Associate Editor of the Tobin College Review of Business,
have been commissioned by the University to chronicle the story of
St. John's. The couple has written more than a dozen
published books between them and both are best-selling
authors.
"This saga of St. John's will serve as a biography of a great
institution - a city of ideas - one that is rooted inextricably
with the history of the growth of New York City," said Dr.
Brady. "What a remarkable story St. John's has to tell," said
Maxine Brady. "The University has inspired thousands to achieve
excellence: former governors, a member of Parliament, lawyers,
scientists, judges, publishers, teachers, CEOs, Olympic and
professional athletes, dozens of Fulbright scholars. The
roster of accomplishments is awe-inspiring."
Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s
University, is thrilled to commission this project because of its
rich historical value.
"The book will chronicle the phenomenal growth of St. John's
since it was founded in 1870," said Rev. Harrington, C.M., "and
will serve as a valuable resource for those seeking to know more
about our tradition of academic excellence and service to the
community. I am delighted that Dr. Frank Brady, one of our longtime
faculty members and most accomplished authors, along with his wife,
Maxine, have agreed to undertake this project."
This summer they will begin researching and analyzing University
archives, documents, diaries and letters, and conducting interviews
of current and former faculty, administrators, staff members,
students and alumni.
The biography of St. John's is expected to be completed in
late 2014. For possible inclusion in the book, anyone in the
St. John's community - past or present - is invited to contact the
authors with their memories, documents, photographs, etc. at stjbiography@stjohns.edu.
For more information contact Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice
President for Media Relations at St. John’s University by calling
(718) 990-6185 or e-mail inquiries to sciannad@stjohns.edu.
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