December 17, 2012
The St. John’s community kicked off the Christmas season at the
Alumni Winter Carnival – and the stars came out for the
occasion.
Photo gallery
Photos with
Santa
Head Coach Steve Lavin, Special Assistant/Advisor Gene Keady and
members of the Men’s Basketball team mingled with guests and signed
autographs throughout the night, as alumni and their families
reminisced over hot chocolate and other holiday treats.
“Our
St. John’s community comes together to celebrate so many things,
whether it’s an athletic competition, graduation for our students
or the magic of the holidays,” Lavin said. “It’s special to be a
part of this community, and after tonight, there’s no question that
I’m in a festive, holiday mood.”
In addition to meeting Lavin, Keady and the team, children posed
for photos with Santa and enjoyed a special arts and crafts
table.
“It’s all about the kids,” said Edwin Suarez ’70C, who came with a
number of family members and friends. “Back when I was a student,
we definitely didn’t celebrate Christmas like this on campus, so
this is turning into a wonderful family tradition. Most
importantly, I think events like this help motivate the kids to
come to St. John’s one day and get an education.”
The event also included the lighting of the campus Christmas tree,
as the Voices of Victory Choir sang hymns and carols. Many alumni,
like Catherine Cavanagh ’86C, ’89L, noted that this festive
tradition serves as the perfect backdrop for a yearly reunion with
old friends.
“My
kids and I have been coming here every year,” said Cavanagh. “We
meet up with three or four friends that I graduated with, and the
night ultimately turns into a little alumni get-together for us.
Our kids get to spend some time with each other and so do the
parents, and I can’t tell you how great it is to be back on this
campus.”
As always, the event culminated in a magnificent fireworks display,
with students, faculty, alumni and staff all watching together as
the night sky filled with a flurry of dazzling lights.
“Fireworks in winter is something I find very cool,” Cavanagh
continued. “You typically associate it with Independence Day, so to
have it tied into Christmas like this is unique.”
From photos with Santa to holiday treats, meeting Steve Lavin to
the remarkable fireworks show, attendees like Maria Wurpel ’91P
were left amazed with the way campus transformed so seamlessly into
a winter wonderland.
“Every time I come to campus, I’m amazed at the community here,”
she explained. “The tree puts us in a festive mood, and my son was
so excited to meet Santa and Steve Lavin. It’s just a fun time for
everyone.”