October 01, 2012
Becoming better citizens by serving those in need — St. John’s
students, professors and staff explored the possibilities in
September as the University held its annual Founder's
Week celebration to honor the enduring legacy of
St. Vincent de Paul.
A tradition across all St. John's campuses, Founder's Week took
place on September 24 – 29. It encompassed a series of events and
activities that encouraged student engagement on issues relating to
social justice. This year's theme, "Be Vincentian: Faith Filled
Citizens," focused on the shared responsibility of all citizens to
help create social conditions that ensure human dignity.
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“Founder’s Week allows us to connect with our Catholic and
Vincentian mission in new and meaningful ways,” said Lucy Pesce,
Executive Director for Mission. "Our hope is to remind ourselves of
the example of St. Vincent de Paul, so that all of us — regardless
of our own life situation or unique faith tradition — can help to
create a better world."
This year, the St. John’s community was asked to examine the
many practical approaches taken by St. Vincent to allay social
ills. Supporting the theme of Founder’s Week,
Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., Executive Vice President for Mission
and Student Services, celebrated a special Mass at
St. Thomas More Church on September 27 to commemorate the Feast
of St. Vincent de Paul.
"God, in Jesus Christ, has broken open into our lives that great
love," Fr. Maher declared. "We are called to share the blessing of
that love with those who live lives that are not blessed — those
who contend with alienation, loneliness, poverty, struggle,
isolation and abandonment."
On
September 29, University
Service Day allowed all members of the St. John’s community to
venture beyond campus to serve those in greatest need. Students,
faculty and staff volunteered in local soup kitchens,
nursing homes and other agencies.
Brian Fausto ’15CPS served at the Trinity Human Service Center
in Brooklyn. "It was a wonderful experience,” he said. “The
director was so thankful we were there to help — we really made a
difference."
Each year, the capstone event of Founder's Week is the
Vincentian Convocation. Held on September 27 this year, it was an
opportunity to honor outstanding individuals and entities who
exemplified St. Vincent’s legacy:
- Vincentian Mission Award: Konrad T.
Tuchscherer, Ph.D., Associate Professor of History and Director of
the University’s African Studies Program, for his efforts to serve
the people of Africa
- St. Vincent de Paul Medal:
John Bender ’88CBA, founder of the St. Baldrick’s Society, which
has raised over $146 million for cancer research
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal: Eileen Donnelly
Alexanderson ’79CBA for her efforts supporting Catholic
education
- Frédéric Ozanam Award: The School Sisters of
Notre Dame Education Center in Woodside, Queens, for significantly
improving the circumstances of the disadvantaged and advancing the
cause of social justice
- President’s Medal: Emelinda Nuñez-Afiz for her
outstanding service to the clients of St. John's Bread and
Life
- Honorary degree recipients: Rev. John Prager,
C.M., Director of the Daughters of Charity Province in Ecuador, who
has dedicated more than 30 years to rural ministry and Central
America and has lectured throughout the world on issues relating to
Vincentian spirituality; and Sister Louis Gallahue, D.C., Visatrix
of the Province of St. Louise, a guiding force for the Daughters of
Charity
The Convocation highlighted an inspiring week of lectures,
luncheons, exhibitions, a film and other events that gave all
members of the St. John's community a chance to integrate service
into their lives.