November 10, 2008
The School of Law hosted a brunch on September 20, 2008 to honor
graduates from the classes of 1928-1958. The newly formed
group affectionately known as the “Schermerhorn Scholars” consists
of School of Law alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago.
The brunch provided an opportunity for classmates to rekindle old
friendships, and learn about the accomplishments and advancements
at the Law School. Theodore Zoob ’38 shared the following
thought, “I really had a wonderful time. I was made to feel
welcome and reconnected to my Law School; I look forward to
visiting again and perhaps even sit in on a class.”
The event commenced with Mass in the St. Thomas More Church
which was celebrated by Rev. Timothy Lyons, C.M., Chaplain for the
School of Law. After mass, George Richardson, Executive
Director of Alumni Relations and Development, welcomed the sixty
attendees back to St. John’s School of Law. Alumni attendees
enjoyed brunch and cocktails in the Mattone Family Atrium.
Celebrants had ample opportunity to reminisce and plan future
social visits, with fellow Schermerhorn Scholars.
Eleanor J. Smirti ’43 commented on the accomplishments of fellow
attendees, “a number of graduates in attendance today, interrupted
their legal educations for military service then returned to St.
John’s Law to complete their studies. Following graduation
they forged careers and went their separate ways. This event
reconnects us.” Yearbooks from represented years prompted
discussions about fellow classmates and faculty from another
era. Richardson noted, “We would not be the Law School we are
today without the history shared by our most senior alumni.”
Professor John Q. Barrett spoke to the group about St. John’s
Law School, including the credentials and accomplishments of our
students, the faculty’s excellent teaching and scholarship, and our
recent building enhancements. Professor Barrett emphasized
that “Schermerhorn” alumni are part of this Law School and urged
them to attend scholarly and social events and to visit law
classes.
All those in attendance received a commemorative Schermerhorn
Scholars pin. A tour of the Law School was provided by SBA
President Peter Ryan (3L) and Editor-in-Chief of the St. John’s Law
Review Ray Mascia (3L). Attendees were impressed by the
Belson Moot Court, the new Writing Center, the Rittenberg Library
and the Birchby Lecture Hall.
Each year the class celebrating its 50th reunion will be
welcomed as members of the Schermerhorn Scholars. If you are
a graduate of the St. John’s School of Law between 1928 and 1959,
you will be invited to the next Schermerhorn Scholars Event
scheduled for Fall 2009. For additional information, please
contact Executive Director George Richardson at (718) 990-5792 or
richardg@stjohns.edu.