Dear Alumni and Friends of The School of Education:
I am very excited to share the news that the academic year
2008-09 will mark St. John’s The School of Education’s 100th
anniversary.
Founded on September 28, 1908, The School of Education (then
called The School of Pedagogy) was considered one of New York
State’s top three education schools from its earliest beginnings.
It was one of the first to award graduate degrees to teachers and
administrators. We were able to achieve this at a time when a
normal school diploma — the equivalent of a two-year community
college degree today— was all that was required for teacher
certification. We also became known for our commitment to helping
underserved populations — including immigrants of all ethnicities
and religions — a commitment that we honor today.
Gala Celebration and Upcoming Events
To mark this landmark occasion, the School will host an
array of
centennial activities. We encourage all of you to volunteer.
What better way to express your pride in having graduated from The
School of Education? After all, this is the institution that made
it possible for so many of you — who might not otherwise have been
able — to attend a major university and obtain a degree(s) that are
widely respected in the field. Please note that on Saturday, September 27, 2008, held a gala
dinner in Manhattan to honor alumni and friends of the University,
along with national figures, who have made major contributions to
our school.
We have established this Web site, www.stjohns.edu/education/celebrating100years,
to help guide you through all the coming celebratory activities. We
will periodically update this site as new programs are developed,
including lectures, networking and social events. Please send any
suggestions you have about the kinds of activities and events you
would like to attend to Madeline Larsen at (718) 990-2577, or
e-mail her at larsenm@stjohns.edu.
Consider this letter an introduction to a long period of
festivities as well as the beginning of a sustained connection or
reconnection with you, our graduates and friends. On the
anniversary Web site mentioned above you will find the names of
members of the
100th Anniversary Committee and a list of our
2007-2008 activities thus far. We have included the names of a
growing number of you who are supporting the School through gifts
to our scholarship endowment and/or for the general use of students
and faculty who need financial help to continue or complete their
academic work.
Our Alumni and Institutional Advancement offices will also be
reaching out to you. So, when an envelope arrives with the St.
John's logo prominently displayed, please open and read it! We will
do our best to make this time a memorable period in the history of
The School of Education and in your lives.
Dr. Jerrold Ross
Dean, The School of
Education