The Dean’s Convocation was held on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 6
p.m. in the Belson Moot Courtroom in the School of Law. The event
began with the Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Jerrold Ross
processing into the Courtroom, followed by administrators, faculty,
and the Dean’s Scholars.
Dr. Richard Sinatra, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
welcomed everyone to this most prestigious evening. God Bless
America was beautifully sung by Michelle Guardado of the College of
Professional Studies – Legal Studies, accompanied by the Michael
Saltzman Quintet. Sr. Colleen was inspirational in her
Invocation.
Julianna Cohen, Adolescent Education – Math and Executive Head
Dean’s Scholar gave the Undergraduate Student Address.
Julianna thanked her parents for their sacrifices so that she could
attend St. John’s University and the times that they watched her
play soccer over the years. She told the audience that she
once she got involved in activities at St. John’s; she found many
friendships and a home.
Dr. Ross opened the evening with a speech encouraging the
students in their future endeavors. He thanked the families
for their support.
The graduating Dean’s Scholars were honored with medals and
honor cords for their commitment to excellence in their studies, as
well as representing the Dean at all school functions. The
Dean’s Scholars that will continue through the 2008-2009 semester
were also acknowledged. Finally, the newly inducted Dean’s
Scholars were asked to stand and be recognized. Charisse
Willis presented the medals and cords to the Dean’s Scholars.
The Presentation of the University Council on Educational
Administration Excellence in Education Leadership Award was
presented by Dr. Geisert to Catherine Hickey. Steven
Rosenberg, Field Experience Director honored cooperating principals
and supervising teachers for their continued efforts in supporting
our students by having them do their student teaching in their
schools. The awards for Undergraduate and Graduate excellence
were announced by Nancy Garaufis, TEAC Coordinator.
Our Graduate Awards for the Department of Administration and
Instructional Leadership were presented by Dr. Gene Geisert,
Chairperson. These awards were for the Professional Diploma
in School District Leader, Professional Diploma in Instructional
Leadership and the Master of Science in School Building
Leadership.
The awards for Literacy, TESOL, Special Education, Counseling
and Counseling with Bilingual Extension were presented by Dr.
Francine Guastello, Chairperson of the Department of Human Services
& Counseling. The awards for Literacy have been renamed
in honor of Dr. Richard Sinatra, newly appointed Associate Dean of
Academic Affairs of the School of Education and former Chairperson
for the Department of Human Services and Counseling. Dr.
Barbara Signer, Adolescent Education – presented the awards for the
Department of Early Childhood, Childhood and Adolescent
Education.
The Catholic Scholarship Award was presented to Sandra
Garcia. The presentation of the Undergraduate Academic Medals
– Bronze, Silver and Gold were presented by Charisse Willis,
Assistant Dean. Excellence in Student Teaching awards were
presented by Steven Rosenberg, Field Experience
Director. The Reverend Joseph S. Breen, C.M. Service
Award and the St. Louise De Marillac Service Award were presented
by Charisse Willis. Dr. Francine Guastello, Director of the
School of Human Services and Counseling gave the closing
remarks.
Patrick Dunphy, Director of Planning and Fiscal Affairs blessed
us with the final Benediction.