Vincent M. Albanese, Esq. '49L, '09HON received an honorary
Doctor of Laws degree from St. John’s University at the 28th Annual
Alumni Convocation on Friday, May 29, 2009.
He received his LL.B. from St. John’s University School of Law
in 1949. Throughout his unparalleled career he has combined a
passion for justice with his Vincentian values in a manner that has
allowed him to embrace public service in the most noble of
ways.
In 1965 he served as President of the Jamaica Chamber of
Commerce and subsequently helped to organize the Greater Jamaica
Development Corporation, a not-for-profit organization committed to
the revitalization of one of the most important business districts
in Queens County. In 1983 he was appointed by New York State
Governor Mario M. Cuomo to serve as a Member of the New York State
Board of Public Disclosure, joining the Secretary of State, the
Secretary to the Governor, Counsel to the Governor and other public
citizens on this august body. In 1985 he was appointed by the
United States Secretary of the Interior to serve on the Statue of
Liberty – Ellis Island Centennial Commission.
In 1991 Vincent Albanese was appointed to a four-year term as a
Director of the New York State Urban Development Corporation, and
in 1992 was appointed Chairman of the Queens West Development
Corporation, a position he continues to hold. He has served
as President of the Queens County Bar Association and currently
serves as Vice Chairman of the Albanese Development Corporation and
the Albanese Organization, Inc.
His outstanding career has been highlighted with numerous
awards, including the Wesleyan University Certificate of
Recognition commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of World
War II and a Certificate of Appreciation for Exemplary Public
Service as a Member of the New York State Board of Public
Disclosure. His consummate loyalty to alma mater is
evidenced by his participation as a member of the Annual
President’s Dinner Committee and his generosity as a member of The
Loughlin Society. In 1999 a grateful University presented him
with the Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award.
“I’m absolutely overwhelmed,” said Albanese of his selection as
an honorary degree recipient. “It’s really something I never
expected. I think I need to be careful that it doesn’t give
me a swelled head…but somehow, I don’t think that will happen.”