August 20, 2012
There’s nothing quite like a fun round of golf on a beautiful
summer day – especially when the ultimate goal is to aid student
scholarships.
Photo gallery
A group of 25 foursomes teed off at the Richmond Country Club
during St. John’s University’s 33rd annual Staten Island Golf
Outing, raising nearly $25,000 to help students achieve their dream
of a St. John’s education. And with picture-perfect weather and
lots of laughs, the golfers had a blast.
“This is always a wonderful event,” said David Lehr ’68ED, ’72L.
“Not only is it a fun time with friends, but it’s supporting a
great cause. There are so many qualified students who are simply
priced out of going to college. Simply put, they can use every
little bit of help to get them to St. John’s, so I’m glad that we
can support that.”
During dinner, four individuals were honored for their outstanding
contributions to both the St. John’s and Staten Island communities,
including:
Mary McAloon-Kenny ’36NDC
(posthumously)
Former Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, Staten Island
St. John's University
Patrick F. McDermott ’72CBA
Managing Partner
McDermott & Thomas Associates, LLC
Terrance McGinley
Harmon Funeral Home
George S. Wonica ’96SVC
Owner and Licensed Real Estate Appraiser
Wonica Realtors and Appraisers
The youngest of the honorees, Wonica spoke about his longtime
involvement with the Staten Island Golf Outing, dating back to his
days as an undergraduate.
“I
helped the committee plan the event back when I was a student, so I
was able to see firsthand how important this outing is,” Wonica
said. “In fact, I had classes with students who were on the
receiving end of the Staten Island Golf Outing Scholarship, so I
know that tonight we are supporting a worthwhile and vital
cause.”
McDermott, an accomplished business professional, discussed the
major impact St. John’s had on his career and the way it perfectly
prepared him for life after college.
“I’m humbled and incredibly proud to be honored tonight,” he said.
“Without a doubt, this University was the basis for my being in the
business world. To give of our resources tonight and help the next
generation of students is something that’s quite meaningful to
me.”
It
was a particularly sentimental moment when Mick Kenny, one of the
sons of McAloon-Kenny, spoke about his deceased mother and her
longtime relationship with St. John’s. The former Assistant
Director of Alumni Relations at the Staten Island campus,
McAloon-Kenny held a special place in the hearts of countless
alumni.
“It’s been 18 years since mom passed away,” Kenny said, “and to be
honoring her today means so much to our family. Her commitment to
the University was 110%, and that’s why we created the Mary
McAloon-Kenny Scholarship Fund, to continue mom’s name here at the
place she loved.”
Pat Bean ’80CBA, ’88MBA, who was serving as Chairperson of the
Staten Island Golf Outing Committee for the sixth and final time,
thanked the guests for their generous contributions and for making
the 2012 outing one of the most successful yet.
“The scholarship money we raised here tonight will stay on the
Staten Island campus,” Bean said, “and it has a very real impact on
our students. These young men and women – not to mention their
families – truly need our support.”
Bean will be succeeded as Chairperson by Joe Caldarera ’78NDC, a
former classmate of Bean’s who had nothing but kind words to share
about his good friend.
“I’ve been a part of the committee for 20 years, and the
job Pat has done has been second to none,” Caldarera said. “She’s
helped our outing grow and it seems like it’s getting better and
better every year. I can’t say enough about her, and I look forward
to seeing our outing continue to flourish in the future.”
After 33 years, the Staten Island Golf Outing has become one of the
University’s most successful fundraisers, and Victor Ramos ’91CBA,
’93MBA, Assistant Vice President of the Division of Institutional
Advancement, is glad to see so many Staten Island alumni supporting
the cause.
“Our Staten Island campus is a unique and special place,” he said.
“There’s truly a family feeling, and the wonderful camaraderie at
this annual golf outing perfectly embodies that. I can’t thank our
guests enough for their generosity.”