About Our McCallen Society Members

McCallen Society members are some of St. John’s most generous supporters who honor the University’s legacy by including St. John’s in their estate and financial plans.  Here are a few of their stories.

Nina Oliva '56P
A Timeless Connection
When Nina Oliva '56P was studying Pharmacy at St. John’s Schermerhorn Street campus in Brooklyn, she was one of only a few women who had chosen to prepare for what was then an almost exclusively male profession. Read more.

Joseph Sciame '71Ed
A Lifetime of Walking with St. Vincent de Paul
When Joseph Sciame '71Ed speaks of his affection for St. John’s University, he immediately acknowledges the gratitude he feels for what the University has allowed him to become. Read more.

Florence and John Tutunjian '59UC
A Seed of Kindness that Flowers for 50 Years
When John Tutunjian '59UC was in his senior year at St. John’s University, he experienced an act of kindness that would leave a profound impact on him for the rest of his life. Read more.

Andrew ('62CBA) and Ellen Murphy '62G, '72GEd
Creating a Legacy that Lasts for Generations
Fate sometimes acts in mysterious ways, especially for Andrew ('62CBA) and Ellen Murphy '62G, '72GEd.  Both alumni of St. John’s University, Andrew received his undergraduate degree on the same day that Ellen received her first graduate degree, a reality that would only become apparent nearly 20 years later after the couple had met and were planning to marry.  “Although we both went to St. John’s and got our degrees on the very same day, we were definitely not your typical college couple,” said Ellen. Read more.

Donald F. ('52C) and Patricia Keating
Warm Memories of Yesterday Inspire Hope for the Future
When Donald F. ('52C) and Patricia Keating sat down in 1994 to discuss their financial future, they knew that they wanted to arrive at a plan that would include leaving a portion of their estate to the Church or a Church-related organization when they passed on.  After consulting with advisors and discussing the many suggestions that they received, they decided to establish a charitable trust that would include St. John’s University as a major beneficiary. Read more.

Glen Shane '63CBA
For Glen Shane, Helping Others Has Always Been What It's All About
Glen Shane spent a lifetime putting his Vincentian values into action as a social worker with the City of New York.  Recently retired, he is an active member of The McCallen Society and an enthusiastic supporter of alma mater. Read more.

Bernard Babb '53C, '58L
A Timeless Attachment to Alma Mater
As Bernard Babb is quick to point out, many times things happen for a reason that doesn’t become apparent until years later.  A double alumnus of St. John’s University, Mr. Babb related how his connection to St. John’s began long before he ever set foot onto campus. Read more.

Shirley A. Griggs
Our Legacy of Living
For Shirley A. Griggs, Ed.D., St. John's University professor emerita, the mission and values of our Vincentian education led her to create a memorial scholarship for The School of Education students using a charitable gift annuity.  Read more.

Gloria Henn '64Ed, '65GEd
Gloria Henn: Make a Charitable Gift to St. John’s and Help the University Succeed
Much of Gloria Henn’s life—both personal and professional—is centered on education, so it’s only fitting that education will be her charitable legacy, too.  Read more.

For additional information on The McCallen Society, contact Susan Damiani, Director of Gift Planning, at (718) 990-7562 or e-mail damianis@stjohns.edu