October 16, 2007
We often hear stories touted about the “good old days.” St.
John’s alumni, who gathered at the Queens campus for the 50th
Annual Lewis Avenue Reunion on October 6, were given the
opportunity to do just that by sharing their memories from
college.
Photo Gallery
Along with family and friends, Lewis Avenue alumni enjoyed an
evening of celebration and remembrance of their dearly loved
Brooklyn campus. The festivities began with Mass at St. Thomas More
Church. Afterwards, Lewis Avenue graduates and guests enjoyed
dinner in the President’s Room in Carnesecca Arena.
Gerard J. Lawrence M.D., ’56C ’88HON, who has had a
distinguished career in medicine, was later presented with the St.
John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Legacy Award. “I just
want to say how grateful I am for this award,” said Lawrence during
his acceptance speech. “I remember [Lewis Avenue] with great
fondness. We had a lot of days filled with joy and life there.”
After the presentation, a slideshow made up of photos from Lewis
Avenue yearbooks from 1929 to 1956 were shown to the delight of
graduates. Alumni were then treated to refreshments and musical
entertainment as they relaxed and exchanged stories.
The yearly get-together is significantly important to many of
the St. John’s graduates that attend. “It always means a lot to
come here because all my friends are here.” said John “Jack” Foerst
’50C.
And despite the Lewis Avenue campus being gone, former students
still hold their experiences there in high regard. “It was a great
school and it was a great part of my life,” said Constance
Morkus-Beatty ’51ED.
George E. Devine, Esq. ’52C, ’55L agrees; “There were lots of
good people and we believed in the mission and objective of the
school.”