June 16, 2008
St. John’s University President Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M.
hosted a special reception for members of The Loughlin Society as
part of the University’s Reunion Celebration Weekend 2008
festivities. Thanking them for their ongoing generosity, Fr.
Harrington noted that their support “…allows the University to
serve our students more effectively, day in and day out. We
celebrate the wonderful young men and women who come to us as
students, and we are grateful to the members of The Loughlin
Society for helping to keep St. John’s service mission alive and
well.”
Photo Gallery
During the reception Fr. Harrington presented commemorative
medals to alumni celebrating the 50th anniversary of their
graduation from St. John’s. “There’s so much to be proud of at St.
John’s” said Fr. Harrington. “I’m so very proud of our
alumni, and especially of 50th anniversary jubilarians, who have
carried our message and values into the world for so many wonderful
years.”
“Tonight we come together to acknowledge the exceptional support
that our Loughlin Society members have provided during the past
year and to publicly acclaim those wonderful alumni who are
celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation” remarked
Adrian V. Kerrigan, St. John’s Vice President for Institutional
Advancement. “Each of you has helped to write the history of
this great university, and that history is the foundation upon
which our exceedingly bright future rests.”
Alumni and their families gathered in Marillac Terrace to renew
friendships and share memories with former students and faculty who
were an important part of their days on campus. Many guests
commented on how different the campus looks today from what it did
when they were students. They noted the many new buildings
already in place and the ongoing construction which suggests
additional enhancements in the future.
Founders Society member Donald Reid ’58CBA, ’62L, ’87HON was
amazed at the changes that have taken place on campus in recent
years. “When I was here there was only one building and I
come back now and a perfect miracle has occurred. I rejoice
beyond measure at the progress that has been made at this great
university.”
“It’s a global campus and it’s just incredible” said Victor
Visconti ’68Ed. “St. John’s has mushroomed into something
phenomenal. As an alumnus, it’s great to be a part of
it.”
His remarks were echoed by Harold F. Radday ’58C who commented
that he “…hadn’t been back to campus for the past 47 years.
When I was here this was a golf course with one academic building
on it. I give the Vincentians a lot of credit for their
foresight, because I can see that even though the buildings are
different St. John’s mission remains exactly the same as it was
when I was here. This University has always been about
serving the students, and that will never change.”
Andrew L. Sichenze ’57CBA, ’58L credits St. John’s with giving
him more than just a wonderful education. “I have a long
background with the Vincentian fathers. I went to St. John’s
Prep, then to what was St. John’s School of Commerce, and finally
to the School of Law. And you know, I came away from St.
John’s with more than just an education...I came away with my bride
[Accursia C. Sichenze ’55CBA]. We met on her first day of
class and we’ve been married for 52 years.”
President’s Society students assisting at the reception were
impressed by the spirit and dedication of the alumni who had
returned to alma mater after so many years. “I love
being at these events” said Amy Pedagno ’09C. “As a student,
it shows me that the impact of St. John’s will be a part of my life
long after my student days are over. The alumni are coming
back from all over the country and the fact that they still have
their core Vincentian values with them as part of their lives is a
wonderful message to the students.”
“Tonight has really shown me that being a part of St. John’s is
much bigger than just us as individuals” agreed Dana L. Lezama
’09TCB. “It really makes me feel that I’m part of a family
that spans across borders, states and oceans.”
Thomas D. Hughes ’74SVC voiced the sentiments and feelings
shared by many Loughlin Society members. “It’s very rewarding
to be a member of The Loughlin Society and know that my
contributions are having such an effect on improving the quality of
education for St. John’s students. Without the education that
I received when I was a student, I would not have achieved what I
have today. I am absolutely proud to be an alumnus of St.
John’s University.”
Fr. Harrington expressed his appreciation for everything that
the Loughlin Society has done on behalf of the more than 20,000
students who are currently enrolled at the University. “Today
is all about a chance for me to say ‘thank you’ to each of you,
because we couldn’t have accomplished what we have without you” he
said. “As Loughlin Society members, your support and
commitment provides St. John’s with the means to make a real
difference for our students.”
View the full event
photo gallery and order prints!
(Click “View Slideshow” to view photos.
Register or Sign in to purchase prints.)