The 25th Annual Alumni Reunion held June 9–11
provided an opportunity for hundreds to relish past memories and
create new ones. Those celebrating graduation years ending in “1”
and “6” traveled to the Queens campus from near and far to
celebrate this year’s theme of “Welcome Home” and participate in
the many planned activities. (View the
Reunion Weekend 2006 Photo Album.)
Kicking off the weekend on Friday was the McCallen Society
Annual Recognition Luncheon followed by the Alumni Convocation held
to honor outstanding members of the St. John’s family. During the
event in St. Thomas More Church, friends and family looked on as
recipients of several distinguished awards were recognized.
Saturday was brimming with activities beginning with a Welcome
Home breakfast, walking tours, a brunch cruise around Manhattan,
seminars and a barbeque lunch. It was a time of retrospection and
inspection for many who were, for the first time, venturing back to
alma mater since graduation. “The 50th year
anniversary of graduation is a big one,” said Andrew Genninger
’56C, who traveled from his home in Chula Vista, CA, to celebrate.
“The last time I was here, there was one building on campus. Things
are certainly different now.” Many expressed awe at the growth of
St. John’s with its modern buildings, neatly-manicured lawns and
comfortable dorms that provided housing for many participants
staying the weekend. “It’s been 16 years since I have been at the
school and I can’t believe how much it has changed,” said Veronica
Gliebe Croucher ’86GP who, along with her husband, Calvin, came
from Bridgewater, NJ. “It’s beautiful. They have really done a
great job here on the campus. It’s great to come back.”
Hon. Joseph Gibbons ’51L had yet another reason to celebrate as
he and his wife, Ann, marked their 56th wedding
anniversary over the weekend. The couple, who met in Brooklyn in
1947, were surprised by Reunion organizers with a corsage for Ann
and cake during the barbeque lunch held at Montgoris Dining Hall.
According to Joseph, there is nowhere else they would rather be.
“Five years ago, we were here for our 50th reunion and
we promised all of our friends that if we were still around for the
55th [college reunion] we would come,” he said standing
beside his wife. And their secret to wedded bliss? “Keep quiet,” he
said jokingly.
The highlight of Saturday was the Gala Celebration with a medal
ceremony honoring members of the classes of 1956, 1966 and 1981 and
followed by a cocktail reception and Gala Dinner Dance held for the
first time in the Taffner Field House. Top hats, boas and blinking
stars were adorned as attendees danced the night away.
The festivities rounded out with Sunday’s Alumni Reunion Mass
held at St. Thomas More Church and a champagne brunch in Montgoris
Dining Hall, decorated with roses of various colors. During the
brunch, gold, bronze and silver medals were awarded to those
celebrating the 50th, 40th and
25th anniversaries of their graduations and remarks were
made by University President Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M.
View
the Reunion Weekend 2006 Photo Album.