October 07, 2008
By Everton Bailey '10CPS
A group of St. John’s alumni took a trip down memory lane on
October 4 during the 51st Annual Lewis Avenue Reunion held on the
Queens campus.
Photo Gallery
More than 50 alumni and family gathered to greet old friends and
reminisce about their time at the dearly loved former Brooklyn
campus. After a Mass held at St. Thomas More Church, the
festivities continued with dinner and cocktails for the attendees
held in Bent Hall.
As part of the event, Walter C. Zimmermann '58C was presented
with the St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Legacy
Award and accepted the honor graciously and humbly. “St.
John’s has grown tremendously over the years, but they have not
forgotten their Lewis Avenue roots,” he said during his speech. “I
didn’t have to press my nose up against a window and hope I would
be noticed. St. John’s welcomed me and provided me with guidance
and the people I have met over the years.”
After the award presentation, those present were treated to a
slideshow filled with photos of familiar sites and memories of
Lewis Avenue. The evening ended with in a raffle where some
lucky recipients won STJ merchandise. However, everyone left a
winner as all were sent home with goodie bags filled and a deeper
appreciation of their time spent at St. John’s.
Carmela Villani '52Ed, Marilyn Kern '52Ed and Joan Catapano
'52Ed, first met and became lifelong friends at the Lewis Avenue
campus. The group said they cherish the annual get-together. “It
was just a wonderful place to be,” Kern said of the Brooklyn
campus. “There was a camaraderie among the students that you just
can’t find nowadays.” Rev. James T. Smith '52C said he also
enjoys attending the Lewis Avenue reunions as often as possible. “I
come for the memories, seeing old friends and to see how life is
treating them, because these are the friends you never lose,” he
said.
Bill Schaeffer '73CBA, Director of Alumni Relations, said he
feels the annual reunion is a necessary St. John’s tradition. “This
event is a very vital one because it shows the Lewis Avenue alumni
how important they are to the University,” he said. “They were the
foundation of what we have grown to become today and it’s not only
important for us not to forget that, but we also have to show them
that they haven’t been forgotten either.”