March 06, 2009
St. John’s University alumni, students and staff gathered on
Thursday, March 5, 2009 in the Little Theatre on the Queens campus
to hear bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark describe what led her
to become one of the world’s most widely read novelists.
Co-sponsored by Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity and the Gaelic Society,
the event was a featured presentation of Women’s History Month at
St. John’s.
Photo Gallery
The author of 24 suspense novels, Mary Higgins Clark has sold
more than 80 million copies of her books in the United States
alone, and millions more in countries around the world. Ms.
Clark is very active in Catholic organizations, and has received
the papal honor of being named a Dame of the Order of St. Gregory
the Great and the Catholic Big Sisters Distinguished Award.
“I’m a product of Catholic education,” noted Ms. Clark “and it’s
great to be on this campus and see the alumni coming back to
interact with the students. That’s very exciting for me.”
“I’m a traditional Irish storyteller,” said Clark when asked
what led her to become a writer. “I went to secretarial
school, was a flight attendant for Pan Am [Airlines] but from the
time I was a child I always felt that I had stories to tell.”
Outgoing, humorous and genuinely engaging, the author had
practical advice for anyone who may be considering a career as a
writer. “Write about what you know, about what sticks in your
mind. When you’re considering a story, ask yourself ‘Suppose’
and ‘What if?’ Then ask yourself ‘Why’ and you’re ready to
go.”
Students and alumnae were quick to express their appreciation
for the opportunity to hear and meet someone whom they had
previously known only through the printed word. Jessica Sides
'11C has been a fan of Clark for many years. “In middle
school Mary Higgins Clark was my favorite author. I’ve read
so many of her books and I really wanted to see her in person.”
“I’m interested to hear what she has to say,” remarked Liz Viani
'10CPS. “I’ve read a few of her books and I’d like to learn
more about her. My sister’s also a big fan and I’m hoping to
get a book signed for her.”
Many alumnae took time from their busy schedules to come back to
alma mater for this unique presentation. “I like
coming back to interesting events at St. John’s,” noted Barbara
McCusker '68Ed, '71GEd “and I wanted to hear Mary Higgins
Clark. She’s a fabulous writer, very creative, and supports
the same Catholic values that were so emphasized when I went here
back in the ‘60s. It was a delightful afternoon!”
“I love events like this,” said Mary McGreal '68Ed,
'71GED. “Mary Higgins Clark has always been a favorite of
mine. I love how she weaves her Catholic religion into her
books. I find that very refreshing, because you don’t see
that in too many books these days.”
Ann Juliano Jawin '77PD takes a special interest in women’s
issues through her professional affiliation with the Center for the
Women of New York, a group that offers a variety of services to
women in the New York area. “I came here to network and to
enjoy Ms. Clark’s presentation,” she said. “I head an
organization for women’s services so Women’s Heritage Month is
extremely important to me.”
Diana Gibson '67Ed, '90GEd enjoyed both the presentation and her
visit to campus. “I’m so happy that I came back because I’ve
been a fan of Mary Higgins Clark for years, and so has my 95
year-old mother, who still reads her books in large type. [My
friends and I] took a little ride around the campus and it was so
interesting to see all these new buildings. When I got to the
hill by St. John Hall, I knew that I was home.”