Alumni Reunion Activities A Success On Staten Island

May 30, 2009

A brilliantly sunny day drew a crowd of more than 100 St. John’s University alumni, friends and their families to the Staten Island campus for the Alumni Reunion Barbeque and Family Fun Fair on Saturday, May 30, 2009.

Photo Gallery

The barbeque was a tremendous success boasting something for everyone including a magic show, face painting, a blow up slide, volleyball, great food and a DJ who kept the mood lively and fun.

This is the second year that a summer barbeque was hosted on the Staten Island campus in response to the requests of those alumni who were looking for family-focused activities in addition to the many others offered throughout the year. “This is one event where alumni can come back to campus with their friends and family to have a fun time,” stated Nick Legakis '97SVC, '07MPS, Director of Institutional Advancement.

Sponsored by the St. John’s Office of Institutional Advancement, the Durso Frazier Group (now Wellsfargo) and alumni Larry ('75NDC) and Pat Facciponte Durso '75NDC, who wanted to encourage more participation from alumni in Staten Island, the barbeque garnered praise from attendees.

This unique event appealed both to alumni who frequently attend events and others who were returning to alma mater for the first time since graduation. Ron Capriotti '98NDC, who had not been back since his student days said, “I decided to try this as my first event.” And he was not disappointed. “This is a great place to network and meet up with friends that I haven’t seen in a while,” he shared.

Those who had been regularly involved since their graduation were equally pleased with the opportunity to gather with friends and family. A group of alumni from St. John’s University’s former Schermerhorn Street campus in Brooklyn also joined in the fun. Dolores Ramos Lozupone '71UC, Michael Lozupone '69CBA, Dennis McGuire '71CBA, Charles Watts '71CBA, '76MBA, Laura Reale Watts '71CBA, '76MBA and Margaret Cronin '71Ed credited St. John’s for bringing them together. “St. John’s is the touchstone of our friendship,” said McGuire.

They attended Alumni Reunion festivities in 1996, the Schermerhorn Street Reunion in 2007 and decided to come to the barbeque on Staten Island this year. The group also looks forward to the upcoming Schermerhorn Street Reunion later this year.

The barbeque, which was family-oriented and intimate was part of the Alumni Reunion Celebration 2009 events, which included a Great Lawn Party and Concert, Candlelight Dinner with the President for those celebrating 50 or more years since their graduation, Mass and a Champagne Brunch on the Queens campus.

View complete galleries of all event photos and purchase prints:
Alumni Reunion Barbeque and Family Fun Fair Photo Gallery
Alumni Reunion Great Lawn Party and Concert Photo Gallery
Candlelight Dinner with the President Photo Gallery
Mass and Champagne Brunch with the President Photo Gallery