October 06, 2009
On Saturday, October 3, 2009, alumni and friends of St. John’s
University’s former Lewis Avenue campus in Brooklyn gathered for
the 52nd Annual Lewis Avenue Reunion at the Queens campus.
Photo Gallery
To mark the occasion, the group of 50 attended Mass in St.
Thomas More Church before a celebratory dinner. Celebrant Rev.
Kevin Creagh, C.M. '91SVC, '04PD reminded attendees in his homily
that “Lewis Avenue created the history of St. John’s.” He also
mentioned the gifts they received and the accomplishments God
enabled them to achieve during their lifetimes, for which many are
grateful.
Attendees
indeed recognized the gift of their education and the many other
gifts which resulted from their St John’s experiences including
careers, personal growth and for some, even spouses.
“St. John’s has been good to me,” said Lewis Avenue Committee
member Joseph Longo '51C, '54G. “I got a scholarship to the college
and I felt I had to give back…being part of the [event] organizing
was something I could give back.”
Jack Curran '52C recalled the exceptional education he received
and the unique appeal of the Lewis Avenue campus. “It was a great
place. Everyone knew everybody else and we enjoyed our fours year
of college very much,” he said.
Following Mass, the group enjoyed a lovely dinner in the Faculty
Club where they honored their friend and classmate, Bernard J. Babb
'53C, '58L and helped raise funds for student scholarships.
Babb
was presented with the St. John's College of Liberal Arts and
Sciences Legacy Award, given to an outstanding member of the Lewis
Avenue alumni group each year. “Lewis Ave. was a marvelous
institution,” noted Babb who was honored to be recognized by his
peers. “Everybody knew everyone else and tonight there are friends
here who I met there.”
Making reference to the homily, former New York State Governor
Mario Cuomo '53C, '56L, '75HON and longtime friend of Babb recalled
that “Bernie was another gift. There are very few guys like Bernie
Babb around.” Cuomo also shared his gratitude for the tremendous
opportunities that St. John’s gave him, as he received scholarships
for his studies.
In addition to an evening of reminiscing, the group raised funds
for the Cyril Meyer Scholarship Fund. Babb urged attendees to
support the scholarship fund as the legacy of their campus and
continuation of their collective story. Attendees were as pleased
to contribute to the future of St. John’s as they are to have been
part of its illustrious past.