November 10, 2009
On Friday, November 6, 2009 members of The McCallen Society
gathered for their Annual Recognition Mass and Luncheon, a popular
event that recognizes the generosity of those individuals, both
living and deceased, who have undertaken a planned giving
initiative to support the mission of St. John’s University.
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The day began with a concelebrated Mass in St. Thomas More Church,
during which principal celebrant Rev. Kevin G. Creagh, C.M. ’91SVC,
’04PD, Associate Vice President for International Sites and
Chaplain, St. John’s School of Law reminded the worshippers that
“…we are to be a people who are urgent, resolved and dedicated to
sharing the good news of God’s love in our lives. Jesus’
grace will help to turn us into great and compassionate people, and
we need to show that grace and goodness to the world by doing for
others.” Concelebrating Mass with Fr. Creagh were Rev.
Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President, St. John’s University, Rev.
Joseph V. Daly, C.M.’73G, ‘75GEd, Assistant to the President and
Rev. John A. Kettelberger, C.M., Director of Residence
Ministry.
Following Mass, guests enjoyed lunch in the Ballroom of the
recently dedicated D’Angelo Center, the newest and most strikingly
beautiful building on the Queens campus. Welcoming them to
this year’s event, Robert D. Wile ’99SVC, Vice President and Chief
of Staff and Chief Advancement Officer, Office of the President,
thanked everyone for all that they continue to do for the
University. “St. John’s is so very proud of this prestigious
group,” he said “and we thank you so much for your
support.”
Mr. Wile brought the guests up-to-date on the many successes
that have marked the past year at alma mater and shared a video
presentation chronicling the transformations that have taken place
at St. John’s during the 20 years of Fr. Harrington’s
presidency.
Thanking the members of The McCallen Society for their outstanding
support, Fr. Harrington noted that, “Members of The McCallen
Society have been touched by St. John’s. We’re grateful that
you believe in St. John’s and believe in our future. Thank
you for making a commitment to help ensure that future.”
Members of The McCallen Society were grateful for the
opportunity to get together and show their support for the
University that mans so much to them for many different
reasons. “I had great teachers here at St. John’s” recalled
Richard Fabrizio ’60C. “Professors like Dr. Johnson, Dr.
Alfred Pike and Dr. Jack Franzetti were really interested in
teaching us. I have wonderful memories of my St. John’s
professors.”
Harvey and Susan Krauss are the parents of the late Mitchell Krauss
’97P and have established a scholarship in his name for students of
St. John’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.
“Our son graduated from St. John’s and absolutely loved it,” said
Mr. Krauss. After he passed away, we set up this scholarship
fund to keep his memory alive. It will be a wonderful legacy
for years to come.”
“Our son loved St. John’s and did so well here,” agreed Mrs.
Krauss. “We felt we wanted to do something for St. John’s so
that other students would have a chance to be as successful as he
was.”
Amy Hill, an executor of the estate of Margaret M. Bott, Ph.D.
’52UC was grateful for the opportunity to visit St. John’s and get
a sense of the University that was benefitting from Dr. Bott’s
generosity. “It’s really delightful to be here on campus to
see the fruits of what my good friend has done,” she said.
“Margaret loved St. John’s very much and now that I’m here today I
can see why. She genuinely cared for the students and wanted
to support scholarships that would give young people the same
opportunity she had.”
Reflecting the feelings that are such a part of every member of The
McCallen Society, Mary Mazeau ’55MLS noted simply and without
hesitation that, “St. John’s is important to me. It always
has been, and it always will be.”