April 21, 2010
On
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 more than 100 alumni and friends gathered
in the Kelleher Center on the Staten Island campus for the Fifth
Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner (L.E.A.D.), a popular
event designed to recognize the contributions of outstanding
individuals who have made a lasting impact on the field of
education.
Photo Gallery
Prominent educators and educational administrators honored at
this event included:
Madeleine Brennan ’73PD
Principal
I.S. 201 in Dyker Heights
Frank Cafaro ’71Ed
Guidance Counselor
St. Peter’s Boys High School
Karen LaCava
Public Affairs Manager
Time Warner Cable, New York City Region
Donny Swanson ’02C, ’04GEd
Teacher, I.S. 75
Adjunct Professor, St. John’s University
In his welcoming remarks, Jerrold Ross, Ph.D., Dean, St. John’s
The School of Education noted that “The reputation of St. John’s
The School of Education is well illustrated by the talent of the
graduating class about to become teachers and the alumni who are
among those rated highest as the best school practitioners in the
City [of New York].”
“Tonight’s honorees are such good friends of the University
and have accomplished great things in the field of
education,” said Nicholas A. Legakis ’97SVC, ’07MPS, Director,
Institutional Advancement, Staten Island. “They have been leaders
in education in our community and have lived the mission of the
University.”
The
honorees were genuinely appreciative of an award that acknowledged
the lasting impact that they have had on literally thousands of
young men and women throughout their professional careers.
Being honored by a university with an unmatched 100 year history
for academic excellence in education made the evening even more
special.
“I’m overwhelmed to be recognized among such outstanding
honorees,” said Prof. Swanson. “I am very much at home here [at St.
John’s], first as a student, then as a graduate assistant and now
as a professor. I wish to be a part of St. John’s University for
many more years!”
“I have tremendous respect for the St. John’s School of
Education,” noted Ms. LaCava. “Recognition from St. John’s is extra
special considering I’m not a graduate of the University.”
Donna M. Narducci, Ed.D., ’75NDC, ’78GEd, Associate Dean, St.
John’s The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, was gratified by the
large turnout of alumni who came back to the Staten Island campus
for this popular event, noting that, “It was wonderful to see so
many alumni from The School of Education come to honor their
colleagues who have made, and continue to make, significant
contributions to the world of education!”
Prior to the L.E.A.D. event students and alumni participated in
the Alumni Insider’s View…School of Education Career Forum during
which they developed and practiced their interviewing skills
under the watchful eyes of alumni mentors.
The Alumni Insider’s View…Programs enable St. John’s University
students to obtain real-world knowledge about a chosen profession
and/or field while drawing upon the professional experiences of
some of our most successful alumni. By serving as panelists,
speakers and moderators, alumni provide students with keen insights
based upon years of experience within their individual professions
and careers.
This particular program was designed to provide students with
insight and practical skills when interviewing for a profession in
the field of education.
Alumni panelists included:
Patricia Campbell ’54NDC
Associate Professor
St. John’s University;
RoseAnn Mezzacappa ’71Ed
Principal
P.S. 58
Mary Chiapperino’97GEd,’02PD
Principal
Our Lady Help of Christians
Natalie Hendrix ’02Ed, ’03GEd
Teacher
P.S.58
Ryan Murphy ’03Ed, ’06Ed
Teacher
I.S.75
“I
was particularly impressed with the students who were interviewed
by the alumni,” remarked Susann Ragone '03GEd Assistant Dean, The
School of Education. “They interviewed as though they were teaching
for years. I have watched these students mature since their
freshman year and it was wonderful to see how they have grown as
both students and future educators. They will definitely carry on
the rich tradition that St. John’s holds for preparing caring,
competent and knowledgeable teachers.”
Students appreciated the practical advice that the alumni were
able to provide while evaluating the performance of the
interviewees. “I thought this event provided a thorough insight
into some of the expectations school administrators and faculty
will have of us as new teachers,” said senior John Herron. “The
panel offered some great feedback and advice that I know will help
me in my future teaching endeavors.”
“I really think that this event helped us get a feel of what to
expect on an interview and how school administrators are thinking
and approaching the hiring process,” agreed junior Alyssa Brullo.
“The panel definitely stressed the importance of networking and
reminded us that you never know who might be able to help you.”