Jubilarians Enjoy Dinner with the President

On Saturday evening, May 22, nearly 200 of St. John’s University’s most senior alumni and their guests gathered in the D’Angelo Center for an elegant dinner hosted by St. John’s University President Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M.  Each alumnus or alumna was a Jubilarian, a designation reserved for those individuals who are celebrating, or have already celebrated, the 50th anniversary of their graduation from St. John’s.

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“We are no longer the small commuter school from Brooklyn that we were 50 years ago,” said Fr. Harrington. “We’re now internationally recognized.  We’ve changed a lot and grown a lot, but our mission hasn’t changed. I ask you to celebrate who we are today, and I also ask you to celebrate that we are still the same St. John’s that we’ve always been.”

Alumni and their guests were greeted by Robert Wile ’99SVC, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Office of the President and Chief Advancement Officer.  “I thank you for carrying the St. John’s message into the world for 50 years or more,” he said. “I congratulate you on this impressive milestone in your life, and I wish you health and happiness for many more years.”

“Oh, God, be present to bless our Jubilarians,” intoned Rev. Joseph V. Daly, C.M. ’73G, ’75GEd, Assistant to the President and Assistant Secretary, who delivered the Invocation. “We recognize that they, each in their own way, are special to you, as they are to us, and their names are written in the palm of your hand.”

The Jubilarians and their guests were delighted to hear the remarks of Jacqueline Oregel, a member of the President’s Society from the Class of 2011, as she described the special affection she has for St. John’s most senior alumni. “You embody all that is special about our wonderful university,” she said, “and I hope that one day, years from now, another student will stand where I am tonight and say the same about me.” Oregel noted that, “St. John’s has taught me many things. While here, my faith has grown stronger, and I have been able to touch the lives of those I’ve helped, even if it was in a small way.”

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of commemorative pins to the members of the Class of 1960, each of whom was celebrating his or her 50th anniversary.  Pins were presented individually by Fr. Harrington, assisted by St. John’s legendary Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Lou Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON. 

Following the presentation ceremony for the 50th anniversary celebrants, Jubilarians marking other milestone anniversary years were also recognized.  Everyone expressed their joy at being able to come back home after so many years.

Celebrating his 60th anniversary, Walter D. Finucane ’50C, ‘62Ph.D recalled a time when the University was very different from what it is today. “I went to St. John’s when it was on Lewis Avenue, and then taught at the University until a few years ago,” he said. “I came back for my 50th anniversary, which was special, but I have to say that tonight is even more memorable for me.”

“St. John’s is a wonderful place,” said Robert Hilsky ’60Ed. “I’ve been back a few times, especially for baseball games. Over the years, St. John’s has really grown; it keeps getting bigger and bigger and it also keeps getting nicer and nicer. I’ve always appreciated everything that the University has done for me, so being recognized tonight as a Jubilarian is very emotional for me.”

For many alumni, the chance to spend time with good friends from their student days was a strong factor in their decision to return to alma mater.  “It’s very important for me to come back and see the people that I haven’t seen in so many years,” said Mary Lou Jennerjahn ’58UC, ’60L. “When I get together with these great people, I realize that it’s always wonderful to come back to St. John’s. For me, St. John’s will always be home.”

“St. John’s is, and always has been, a fine place, and that’s definitely because of the people,” agreed David Schepps ’60L. “I’m a retired judge, and I was here for my 25th anniversary and now I’m back for my 50th. Everything and everyone is beautiful at St. John’s. I went to school on Schermerhorn Street and although I never studied on this campus, it always feels like home to me.”

One of St. John’s most involved alumnae, Patricia T. Campbell ’54NDC, ’60GEd was thrilled to be celebrating with other Jubilarians. “Tonight is wonderful, absolutely wonderful,” she said. “It’s wonderful to be a Jubilarian and it’s also wonderful to be here in this beautiful new D’Angelo Center. I went to Notre Dame College on Staten Island and then came out here to St. John’s for my graduate degree. St. John’s has really come a long way since I’ve been here!”

At the conclusion of the dinner, many alumni and guests kept the evening alive by walking over to the Great Lawn for the conclusion of a live concert by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, followed by a dazzling fireworks display.