June 20, 2011
The St. John’s University Auxiliary Association recently celebrated
its final event at a Mass and luncheon on the Queens campus,
allowing members to have one last social gathering before the group
concluded its mission.
Photo Gallery
Members of the Auxiliary – female alumni and friends of
the University – shared their thoughts and stories about the
organization.
“The Auxiliary has been a great way to stay connected with the
University and to all of my St. John’s friends,” said Rose Carlone,
a retired University employee and former Auxiliary Board Member.
“It gave me an opportunity to see people that I didn’t get to see
on a daily basis, especially after I retired. More importantly,
though, it was a way for us to know that we were doing something to
help St. John’s. That was primarily through the scholarship fund
the organization created, which has been in existence now for a
long time.”
Joan Bertrand, also a retired University employee, agreed with
Carlone and reflected on the strong friendships she made during her
time as a member of the Auxiliary.
“When my friends and I started to retire from St. John’s, we all
joined the Auxiliary and used it as a way of staying together,” she
explained. “We really love the University, and the bonds between us
are so strong. Some of my friends have passed away since we joined
the organization, but they are all remembered very fondly. I’m so
glad to say that, even though the group will no longer be a part of
St. John’s after this event, the spirit will always be present at
the University. We will always remain connected to this institution
that we love.”
Carolyn Browne ’95C recalled when she first heard of the Auxiliary
back when she was a teenager.
“I was only 19 years old and I worked at St. John’s,” Browne said.
“I’d see the group assembling during their meetings, and they would
all be wearing these hats and gloves – very, very formal. It was
such a classy, social organization and remained so throughout its
existence. And I take such pride in thinking of how much good we
did for the University.”
Founded in 1921, the Women’s Auxiliary Association has consistently
provided scholarship and fundraising support to St. John’s, leaving
an indelible mark on the University community.