April 24, 2012
There’s always something comforting about coming home. The sense
of the familiar triggers memories of days gone by, and when those
memories are shared and kept alive by good friends, the years seem
to disappear in the blink of an eye.
Photo gallery
For
the alumnae of Notre Dame College, Homecoming 2012 was an
opportunity for a nostalgic return to the past while catching up on
what’s been happening with the friends who share the bond of having
attended one of the most respected colleges for women in the
greater New York area.
“It’s great to see so many of our Notre Dame alumnae back on the
campus where we spent so many memorable years,” said Homecoming
Co-Chairperson Ann Marie Alexander ’61NDC. “I think it’s safe to
say that we’ll never forget the special times that we shared during
our student days, because in so many ways, it was our experiences
at Notre Dame that helped to set the foundation for the rest of our
lives.”
The opportunity to host a variety of Notre Dame
College Alumnae Association (NDCAA) events ensures that the
histories of both institutions will forever be linked. It’s not
surprising that everyone at St. John’s is proud to incorporate the
Notre Dame alumnae into our University family.
“It’s wonderful for me to be a part of the activities, and
the spirit, of the Notre Dame College alumnae,’ said Susan
Damiani ’87CBA, Director, Office of Gift Planning, St. John’s
University. “Those of us at St. John’s who have the privilege of
working with these very special ladies know how much their college
means to them, and how committed they are to ensuring that the
spirit of Notre Dame will always remain a part of them.”
One of the highlights of every Homecoming is a special recognition
for alumnae celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their graduation.
Each member of the Class of 1962 was honored with a special 50th
Anniversary pin to mark this special milestone in their life.
“Homecoming is a special day for all of us,” remarked Alexander,
“but it’s particularly special for those alumnae who are
celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their graduation. This
memorable event happens only once in a lifetime, and it is
altogether fitting that we take a moment to acknowledge the members
of the Class of 1962, our Golden Anniversary class.”
Notre Dame College became the Staten Island campus of St.
John’s University in 1971, and its spirit and influence continue to
be felt at its new home in many ways, one of which is through the
NDCAA Sr. Helen Flynn Endowed Scholarship. Established in 1980, the
scholarship provides financial assistance to selected students
pursuing an undergraduate degree on St. John’s Staten Island campus
This year’s recipients, incoming freshmen Joseph S. Anzelone and
Christina Nicole Calderera, were present to thank the alumnae for
their generosity in helping to support their studies at St.
John’s.
“It’s an honor for me to know that I’ll be walking on the same
campus and studying in many of the same buildings that you did
during your own student days,” said Calderera. “For me, that really
shows how the more things change, the more they stay the same. You
have made a difference for me, and I know that one day I’ll be in a
position to do the same for someone just like me.”
The strong bonds that continue to flourish between Notre Dame
College and St. John’s University have not diminished over the
years. If anything, they’ve grown stronger, thanks to the
dedication of the Notre Dame College alumnae to keep the essence of
their beloved institution alive wherever their individual lives may
have taken them
“It’s obvious that our loyalty to Notre Dame College is very
strong, because here we are, decades later, still carrying in our
hearts the teachings and values we learned here,” remarked Maureen
C. O’Brien ’62NDC. “The Sisters helped to transform us from eager
yet somewhat naïve students into well-prepared women poised to take
our places in the world, and I know that they’re here with us in
spirit as we celebrate the college that will always mean so much to
us all.”