As the flag of St. John’s University again flew proudly outside
the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City, nearly 1,100 supporters and
special friends gathered for the 11th Annual President’s Dinner in
the fabled Grand Ballroom to celebrate St. John’s outstanding
accomplishments and reaffirm its unique mission of service to
others. Acknowledged as the University’s premier fundraising event,
this year’s President’s Dinner was the most successful ever,
raising an unprecedented $2,152,078 for scholarships to directly
benefit its most deserving students.
A traditional focal point of every President’s Dinner is the
presentation of St. John’s prestigious Spirit of Service
Award, established to recognize outstanding individuals who
have lived their lives in accordance with the Vincentian ideals of
serving the underserved in a spirit of caring and compassion. Award
recipients for 2008 included Mary
Carnesecca and Lou Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON, Assistant
to the President and Hall of Fame Coach, Men’s Basketball, St.
John’s University, George
T. McDonald, Founder and President, The Doe Fund, Inc. and Maria
C. Schwartz and Joseph H. Schwartz ’70C, ’72MBA, Retired
Partner, Wellington Management Company.
Speaking for himself and his wife Mary, Coach Carnesecca was
quick to acknowledge that they continue to be moved by the mission
that has always been such a part of the St. John’s experience. “St.
John’s has a philosophy that recognizes the dignity of the human
person”, he said. “We thank and salute you [guests] for your
loyalty to the young people who would never be at this wonderful
University without your generous support.”
Those sentiments were echoed by honoree Joseph H. Schwartz, who
noted that, for he and Maria “We accept this award with humility
and we recognize that there is clearly more to be done. Our
Vincentian values are just as important today as when they were
first espoused by St. Vincent de Paul. We are all better people for
being a part of the St. John’s mission.”
George T. McDonald movingly recounted the impact that his faith
had on every aspect of his life. “It was my faith that allowed me
to believe that our efforts could help to change people’s lives”,
he said. “I am thankful to St. John’s for this wonderful Spirit
of Service Award. Trust in God and you will have the
fulfillment of what your heart desires.”
Reflecting upon the uniqueness of the recipients, Rev. Donald J.
Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s University
acknowledged that “Without them and their extraordinary concern for
those in need, this Dinner would not be the success that it is. I
thank them for allowing us to honor them. In doing so they have
assisted the University in a very special way.”
Fr. Harrington expressed his gratitude to the President’s Dinner
guests and credited their support for allowing the University and
its students to remain a force for positive change. “It is very
clear that you believe that St. John’s does make a difference in
our world and that you believe in the hope that St. John’s offers
to our students and to our society.”
He reminded everyone that “St. John’s has made a difference in
the world – and St. John’s will continue to make a difference –
especially by providing those in the greatest need the opportunity
for a Catholic and Vincentian education of which they can be
proud.”
President’s Dinner Co-Chairperson William L. Collins ‘76C noted
that the success of the event becomes even more significant when
considered in terms of the negative impact that our faltering
economy has had on many fundraising initiatives nationwide. “This
year’s gross revenue total actually exceeded that of last year.
Given the reality of today’s uncertain economic climate, that
accomplishment is nothing short of spectacular.“
“I’ve been involved in a number of St. John’s events in the past
and after every one I’m more impressed by what this university is
able to accomplish” remarked WNBC News 4 Sports Anchor Bruce Beck,
who served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. “Tonight is
certainly no exception.”
Guests were uniformly vocal in their praise for the University that
has done so much for so many. James Saunders ’64C, ‘75MBA spoke of
the Vincentian values that have been a part of his life since his
student days. “I’m so happy to be here tonight. The Vincentian
values that I got at St. John’s govern my life. I try to live by
them and respect them, and believe that if more people shared our
St. John’s values we’d all be much better off.”
Tarik Turner ’98C remarked that “It’s always a pleasure for me
to be a part of the President’s Dinner. This year is especially
close to my heart because Coach Carnesecca is being honored. He was
a big reason why I came to St. John’s, and he’s become like a
father figure to me.”
“It’s an absolute delight to be here” said Joe Geoghan ’59CBA.
“I was a member of the first four year class to graduate from the
Hillcrest campus. I’m happy to see that St. John’s has done so well
over the years.”
For Angela Mirizzi Olson ‘83NDC the President’s Dinner is an
opportunity to reinforce the values that she learned while a
student and has maintained ever since. “I love attending this event
because it rekindles the St. John’s values that are a part of my
way of life and are even a part of how I’ve brought up my
family.”
Members of The President’s Society, when not assisting the
honorees and guests, were quick to express their gratitude to the
donors whose generosity continues to help them realize their dream
of a St. John’s education. “It’s great to see so many alumni and
benefactors come back because they really believe in St. John’s and
the students” said Alex Shalan, a Hospitality Management major from
St. John’s College of Professional Studies, Class of 2009. “I thank
them in the most sincere way for all of the opportunities I’ve had
because of their generosity.”
Maggie Snyder, also from the Class of 2009 and a double English
and Theology major in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and
Sciences was quick to point out that, for her, the excitement of
the evening was due in large part to being in the presence of the
past and current Spirit of Service Award recipients. “St.
John’s emphasizes service as part of our college experience”, she
said “and it’s very inspiring for me to come and see people who
really lead by example. Everything that they do is so inspiring to
us.”
Thomas Anderson ’80CBA, ’86MBA summarized the feelings that were
evident throughout this joyful evening. “I have a great affection
for my University. It’s good to be home.”