Drs. Leonardo and Carmencita Fulgado, scholarship grantors for recent graduate Hervy Lim Ong
May 23, 2017
If you can’t actually be in Paris, the next best thing is to be there in spirit and that’s what St. John’s University’s Division of Student Affairs and The McCallen Society offered a sampling of Parisian life on Wednesday, April 26, with an “Evening in Paris.” Featuring French cuisine followed by a canvas and acrylic painting session, more than two dozen guests gave Impressionism some new twists.
The Sodano Coffee House in the D’Angelo Center was transformed into a Parisian-like setting with photographs and other flourishes. After enjoying smoothies, croissants, and quiche, attendees watched a slide show about St. John’s University’s intensive study abroad programs.
Elizabeth Sheehan ’14C, ’15G, Assistant Director of Campus Activities, and Susan M. Damiani ’87CBA, Director of Gift Planning and The McCallen Society, greeted and thanked guests for their support. “Tonight we are bringing together generations of St. John’s students,” Ms. Sheehan said. “Some of our current students are here, as well as alumni spanning all different ages. It is really a blessing for us, because that is what builds our St. John’s community.”
Ms. Damiani spoke about the importance of giving back by reminding students that the Sodano Coffee House was built through a generous donation from the late Valerie (’49CBA) and Gerard Sodano ’49CBA, who were very loyal members of The McCallen Society. She also encouraged students to interact with alumni and donors, as they are all an important part of the University community. “We thank our McCallens that are here tonight who support our University so generously, we thank our alumni, and we thank all the students,” she added.
Matthew Pucciarelli, Associate Provost of Global Studies, spoke about the various study abroad programs that the University offers current undergraduate and graduate students as images from study abroad locations were shown in the background.
McCallen Society member Patrick McGuire ’84C was impressed by the programs being offered to current students. “For me, to be a McCallen Society member means to help people get opportunities that, unfortunately, we did not have when I was a student,” Mr. McGuire said. “St. John’s is now so global, and students are able to study in places all over the world. That’s why I love to give back.”
Therese Artus ’91GEd, ’93PD, a member of The Loughlin Society, was interested in the event due to her background. “I did my studies in France and I have my Ph.D. in French literature, so this is very exciting,” Dr. Artus said. Her late husband was a professor at St. John’s, and she still likes to visit the campus and interact with students. “I did my studies in France and I have my P.h.D. in French literature, so this is very exciting,” Artus said.
Lisa Capone, a new member of The Loughlin Society and a St. John’s employee for more than 28 years, went to the event with her daughter, who is currently a sophomore at the University. She said she became a member of The Loughlin Society as a way to show her gratitude and affinity toward the University.
“I always said that when my daughter, who was born after I started working here, started getting the tuition benefit, I would join The Loughlin Society,” Ms. Capone said. “So I joined last year, and will continue throughout her tenure.”
Tiffany Perrier ’17C enjoyed the opportunity to speak with alumni and donors on a more personal level. “I am a member of the President’s Society, so we attend events where we get to meet alumni, but they are usually very formal. This one is much more relaxed. It’s great to mingle with alumni, and hear what they have to say about the University’s past.”
After guests enjoyed refreshments, they made their way to the painting section with blank canvasses on tabletop easels. Instructors talked them through a simple yet elegant painting of the Eiffel Tower. It was interesting to see how everyone gave it their own personal artistic flare.
For more news, as well as live coverage of our events, follow the University’s social media accounts. You can find us on Facebook at themccallensociety and stjohnsalumni, on Instagram at stjohnsalumni and on Twitter @stjohnsalumni.
To learn more about becoming a member of The McCallen Society and establishing your legacy through planned gifts to St. John’s, please contact Susan M. Damiani, Director of Gift Planning and The McCallen Society, at 718-990-7562 or [email protected], or visit The McCallen Society webpage at Gift Planning.