June 01, 2009
St. John’s University alumni and friends gathered on the Queens
campus to enjoy a flawless summer afternoon at the Alumni Reunion
Great Lawn Party and Concert on Saturday, May 30, 2009. The record
crowd of more than 1,000 attendees and their families brought their
picnic blankets and lawn chairs in anticipation of an afternoon and
evening of food, carnival rides, games and music—and they were not
disappointed.
Photo Gallery
The scene
on the Great Lawn was a veritable feast for the senses. The sound
of children laughing, the smell of the grill, the hum of
conversation, the whirring of the ferris wheel, the lines of
families savoring the taste of cotton candy and the flicker of
stage lights as the concert began all signaled the beginning of
summer.
“Today is absolutely fantastic,” raved Elizabeth Geerlings Horan
'93P. “The day is beautiful, the kids are having the time of their
lives and it’s great to show them how wonderful St. John’s
University is!”
The Great Lawn Party and Concert, a new addition to the
traditional annual Reunion activities, was well received by alumni
who were more than happy that the University offered a relaxing and
fun event for the whole family.
“This is the first reunion event I’ve come back to so it’s nice
to see that they’ve changed this up a little bit and it’s more
family-friendly,” shared Nygel Roach '06TCB. “Being here brings
back a lot of good memories. I played ball here, I had a lot of
friends here, so I definitely wanted to come out and show my
support for St. John’s.”
In addition
to the various activities offered, guests of all ages enjoyed the
musical samplings of DJ Jimmy, Quickdraw and Southside Johnny and
the Asbury Jukes, who had a large following on campus years ago.
“Just to see Southside Johnny is the icing on the cake,” exclaimed
Horan as she reflected on the day’s many attractions. The lively
music had long-time fans and first-time hearers alike dancing on
the grass.
“The day is excellent, the weather is excellent, everyone is
friendly—it’s fun,” said Susan Strong '99MBA. “St. John’s has
outdone themselves! The children are having a wonderful time and I
can’t wait for the next reunion. Even if it’s not my year I
will probably come!
George Frank '71Ed also pleased with the afternoon’s activities
echoed that sentiment. “I came back because my friends were coming
and we’re having a great time today,” he said. “We’ll come back
next year too.”
View complete galleries of all event photos and purchase
prints:
Alumni Reunion Barbeque and Family Fun Fair Photo Gallery
Alumni Reunion Great Lawn Party and Concert Photo Gallery
Candlelight Dinner with the President Photo Gallery
Mass and Champagne Brunch with the President Photo Gallery