June 16, 2010
Spending a summer afternoon at the races is historically one of
the most enduring of American traditions, and so it was altogether
fitting that more than 65 St. John’s University alumni,
families and friends gathered at fabled Monmouth Park on Sunday,
June 13, 2010.
Photo Gallery
Hosted by the
Central New Jersey Alumni Chapter, the afternoon’s activities
also featured a picnic in a private area to enjoy a barbeque buffet
with an up-close view of the track. Reflecting the family nature of
the event, a number of alumni were accompanied by their children,
who delighted in pony rides and inflatable bouncers.
“Central New Jersey Alumni Chapter Leader Michael Bart ’85CBA
did a fantastic job getting the word out to alumni in the area and
has really driven this event over the years,” said Nicholas A.
Legakis ’97SVC, ’07MPS, Director, Institutional Advancement, Staten
Island campus. “It’s wonderful to see such a great turnout and to
see it grow every year.”
George (’64CBA) and Maureen Babula ’65UC attend each year and
appreciate the fact that, for them, an additional benefit is that
Monmouth Park is close to home. “This is always an enjoyable event,
and it’s always nice to spend a day outside with friends and alumni
of alma mater,” noted George.
Heather Aquino ’08L was thrilled about the event. “I have
been trying get my friend, Johan [Obregon ’06C, ’09L] to come with
me to Monmouth and when I saw the event advertised, it was a
perfect opportunity,” she said. Obregon was happy Aquino
convinced him to come, remarking that, “…this was a wonderful
event and I had a great time.”
As cameras snapped to preserve the uniqueness of this special
day, five members of the group posed for pictures in the winner’s
circle with Night Pearl, the horse that won the St. John’s
sponsored race.