July 22, 2010
Looking forward to a day of exciting thoroughbred racing at one
of the world’s most famous racetracks, alumni and friends of St.
John’s University gathered at historic Belmont Racetrack on Sunday,
July 18, 2010 for the 2nd Annual Belmont Brunch. The event was
co-hosted by the Nassau County Alumni Chapter and the Tobin College
of Business Alumni Association (TCBAA).
Photo Gallery
The lively and enthusiastic crowd enjoyed cheering for their
favorite horses, and at the end of the day more than a few alumni
were happily counting the winnings from their luck at the betting
windows.
“This is the second year we’ve been doing this event,”
said Bill Lipson, Assistant Director, Office of Alumni Relations.
“We’ve doubled our attendance from last year and certainly the
Nassau County Alumni Chapter has done a great job. We’re going to
make this an annual event, and we’re constantly looking for new
members and new participants to join the fun and
festivities.”
Many alumni who attended last year agreed that the 2010 Belmont
Brunch was definitely bigger and better, and they were already
looking forward to participating again next year. For them, the
opportunity to get together with friends for socializing and
networking was a key attraction.
Kevin Hawkins ’86SVC, one of the organizers of the outing, noted
that, “…, this is my second year coming, and I’m hoping we have it
every year. To me, St. John’s means a lot of lifelong friends. I
have a lot of friends I’ve been in contact with since I’ve been
there and some of them are here today.”
“I think this is a really super event,” agreed Elaine C. Freeman
’83C, ’87MBA. “I attended last year, and this year I’m enjoying it
even more. The networking with my fellow alumni and having the
exciting opportunity of standing in the winner’s circle with them
is truly a treat for me and I just love the ambiance of this event.
It was super last year, it’s super this year and I’m looking
forward to next year.”
One of the highlights of the day came at the conclusion of the 5th
race, when a number of alumni and friends were invited into the
winner’s circle for a commemorative photo with the winning jockey
of the race sponsored in the name of the St. John’s alumni.
“Today’s event is absolutely wonderful, especially for
someone who has lived in New York all his life and has never been
to Belmont,” remarked Mark A. Ventimiglia ’81CBA, ’83MBA. “I love
the setup, the whole idea of having a St. John’s sponsored race in
a nice area, where you get a meal, etc. Meeting everyone is just a
fabulous way to connect with other alumni, and I can see myself
coming back. In fact, I hear they are doing something up in
Saratoga in August, so I may be going up there too.”
Many alumni were accompanied by their families, and each attendee
received a number of University logo items, such as hats, t-shirts
and notepads, as mementos of another great St. John’s
gathering.
“My wife and I are proud alumni, and we come to these events as
often as we can because we love alma mater,” said Pietro Taurasi
’72C, ’82MBA. “Today’s event is wonderful because we are winning
and we had a great meal with our St. John’s family.”
More Information
For information about other events of interest to Long Island
alumni, please call Bill Lipson, Assistant Director, Office of
Alumni Relations at (718) 990-2602 or e-mail lipsonw@stjohns.edu.
For information about our upcoming Saratoga Day at the Races,
please call Bill Schaeffer ’73CBA, Director, Office of Alumni
Relations at (718) 990-6802 or e-mail schaeffw@stjohns.edu.