November 05, 2012
Like most kids from New York,
Scott Williams grew up a fan of St. John’s sports. And his
first exposure to the University community came in a rather unique
way.
“When I was living in Freeport,” Williams explained, “my
next-door neighbor was none other than Ed Ingles, the former Sports
Director for WCBS Radio and the voice of St. John’s basketball
during the days of Chris Mullin ’98CBA and Mark Jackson ’87CBA.
Back then, he used to take me with him to games and I’d be his
assistant for the day.”
It was a dream come true for the 15-year-old Williams, allowing him
to carry radio equipment, assist with the pre-game show and watch
as Ingles would interview legends like former Head Coach Lou
Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON.
“I had front-row access during a very exciting time for the
Johnnies,” Williams said. “That was really thrilling for me and, as
a teenager, it made me even more passionate about St.
John’s.”
Williams’ love for St. John’s never waned, and he recently rejoined
the University in a professional role as Associate Vice President
of Alumni Relations. He previously worked at St. John’s in a
variety of positions during the late ’90s, including Assistant
Coach of the Football team, Assistant to the Director of Alumni
Relations and Development Officer.
In his new position, Williams provides oversight to the Office of
Alumni Relations as it seeks to further the University’s alumni
engagement. In particular, he hopes to increase engagement of
graduates living outside of New York in addition to keeping more
and more young alumni connected.
“This campus is home to me in so many ways,” Williams noted. “To
engage alumni and meet so many people within the community – that’s
an opportunity that I truly cherish.”
Williams has enjoyed a fascinating career outside of his time at
St. John’s. He joined the United States Secret Service immediately
after he graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX,
allowing him to travel the world, protecting dignitaries and
ambassadors. He also provided security for both President George
H.W. Bush and President Clinton.
Additionally, he’s amassed a wealth of experience in assisting
non-profit organizations to raise money and carry out their
missions. He served as Executive Director of Development and Alumni
Relations for the Waldorf School of Garden City, NY, helping it
launch a successful multi-million dollar capital campaign. And as
Senior Managing Director at Changing Our World, Inc., an
international fundraising and philanthropy consulting firm,
Williams worked with nearly 20 independent and Catholic schools, in
addition to a number of colleges and universities, to provide
assistance in managing and directing capital campaigns and
fundraising initiatives.
“To help create new programs for students, to be a part of that and
see those funds go directly to work, is special,” he said. “It’s
amazing when you step back and see how your efforts have helped to
advance a particular mission. It simply doesn’t get any better than
that.”
From his days as a teenager attending St. John’s games with Ed
Ingles, to his current role within the University, Williams has
developed a true appreciation for the Vincentian mission. He’s
thrilled to be back at St. John’s, further enhancing alumni
engagement and making an impact on the University he loves.
“As Christians, you look at the Vincentians and see what they’re
all about: reaching out and taking care of those lacking economic
or social advantages, taking action against poverty and social
injustice,” Williams said. “It resonates with my personal mission,
and when your personal mission aligns with the mission of your
organization, your job doesn’t feel like work. It’s more like a
calling, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to be back at
the University – to come back home.”