September 14, 2016
More than 1,487 alumni—many accompanied by family and friends—returned to the Queens campus for St. John’s University’s inaugural Grand Alumni Homecoming Weekend (GAHW), June 3–4, 2016.
The June event marked the first time the University’s wide variety of major alumni activities—academic, recreational, and celebratory—took place in a single weekend. “By all accounts, it was a great success,” said Jeanne Umland ’79C, ’82G, ’93PD, Associate Vice President, Advancement. “Everyone had a wonderful time, and our alumni provided feedback to assist us in planning for an even bigger event next year.”
With those suggestions in mind, St. John’s plans an even broader slate of activities for its 2017 GAHW. Graduates from all class years are invited to stay in campus housing starting Thursday evening, June 1. Overnight guests are served breakfast on Friday morning, and refreshments are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a special Hospitality Suite. The day’s activities include campus tours, a luncheon, Academic Lectures, and individual College
and School Receptions and Award Ceremonies for Distinguished Alumni, hosted by deans and faculty.
Saturday’s festivities start at 8 a.m. with St. John’s 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run. Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, Ph.D., President, hosts a 10:30 a.m. Brunch and Q&A. Other activities include Academic Lectures, a Q&A with SJU Athletics and Coaches, and the Annual Great Lawn Party, with food, rides, and family fun. The day concludes with the signature event—Alumni Mass, the University Alumni Award Ceremony, and a Celebration Dinner for all anniversary classes, with a special tribute to the 50th Anniversary Class.
“We’re so excited to offer an expanded program for all of our alumni in 2017,” said Ms. Umland. “Everyone will want to mark their calendars so they can have a great time celebrating their St. John’s roots by coming home to their alma mater in June.”
“It really is a high point of the year,” noted Mark Andrews, Director of Alumni Relations. “As always, we depend on our alumni to help make it all happen, so we look forward to hearing from everyone who’s interested in participating in this new tradition.”
Graduates of all class years—along with spouses, children, and grandchildren—are invited back to St. John’s for the second annual Grand Alumni Homecoming Weekend on Friday, June 2, and Saturday, June 3, at the Queens campus.
For more information, or to serve as an Alumni Volunteer, please contact our Office of University Events: 718-990-2929, e-mail [email protected]. Or visit stjohns.edu/alumnihomecoming.
Remember to Save the Date
Second Annual Grand Alumni Homecoming Weekend
June 2–3, 2017