Gift Planning Returns to the Sunshine State

Produced by: Chyna Davis

Group Photo
February 27, 2018

It’s that time of the year again! The Office of Gift Planning is set to return to the sunshine state.  Florida Alumni Socials, which are set to take place March 5 to March 18, will kindle new friendships and spark conversations on what’s happening now at St. John’s University.

Just in time for the gatherings, alumni recount their experiences and share what they expect from the Gift Planning team.

Barbara and Jack Carew ’59C, ’00HON, encourage alumni to seize the opportunity and come to Florida. They love the idea of meeting alumni, which range from 1965 to current day graduates.

“They may not be people I know or went to school with, but if you’re from St. John’s we all mix and have a great time,” Carew said. “We like to go to all the activities around the St. Patrick’s Day parade.”

The Carews enjoy hosting the Society Dinner in Naples, which will take place this year on March 15. Jack recounts feeling at home, as he is reminded of our Vincentian mission at St. John’s to give back. He is both a member of The McCallen and Loughlin Societies.

“Meeting people you don’t know is so endearing because they share their own experiences,” Carew said. “It’s the people that make the difference.”

The Carew’s recognized Mark Andrews, Director of Alumni Relations, and Susan M. Damiani ’87CBA, Director of the Office of Gift Planning, for their professionalism.

Alumna Patricia Cooke ’68Ed also shares the passion of giving back and looks forward to visiting new venues this year. Cooke, a former St. John’s ambassador in Florida, loves the fact there are a lot of alumni there.

“Other than Susan and Mark, I enjoy seeing alumni, friends, and the venues,” said Cooke. “The organizers have this down to a science to accommodate people. It’s just wonderful!”

Elizabeth Corr ’81C, ’84GEd and her husband Richard Corr ’95CBA, are alumni ambassadors in The Villages. Like Cooke, the Corrs promote events and network with their St. John’s community close to home.

Elizabeth worked at St. John’s for many years, and thinks the alumni meetings are a great way to stay updated on the University.

“A lot of the alumni are from New York,” Corr said. “I love it when Susan and Mark come down and give updates on what has changed at the University.”

Thekla Manganelli says she appreciates Susan and everything she does for The McCallen Society. She continues the Vincentian mission of giving back by maintaining her late husband’s legacy, alumnus Ralph Manganelli 41‘C.

“I think Susan is wonderful, efficient, knowledgeable, and great at what she does,” Manganelli said. “Joining The McCallen Society was one of the best things I’ve done so far.”

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