April 15, 2018
Thursday, May 31, through Sunday, June 3
Alumni from every class year are invited to re-connect, reminisce, and create new memories at St. John’s University’s third annual Grand Alumni Homecoming Weekend (GAHW), scheduled to take place from Thursday, May 31, through Sunday, June 3.
The weekend offers something for everyone—whether you are celebrating your 10th or 50th reunion. “This is a special celebration for alumni,” said Mark A. Andrews, Director of Alumni Relations. “It is a unique opportunity for their families to share the University experience and make the event one to remember.”
Because of its growing success and popularity among the University’s vast alumni community, GAHW has been expanded to four days, from two days last year, and now takes place on both the Queens and Staten Island campuses. This year, alumni seeking hotel accommodations can enjoy a special overnight rate at the Wyndham Garden Fresh Meadows Flushing Hotel.
A Weekend Filled with Activities
Featuring a wide array of social, academic, and recreational events and activities, many of which are new this year, GAHW begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, with an 80s Revisited Alumni Reunion at Citi Field—a special event created at the request of a large group of engaged alumni from that decade. Alumni can socialize at a reception in the stadium’s Foxwood Club and then cheer for the New York Mets when they take on the Chicago Cubs at 7:10 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m., a sunset dinner cruise leaves from Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, for Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD). Recent graduates will have up-close views of Governor’s Island and the Statue of Liberty, and enjoy dinner under the Brooklyn Bridge.
On Friday, June 1, at 10 a.m., the rich history of Queens will be presented during an Exclusive Tour and Lunch at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills—a nostalgic venue that has played host to many famed tennis championships dating back to the early 1900s. The club also houses a historic stadium where The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor once played.
Back on the Queens campus later that same afternoon, academic lectures and programs are open to participants interested in examining a wide range of contemporary issues.
The Grand Alumni Signature Celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. in St. Thomas More Church. Alumni are invited to celebrate the University’s Catholic and Vincentian identity and, immediately following Mass, recognize fellow alumni during an awards ceremony. A number of awards will be bestowed on outstanding alumni, including:
Heritage Circle
Induction is granted to alumni who have graduated from the University 40 or more years ago, and have maintained a close association with the University through their participation, interest, and extraordinary support for alma mater.
Most Rev. Raymond F. Chappetto, D.D., V.G. ’78G
Vicar General of Brooklyn
Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn
Pastor, St. Kevin R.C. Church
Andrea M. Alonso, Esq. ’78C, ’81L
Partner, Morris Duffy Alonso & Faley
Outstanding Alumni Achievement Medal
This medal is given to alumni who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and leadership, a deep commitment to serving others, and a substantial dedication to St. John’s and its mission.
Damon A. Young ’93CBA
Director of Finance, Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Pietas Medal
The Pietas Medal is given to alumni who demonstrate devotion and loyalty to St. John’s and recognizes their longevity, leadership, and consistency of service to the University.
Arthur J. Mirante II, Esq. ’68L
Principal and Tri-State President, Avison Young New York
Board Emeritus, Board of Trustees, St. John’s University
Marie E. Kaiser-Napoli, Esq. ’89C, ’93L
Partner, Napoli Shkolnik PLLC
University Lifetime Achievement Award
The University Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to alumni who, over the course of their lifetime, have exemplified the true Vincentian spirit of service to others and have had a major impact on the life and mission of the University through generosity, dedication, and loyalty.
Peter P. D’Angelo ’78MBA, ’06HON
President, Caxton Alternative Management Capital
Chair Emeritus, Board of Trustees, St. John’s University
At a reception and dinner to follow, special tribute will be paid to the Class of 1968 as they mark their 50th reunion. “St. John’s University has held an important place in my life for more than half a century,” said Thomas G. Burke, Ph.D. ’68C, ’71G. “Coming back to celebrate the 50th anniversary of my graduation is a milestone that means so much to me. The University has always been my second family, and I cannot wait to see the friends I made during my student days.”
Experience St. John’s with Family and Friends
Saturday’s events kick off at 8 a.m. with the St. John’s 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run on DaSilva Memorial Field, as well as a yoga class designed for all levels in Taffner Field House. These two-hour events will be followed by a Campus Walking Tour and an Athletic Tour.
All alumni, some of whom have not been back to St. John’s in years, will have the opportunity to see the complete transformation of campus, including new academic spaces such as the renovated home of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business; upgrades at the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; and cutting-edge labs housed within the College of Professional Studies.
Participants on the Athletic Tour will see the upgrades to athletic facilities, including Taffner Field House; the new, state-of-the art playing field at Jack Kaiser Stadium; and the addition of the newly unveiled statue of the legendary St. John’s Men’s Basketball Coach, Joe Lapchick.
A highlight on Saturday is a special brunch with Dr. Gempesaw, the theme of which will be “Celebrating Our Founding Mission: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dr. Gempesaw plans to deliver an insightful presentation ranging from St. John’s founding mission, dating back to the University’s Brooklyn roots, to the most recent events at the University, including many points of pride and accolades earned by St. John’s in the past year.
“The mission of St. John’s is enduring and has touched generations of alumni,” said Dr. Gempesaw. “We are very grateful to the many alumni who will join us for this celebratory weekend.” He added, “When we think of St. John’s in terms of past, present, and future, we recall our heritage and we also seek to examine how a great University can become even greater.”
The most widely attended event of the extended weekend is the Alumni Great Lawn Party, which takes place on Saturday on the Queens campus from 1 to 5 p.m. and offers activities for families including rides, food, a kid zone, and game booths. New this year is the Athletic Activity Zone, from 3 to 5 p.m., where future Johnnies can practice their favorite sports with our student-athletes.
The St. John’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) reunion area will feature ROTC alumni, enlisted members of the military, and veterans who are invited to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the St. John’s Military Science Department ROTC in a reserved area at the Alumni Great Lawn Party. On display near the reunion area will be military vehicles for guests to view.
The Queens Alumni Mass welcomes all attendees to come together in prayer and reflection after a day filled with new experiences, fun activities, and enjoyment. Mass will be celebrated at 5 p.m. in St. Thomas More Church.
Award ceremonies and receptions for individual schools and colleges will take place after Mass. These celebrations are an opportunity for alumni to be with their fellow classmates whom they studied alongside years ago, and to reminisce with a favorite former professor. For each school and college, several Distinguished Alumni Awards and Distinguished Young Alumni Awards will be presented.
The party continues into the evening with an “After-Party” Alumni Gathering in Lourdes Hall Plaza from 7:30 until 10 p.m., where alumni can enjoy live music, and food and drinks that embrace the many ethnicities found in Queens.
The Staten Island Campus Takes Center Stage
The Staten Island Alumni Mass will be celebrated at noon in St. Vincent de Paul Chapel on Sunday, June 3. Mass is followed by the Staten Island Alumni BBQ at 1 p.m. Similar to the Alumni Great Lawn Party, this event welcomes alumni and their families back to campus for outdoor rides, food, and family fun.
“St. John’s University is much more than a place,” said Mr. Andrews. “It is the people, the tradition, the success, and the history that make the University what it is. Grand Alumni Homecoming Weekend is about coming home and about bringing these ideals together—something we celebrate this weekend and throughout the year.”
For a complete list of events and honorees; to register, make a reunion gift, and/or become a class chair; and to read more about overnight accommodations, please visit stjohns.edu/homecoming.