June 1, 2018
The Employee Recognition Convocation, held on May 24 in Taffner Field House on St. John’s University’s Queens campus, provides an annual opportunity to honor exemplary faculty, administrators, and staff who promote the University’s Catholic and Vincentian mission through excellent service.
“At St. John’s, doing the best for our students is a way of life,” said University President Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, Ph.D. “I always say that the excellence of a university starts with outstanding faculty, staff, and administrators.”
This year, more than 80 St. John’s employees received Outstanding Achievement Medals. In addition, Retirement Certificates were presented to more than 20 faculty, staff, and administrators.
The President made special mention of the impending departure of Robert A. Mangione ’77P, ’79GP, ’93PD, ’99Ed.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, from his administrative roles, and his return to the faculty on a full-time basis. The assembly gave a standing ovation to a visibly moved Dr. Mangione, who noted how touched he was by the outpouring of goodwill.
“At this Convocation, we recognize the significant contributions of our colleagues, like Bob Mangione, who have dedicated so much of their professional lives to educating and supporting our students,” Dr. Gempesaw said.
Upon meeting Dr. Mangione, the President recalled that he was impressed by his loyalty and affection for the University. Dr. Mangione completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at St. John’s before joining the faculty in 1979. “Not only did he work hard, but he devoted his professional life to making this institution a much better University,” Dr. Gempesaw said.