September 21, 2018
St. John’s University seeks to keep close ties with its community of more than 184,000 alumni through reunions and special events, always cognizant that groups from different eras have their own diverse needs. For young alumni, the University created the Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) alumni association, which offers a variety of events specific to their interests, including social, educational, financial, and career-enrichment activities.
More than 60 young alumni came together on September 13 at St. John’s Manhattan, NY, campus for the third annual “Finding the GOLD” networking event, which featured a TED-style talk from guest speaker Angela M. Guzman, Director of Supplier Diversity at NBCUniversal. A reception held after the talk gave old friends a chance to reconnect, while new graduates had the opportunity to make connections that might lead to career opportunities.
During his welcoming remarks, Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, Ph.D., President of St. John’s, updated the group on the latest University news. This year, St. John’s enrolled the largest first-year class of any Catholic college or university, with approximately 3,100 students. “We are working hard to get those students whom we believe will continue the mission of St. John’s in the same manner as you have,” Dr. Gempesaw said.
Most notably, Dr. Gempesaw discussed a $15 million gift from The Starr Foundation—the largest single donation the University has received in its over 148 years of existence. The gift will establish the Maurice R. Greenberg Leadership Initiative at the School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science—part of The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s. Dr. Gempesaw also encouraged alumni to attend the 21st annual President’s Dinner on November 2 at the New York Hilton Midtown. Two pairs of tickets for the Dinner were raffled off during the evening.
Ms. Guzman discussed her career path and the journey she took to her current position, which she has held for the last five years. As Director of Supplier Diversity, her goal is to ensure a diverse supplier base in the procurement of goods and services for her company. She is constantly seeking to expand her company’s network of multicultural and minority-owned businesses with which to work. “It really can have economic impact and level the playing field where there have been gaps in the past,” she explained.
She noted that throughout her career she has developed a wide network of individuals with which to network. “I encourage each one of you to expand your network, not just with St. John’s alumni, but with those from the past. Try to connect with those who can give you guidance. And, as you grow and thrive in your careers, always reach back to the ones behind you.”
“I had a great experience at St. John’s. It really brought me out of my shell,” stressed David Puswald ’12TCB, Events Co-Chair for GOLD. “After I graduated, I needed to stay involved. I wanted to maintain those connections, give back, and get young alumni excited to give back as well.” A Claims Examiner for York Risk Services Group, Mr. Puswald joined GOLD two years ago and has since enlisted several fellow alumni.
Dylan Ferguson ’13C joined GOLD immediately upon graduation. Currently an IT Risk Consultant for Protiviti Inc., the Cyber Security Systems major is actively involved in the Executive-in-Residence Program (EIRP) at St. John’s.
Sponsored by The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, the program provides undergraduate and graduate students in-school opportunities to engage in real-world business consulting with actual business and non-profit organizations. Mr. Ferguson noted that Joseph A. Tarantino ’80CBA, Protiviti Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer, is an alumnus of St. John’s. He added, “We recruit at St. John’s. It is one of our target schools, so I try to stay involved.”
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