Doctoral Graduate Overcomes Challenges to Earn Degree
Robert E. Cortes ’22Ed.D., Outreach Coordinator for Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), decided it was time to go back to school after earning his bachelor’s degree from Hunter College, and his master’s degree from Columbia University School of Social Work. Between earning his last degree and beginning his studies at St. John’s University, 17 years had passed.
George E. Blair ’67Ed.D.
“You can’t give what you don’t have,” explained George E. Blair ’67Ed.D., “and St. John’s gave me things I was looking for that I never found anywhere else.”
Despina Siolas, M.D., PhD.
Many senior faculty members teaching in the Biology Department and in the University Honors Program remember Despina Siolas, M.D., PhD. as a particularly gifted undergraduate.
Marilyn (’66Ed, ’96Ed.D.) and Elaine Verna ’54CBA
Planning comes second nature to Marilyn (’66Ed, ’96Ed.D.) and Elaine Verna ’54CBA. They believe that the future is determined in large measure by the present, which is why these dynamic sisters embrace the concept of planned giving through their membership in The McCallen Society at St. John’s University.
Michael Lipari
Michael Lipari vividly recalls telling his first advisor at St. John’s that he wanted to teach history—and so he is!
Catherine R. D’Angelo
When Catherine R. D’Angelo receives her undergraduate degree during Commencement Exercises on May 19 at the Queens, NY, campus of St. John’s University, she will proudly mark the occasion as the 13th member of her extensive family to experience life as a Johnny.
Ann Cranston-Gingras, Ph.D. ’80Ed
A small book of African poems has had a place in the home of Dr. Cranston-Gingras since her days at St. John’s. A gift from a beloved professor from The School of Education, the book bears a treasured inscription:
Steven Surujbali ’16GEd
Mr. Surujbali didn’t always want to be an educator. After completing his undergraduate degree in economics and global studies, however, he had a change of heart and enrolled in the NYC Teaching...
Linda Loperuto Carter '72Ed
Recently honored by the Diocese of Rockville Centre for 25 years of teaching, Linda Loperuto Carter reflects on the beginnings of her educational career at St. John’s University.
Kisong Kim, Ed.M.
It’s not surprising that Doctoral Fellow Kisong Kim, Ed.M., ended up pursuing a doctorate in education at St. John’s when one considers the nickname she went by as a child growing up in Daegu, Republic of Korea: little teacher. “Even before I started elementary school, I was always helping kids in my neighborhood learn to read and write,” she recalls.
Helen Rooney ‘11Ed
On the day Helen Rooney visited the Queens, NY, campus for the first time, she sensed that St. John’s was where she could turn her passion for teaching into a fulfilling career. “I felt this instant connection to the University,” she said. “That didn’t happen at any other school I visited.”