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.”
Laura Walsh, ‘11Ed, ‘16GEd
Ms. Walsh started her academic career at St. John’s University in the fall of 2007. She ran cross-country and track and was attracted to St. John’s for both its academic reputation as well as its athletic program. “St. John’s University opened up a world of opportunities,” she said.
Marcella Mandracchia ‘10Ed, ‘11GEd, ‘15Ed.D.
During the course of a typical week, Marcella Mandracchia ’10Ed, ’11GEd, ’15Ed.D. follows an exacting schedule—serving as an instructor in The School of Education, listening to dissertation defenses, analyzing data for senior faculty, showing fellow professors how to conduct online courses, or teaching three classes at Hostos Community College in the Bronx.
Nicole Lalena ‘12Ed, ‘14GEd
As a special education “co-teacher” at P.S. 71 in Ridgewood, Queens, Nicole Lalena ’12Ed, ’14GEd is convinced she is learning as much as her students.
Alumna Inspires Special Education Students to Become Leaders in the Fight against Hunger
As Latasha Jones ’13Ed.D. sees it, obstacles are opportunities that help build character. A teacher of middle-school students with special needs, Jones recently steered her class at PS186X Walter J. Damrosch School in the Bronx, NY, to capture first place out of 850 schools in the 2013–14 Lead2Feed Student Leadership Challenge.
Donald Murphy '06GEd, '10Ed.D.
When Donald Murphy '06GEd, '10Ed.D. witnessed the difficulty parents and students were having with New York State’s new Common Core math standards, the St. John’s alumnus decided to use his experience, expertise, and empathy to do something about it.