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.”
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.