September 6, 2013
When Gloria Kelley '52UC, '59MLS was a high school senior deciding where to go to college, St. John's University wasn't even in the running. She had made up her mind to go to Brooklyn College, mainly because it had a beautiful campus and was within walking distance of her home.
Her family, however, had other plans. Many had gone to St. John's and they convinced Gloria to follow in their footsteps. Today, more than six decades after this double alumna reluctantly began her studies on the Schermerhorn Street campus, she remains one of the University's most loyal supporters.
"I've always been glad that I listened to my family and decided to go to St. John's," she said. "I got a wonderful education and made great friends that I've kept in touch with even after all these years. One of my best friends was Claire Lacattiva '52UC. Because our last names were close in the alphabet, we always found ourselves together during things like registration and on class rosters. Claire earned her Ph.D. and had a great career as an Adjunct Professor at St. John's."
In appreciation for the wonderful experiences she's had as a member of the St. John's family, Gloria is a member of The McCallen Society and has made provisions to include the University in her will. She enjoys spending time at The McCallen Society and other St. John's events, and is impressed by how the University has evolved since she was a student.
"When I was going for my graduate degree, I was among the first students to study on the Queens campus," she recalled. "In those days St. John Hall and St. Albert Hall were really the only buildings there. Every time I come back I marvel at how much the University has changed. It gets more exciting every year, and that's why I'm happy to have put St. John's in my will. It's my way of making sure I'll be part of that excitement in the future."