Summer Concert BBQ
August 7, 2017
Inclement weather caused the cancellation of the 19th Annual Great Lawn Summer Concert, but did not deter stalwart alumni from enjoying the preconcert barbecue on August 2.
More than 100 alumni members of The McCallen and Loughlin Societies attended the barbecue, which was moved from Newman Courtyard to St. John Hall when weather conditions worsened. Guests mingled in the hallways and classrooms; for many guests who graduated years ago, the hustle and bustle was reminiscent of their college days.
“It’s a shame they had to carry the barbecue inside, but they were very good in preparing this for us and having it in St. John Hall,” observed Bernadette Vaskas ’57UC.
Ms. Vaskas, a member of both The McCallen and Loughlin Societies, said the food was delicious. The menu included chicken, steak, potato salad, hamburgers, and hot dogs.
Even though the Queens Symphony Orchestra could not perform as planned, attendees were still privy to a musical treat when tenor Christopher Macchio sang “Nessun Dorma.” “We were glad the singer decided to give a small performance for our guests, which included people from as far away as Connecticut,” said event organizer Tara Sanon ’10C, Phone Program Assistant. “They were very happy with the entertainment, food, ambiance, and giveaways.”
Two of those pleased guests included Thomas Joyce ’73CBA, ’77MBA, a member of The McCallen and Loughlin Societies, and his wife, Toni Cavalenes-Joyce. “Even though the barbecue was held indoors, they made it festive and provided everybody with a lot of food and drinks.”
At the evening’s conclusion, guests enjoyed cookies and coffee, and took home St. John’s University wine stoppers as their gift.
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