Retirees Association Members Gather For Annual Luncheon

More than 100 members of St. John’s University’s Retirees Association spent an afternoon catching up with former colleagues while enjoying a music-themed luncheon on Wednesday, November 15, in the D’Angelo Center Ballroom on the Queens campus.

“It’s always great to come back, even after 20 years,” said Phyllis Zumatto, a former employee of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. “Even though I didn’t work with some of the guests, I knew them from around campus, so it’s always nice to see them. St. John’s was a great place to work.”

The annual luncheon featured an all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving buffet. After the meal, the program opened with a performance by St. John’s University’s Mixed Chorus, led by Clarke K. Oler, its Director.

Susan M. Damiani ’87CBA, Director of Gift Planning, then introduced Simon Møller, Ph.D., Senior Vice Provost and Professor of Biological Sciences, to update retirees about the University’s latest developments. Dr. Møller discussed the strategic plan launched by President Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, Ph.D., as well as the importance of hiring and engaging “brilliant administrators and faculty.”

Beverly Ilchert, who retired from St. John’s School of Law in 1996, said it was a pleasure to work for the University. “I love coming here,” she said. “I found it was the best place to be away from home.”

As part of the program, the Chappell Players performed a skit from a show scheduled for later that evening. Rev. James F. Dorr, C.M. ’79GEd, Moderator, then delivered a lively invocation, maintaining the afternoon’s light and joyful mood. The event closed with  a performance by Voices of Victory, conducted by Nigel W. Gretton, Director of Performing Arts.

Eugene J. Kupchick, Ph.D, who served as a Chemistry Professor at the University for 40 years, won a basket of St. John’s goodies in one of the raffles. Kupchick is also a member of The McCallen Society, which thanks donors who include St. John’s in their estate plans.

Dr. Kupchick referenced his time at the University as the reason why he wants to leave it in his own will. “I love St. John’s,” he said, “and I love the students.”

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