August 17, 2018
Members of The McCallen and Loughlin Societies returned to the Hamptons for their annual summer social on Friday, August 3, 2018, and were treated to the Clovis Point Vineyard’s award-winning wine, a delicious buffet by Lombardi’s Love Lane Market, and live music by Todd the Guitarman.
Guests enjoyed the vineyard’s picturesque terroir as the perfect backdrop. “Terroir” is the natural environment in which a particular wine is produced.
Mark Misk ’91CBA, owner of Clovis Point Vineyard, was proud to host his alma mater and supporters. “It was a very nice day,” he said. “It is always fun to host this group of very involved donors.”
McCallen member Austen D. Canade ’55C, ’59L spent some time at the social reminiscing. When he was a high school senior, he used to caddy at Hillcrest, the golf course that would later become the Queens campus. “I have very fond memories of St. John’s,” he said.
Mr. Canade was also happy to renew an old friendship at the social. “I met a number of people whom I had not seen in years, and I was able to renew a friendship that I did not think I would still have after 40 years. I want to thank St. John’s for making that possible.”
In addition to Loughlin Society member Patricia Maiasky Cooke ’68Ed leading a tribute to St. John’s, Thomas Kerr, Associate Professor, Art and Design, spoke to the group about his department. He said St. John’s art and design students excel in their careers thanks to the well-rounded education they receive at the University.
“Meeting with The McCallen and Loughlin Societies, and being able to discuss the Department of Art and Design with St. John’s esteemed alumni, was a privilege,” he said. “I hope that Society members feel welcome to attend our exhibits and functions throughout the semester.”
Prof. Kerr also showcased his work as a professional illustrator by drawing and sketching the guitarist. To close the night, a St. John’s trivia game led by Jeffrey Fagen, Ph.D., Dean of St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, challenged guests’ knowledge of the University.
The next day, Susan M. Damiani ’87CBA, Director of Gift Planning, and Stacey Varghese ’99C, Associate Director of Annual Campaigns, hosted an exclusive brunch with Society members at The Hampton Maid. The hotel and restaurant has become a staple of the Hamptons.
The weekend was perhaps best summed up by McCallen member Edward V. Murtaugh ’63L, who attended the recent Spring Lake, NJ, social and the weekend in the Hamptons. “It was just a pleasure. We had a wonderful time.”
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