Produced by: College of Professional Studies
November 11, 2018
Assistant Professor William Murphy, J.D., from the Division of Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and Homeland Security in the College of Professional Studies, was honored among a new class of Queens’ most influential men at the annual “Kings of Queens” event in Howard Beach on November 13. The annual ceremony honors outstanding male leaders in business, politics, arts, culture, education, and religious work for their contributions to the Queens community. A related event honoring Queens’ female leaders and influencers, “Power Women in Business,” is held each spring.
Russo’s on the Bay played host to the award ceremony and networking night which recognized men for their contributions to their industries and work within their respective communities. The night began with a VIP cocktail hour during which honorees and their guests were invited to nosh on appetizers, mingle and network before the main event. SCNG President and CEO Victoria Schneps provided opening remarks and reflected on the varied accomplishments of the men in the room.
“We are, tonight, celebrating each one of you,” said Schneps. “You guys broke our record, we have 500 people paying tribute to you tonight!”
She then instructed each of the men to attach a star-shaped pin to the lapels of their jackets, which initiated them into the “Star Network” and invited each of the honorees to introduce himself by name and profession.
“Community service is inherently woven into the fabric of the St. John’s University family” shared Professor Murphy. “We are a University founded on the values of helping those most in need and this recognition exemplifies the collective and persistent dedication of our outstanding students, faculty, administrators, and staff to improving lives throughout our borough, city, and world in every way imaginable on a daily basis.”
The networking transitioned to a dinner and party, during which honorees received awards recognizing their philanthropy, top restaurants and family legacy, among others. Over the course of the night, $2,600 was raised through the raffle and proceeds will be split evenly between Autism Speaks and the Dad’s Away Foundation.
Among the other honorees were: Dr. Timothy Lynch (Interim President of Queensborough Community College), Anthony LoCastro (General Manager of Ground Operations for JetBlue at John F. Kennedy Airport), James Bonner (President of New York & Atlantic Railway), Rev. Dr. Les Mullings (CEO/Founder of Challenge Charter Schools), Vito Turso (Deputy Comissioner for Public Affairs for the New York City Department of Sanitation), and Anthony Vero (Deputy General Manager of LaGuardia Airport).
Media coverage of the 2018 Kings of Queens Awards can be found here.