Produced by: The College of Professional Studies
June 4, 2019
“The American journalist and author John Ed Pearce wrote, “Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.”
On May 31, 2019, the College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University held its annual Alumni Award Ceremony as part of its Grand Alumni Homecoming weekend. The Grand Alumni Homecoming weekend offers the opportunity for former College of Professional Studies classmates to reconnect, network with peers, and become up-to-date on the happenings at St. John’s University. This year, the Alumni Awards Ceremony recognized the accomplishments of some of our most distinguished alumni: Thomas D. Hughes, Esq. and Larry Dunn, as well as our younger distinguished alumna, Melissa Sanchez and alumnus, Otoja B. Abit. The event, held in St. Augustine Hall was well-attended and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages were served.
The event began with a welcome speech from our Dean Dr. Katia Passerini, followed by an invocation from Rev. Michael J. Cummins, Assistant Dean and Director of Internal Research and Enrollment Management. The guest speaker was Waheed Ameen, class of 2018, M.P.S. Sport Management. Mr. Ameen presented an inspiring speech about how his unrewarding job as a recruiter led him to the life changing decision to pursue a graduate degree in Sports Management, here at St. John’s College of Professional Studies. This degree earned Mr. Ameen a position within the NBA as a Game Reviewer where he rates the officials on their on-court performance. His hard work, determination and positive attitude led to his successful career and he continues to show his gratitude for all St. John’s has done for him.
The first honoree, Thomas D. Hughes, Esq. earned a BS in Criminal Justice from St. John’s. He also holds a LL.M. from New York University School of Law, a JD from New York Law School, a M.A. and a M. Phil in Philosophy from the New School, a M.A. in Philosophy from Columbia, and a M.A. in Theology from Fordham. Tom is currently the ECP & General Counsel, Secretary for Greater New York Mutual Insurance Company. He is also currently working on his Ph.D dissertation in Philosophy. Tom also founded the Criminal Justice Association in 1972, which currently still exists.
The next honoree, Larry Dunn, was a graduate of St. John’s University and is on the Advisory Board of the College of Professional Studies. During his time at St. John’s, Larry was on the college radio station WSJU, wrote music reviews for The Torch, was in Student Government and was in Student Union. He is currently Senior Director of Marketing and Sales at Island Federal. He also has hosted a National Radio Show for the past 16 years on SiriusXM First Wave Channel 33.
The next honoree, Otoja B. Abit, earned a degree in Communications and a minor in Business from St. John’s University, College of Professional Studies. However, Otoja’s true passions were in acting, writing and directing and he went on to book roles in both television and film including, but not limited to, a role in “The Humbling”, directed by Barry Levinson and playing opposite Al Pacino and Marvel’s Netflix “The Defenders”. He was also the co-creator, producer and star of the New York Television Festival’s Official Selection, “Harlem Knights”; and “Jitters”, which Otoja wrote, directed, produced and stared in.
The last honoree, Melissa Sanchez, Esq., is Attorney and Managing Consultant for Crowe, LLP, specializing in International Sanctions and Anti Money Laundering. Here, Melissa strategically analyzes sanctions issues and advises on proper course of action. Melissa earned a Bachelor of Science from St. John’s University, College of Professional Studies and also has a Juris Doctor from Touro Law School, where she was named Best Oral Advocate.
In conclusion, Father Michael Cummins expressed that “Our Alumni event was a wonderful opportunity to welcome our CPS alumni home to St. John’s.” And Kevin James, our Assistant Dean, Director of Fiscal and Administrative Affairs stated that “This event has now entered its 3rd year which is quite an accomplishment, we are starting to see alumni who come every year to support CPS. This is just a reflection on how powerful the CPS network is becoming. I could not have been prouder!” We are already looking forward to next year’s event!