Dean’s Convocation Awards Ceremony Held on Staten Island Campus

The 2023 Dean's Convocation Awards Ceremony was held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in the Kiernan Suite of the Kelleher Center, on the Staten Island Campus. The Awards Ceremony mirrored a similar celebration on the Queen's Campus a week prior. The event honored exceptional students and awarded 30 graduate and 29 undergraduate students a certificate of excellence. The Keynote speaker, Mr. Donny Swanson, Principal of Pathways to Graduation and recipient of the Patrick Daly award urged the awardees to enjoy their unique educational journey, as it will only be as exciting as they allow it to be.

The Department Award for Childhood Education and Teaching Children with Disabilities was presented to Angelina Vega. The Department Award for Adolescent Education and Teaching Students with Disabilities was presented to Anthony Favuzzi. The Outstanding Professor Award was presented to Dr. Carol DeMeo, who has taught for over 25 years. The Alumni Award was presented to Dr. Rosette Allegretti, a 3-time SJU alumna who earned her doctorate in the School of Education. She was recently named Dean of Graduate and Professional Education at Saint Peter’s University in NJ. The Service, Dedication, and Inspiration Award was presented to Mrs. Fay Dimino, who worked at St. John's University, in The School of Education, for over 20 years.

The Dr. Theresa A. Trimarco Multicultural Award was presented to Amanda Montanino, who participated in multicultural events on and off campus and contributed to the rich diversity of events and cultural life at St. John's and in the community. In addition, Honor Cords were presented to 11 graduate students who earned a 4.0 GPA. Emma Carr, Michael Famulari, and Jessica Villecco (our gracious photographer) received the Amelia LaPera Award.

“Our undergraduate and graduate students have demonstrated their commitment to education, perseverance in their studies, and the dedication needed to reach the top of their graduating class,” said Gina Cicco, Ed.D., Associate Dean, Staten Island campus.

“Education gets in your blood,” added James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D., Dean, The School of Education. “For people who love it, and want to be great at it, there is no other work. Many of us would say, ‘This is not work. It’s our passion.’”

The event was well attended by awardees, faculty, administrators, family, and friends.

For a complete list of awardees, please see the convocation program.