April 29, 2024
Johnnies from across the country returned to alma mater for a week of reunion events celebrating their time at St. John’s University. After several events focusing on specific constituencies, all graduates gathered for the annual Alumni Gala on April 27 at Leonard’s Palazzo in Great Neck, NY. The gala featured dancing, music, and a special 50th anniversary recognition of the Class of 1974.
“This week has had something for everyone,” explained Sara Hunt Munoz, Ed.D., Senior Director, Alumni Engagement, Office of Alumni Relations. “We hosted happy hours, luncheons, musical performances, and even a celebration of our alumni employees.”
She added, “It’s been a whirlwind, but a great way to engage alumni from all Schools and Colleges and graduation years. All these events, especially our annual gala, bring people together to reminisce about shared experiences, relive past triumphs, and envision future endeavors. These nostalgic moments not only deepen individual bonds with the University, but also strengthen the collective identity of the alumni community. We are so grateful to everyone who was a part of the reunion festivities this year and look forward to planning Reunion 2025.”
In the midst of a joyful evening that featured a special recognition of the Hispanic/Latino/a Alumni Association with the Alumni Ambassadors Award, a lively DJ and dancing, as well as a cocktail hour and photo displays throughout the lobby, several alumni, many of whom were intimately involved in planning the events of Reunion Week, recalled their St. John’s journeys.
“I owe everything to St. John’s University,” stressed Cesar Pozo ’09CPS, President of Sigma Phi Epsilon NY Rho Alumni Volunteer Corporation. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the connections I made here. The memories and friendships that I made grow stronger every year, and are something I keep close to my heart.”
He added, “The new friendships that I have been making while giving back to St. John’s are also special. We are a prominent nationwide school, but small enough where our alumni base feels like family. There is no amount of money or time I could give back to St. John’s for the relationships I have made and still make.”
Paige F. Band ’16CPS, ’18MPS, President of Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD), said, “I feel such deep appreciation for my time at St. John’s. I was involved in campus life and able to take advantage of amazing opportunities like studying abroad, trips to Washington, DC, as well as events on campus.”
She continued, “Many of these opportunities were facilitated by generous alumni who offered their time and money either by answering our never-ending questions or through scholarships. Part of why someone chooses to attend a university or college are the alumni who represent various industries. Choosing St. John’s was no different.”
Ms. Band added, “St. John’s taught us the importance of giving back, and being part of GOLD has been a great way to give back. Our committee focuses on building a community where we share experiences that add value beyond our time as students. GOLD is an outlet to connect recent graduates with an environment that focuses on career advancement, network expansion, and service. We want to continue to foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and pride in St. John’s.”
“My St. John’s journey evolved significantly from when it began back in the Fall of 2017,” recalled Jacqueline Lepore ’21C, ’22G, Assistant Director of Student Life, Staten Island Campus. My experiences as a student leader, graduate assistant, and administrator have bonded my deep connection and commitment to this incredible University.”
She continued, “The values I learned from being a sorority president, such as active communication and honesty, have helped me in advising the current Greek life organizations. Hosting the reunion as part of our series of sendoff celebrations was important to me because Greek life is ingrained in the history of the Staten Island campus community. It touched my heart that the alumni of our nonactive organizations came back to celebrate with the currently active fraternities and sororities.”
Joan Mazza Dobis ’66NDC, President of the Notre Dame College Alumnae Association (NDCAA), spoke fondly of her time at the Staten Island campus, which is closing at the end of the semester, and her membership in NDCAA. “I have grown in many ways,” she said. “I’ve developed many talents and created friendships across generations. As president, I have interacted with thousands of alumni from all walks of life, and it has been a privilege to serve on the NDCAA board over the last 58 years.”
She added, “It’s a reminder to all graduates that being active in your alumni association facilitates growth as an individual and opens doors to many opportunities and friendships. This final chapter is bittersweet. I will always have the memories and relationships that were forged, but I will miss the campus where they were formed.”
“My journey at St. John’s University was a search of belonging, and within its halls, I discovered a great sense of community that embraced and supported me,” recalled Adriana Cardenas ’91SVC. “Engaging early on with organizations such as the Latin American Student Organization, WRED-TV, and St. Vincent de Paul Society, I found avenues for personal and professional growth. These experiences allowed me to explore my interests freely, without the fear of not belonging.”
She added, “Drawing upon the networking skills honed at St. John’s, I vowed to bridge this gap for future graduates, offering guidance and opportunities for success.”
As she celebrated the 50th anniversary of her graduation with her classmates, Patricia M. Reilly ’74C, ’75G stressed, “My journey throughout the last 50 years has cemented my belief that if it were not for St. John’s, I would not have the success I enjoyed.”
That journey saw Ms. Reilly, a Consultant/Lobbyist at Patricia Reilly Consulting, serve more than 30 years in leadership positions for state and local government, and 13 years as a government affairs consultant. “This year, I decided I wanted to give back to the University I love by giving my time and resources. I see it as a natural progression of my desire to be true to the Vincentian mission of service.”