September 11, 2024
In recent years, the launch of the St. John’s University Basketball season has been marked by two memorable annual events: the dynamic Red Storm Tip-Off for students, and the high-powered Evening with St. John’s Basketball Dinner for top donors and supporters of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball programs.
This year, in a nod to the forthcoming January 5 centennial birthday celebration of legendary St. John’s Hall of Fame Head Coach Lou Carnesecca,’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON, the University is changing the format of the evening dinner to instead become Sunday Supper with Looie, a premier fundraising event at Russo’s on the Bay in Queens, NY, on Sunday, September 29, beginning at 12:30 p.m. The late September fundraiser is just over 100 days in advance of Coach Carnesecca’s 100th birthday.
Coach Carnesecca emerged victorious in 526 games over his 24 years at St. John’s as the head coach. His teams played in 24 postseasons, qualifying for 18 National Collegiate Athletic Association tournaments and six National Invitation Tournaments (NIT), highlighted by the program’s second Final Four appearance in 1985 and fifth NIT title in 1989.
A founding father of the BIG EAST Conference and an international ambassador for the game worldwide, Coach Carnesecca was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. In addition to his legendary coaching career, he has touched the lives of countless individuals and has made a positive impact on the St. John’s University community for the last eight decades.
The idea for a special change in format came from two influential graduates who know something about family, food, fun, and fundraising. Eileen Tarantino ’80CBA and Joan Lacagnina ’88CBA are dedicated alumna who not only share a similar Italian culture—their St. John’s biographies make them the perfect team to lead the planning for this special event.
Both women are avid sports fans and frequent attendees at men’s and women’s athletic events. Both are members of The Founders Society, a group that consists of alumni and friends who have left an indelible mark on the St. John’s community, donating cumulative gifts of one million dollars or more to the University during their lifetime.
Both are past recipients of the Spirit of Service Award bestowed on servant leaders at the annual President’s Dinner. Ms. Tarantino is the spouse of Board of Trustee member Joseph A. Tarantino ’80CBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, Protiviti, and Ms. Lacagnina is a Board of Governors Emerita.
“Eileen and Joan are a dynamic duo,” shared Nicholas “Nick” Vendikos ’91SVC, Senior Director of Athletic Development. “They remind me of the phrase, ‘True Italian cooking is made with love and passion.’ As like all of us, they love Coach Carnesecca and demonstrate a passion for supporting St. John’s!”
Large Italian meals are a long-standing tradition. When Italians immigrated to the United States, they brought this custom with them to preserve their heritage and maintain a lasting connection to their humble roots. Large gatherings for Sunday meals became a metonym for the bonds that unite Italian families.
“In Italian culture, families are quite close and are the focal point of life. Even though daily life can be chaotic and complicated, Italians seek to find a way to spend quality time at the dinner table where nobody is in a rush,” explained Ms. Tarantino. “That is the spirit this fundraising event strives for. It is a time for parents, children, and multiple generations of St. John’s fans to share their thoughts and experiences—and celebrate the lovable Looie Carnesecca.”
“Italian food is more than about sustenance; it is a symbol of community, lasting love, and nourishment for mind, body, and soul,” stated Ms. Lacagnina. “Lou Carnesecca is food for the soul of every St. John’s fan!”
“Sunday dinners are more than just a meal—they are a celebration of family, heritage, and the simple joys of life,” said Mr. Vendikos. “St. John’s will celebrate all that and more at Sunday Supper with Looie.”
For more information, to RSVP, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Frank Shaffer, Athletic Development Officer for Special Events, at [email protected].