The McCallen Society Celebrates 25 Years of Supporting St. John’s

Members of The McCallen Society recently gathered for their Annual Recognition Mass and Luncheon, a popular event that recognizes the generosity of individuals, both living and deceased, who demonstrate support for the mission of St. John’s University through a planned giving initiative.

The society, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is named in memory of former University Treasurer Rev. Thomas J. McCallen, C.M., who was instrumental in acquiring the Hillcrest Golf Course that became the University’s Queens, NY, campus.

The celebration began with Mass in St. Thomas More Church, presided by Rev. Aidan R. Rooney, C.M., M.Div., M.Th. ’78NDC, Executive Vice President for Mission. Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President, preached the homily. The liturgy opened with a symbolic candle ceremony offering prayers and remembrance for all the living and departed McCallen Society members.

During his homily, Fr. Shanley examined the scripture reading of the day from the Gospel of Luke, recalling the woman in need of forgiveness who bathed the feet of Jesus with her tears. Emphasizing the human needs of mercy, gratitude, and the gift of giving back, Fr. Shanley drew parallels to the generous members of The McCallen Society.

Following Mass, guests enjoyed lunch in the D’Angelo Center ballroom. Welcoming them was Susan M. Damiani, M.B.A. ’87CBA, Director of Gift Planning/The McCallen Society.

Ms. Damiani recapped highlights of the last year with a video montage of events and accomplishments. In keeping with the homily, she thanked members for sharing their gifts with current students. She also encouraged the audience to help expand membership in The McCallen Society.

Members of The McCallen Society in attendance were grateful for the gathering to show their support for the University, which means so much to them. Enjoying the luncheon were recently retired educator CarolAnn Habeeb-Kiel and her husband, Richard. Ms. Habeeb-Kiel recounted that as an undergraduate, she met her future husband when both earned a Spirit of Sport award named in memory of her late sister Kathleen Habeeb, the victim of a tragic off-campus murder in 1983.

Now splitting time between New York and Florida, CarolAnn, who played volleyball, and her husband, a member of the wrestling team, discussed why they choose to support the University. “Giving back is so important; we would not have had the life we enjoyed without our St. John’s education,” CarolAnn said. “The Kathleen Habeeb Memorial Scholarship Fund connects our family to St. John’s.”

Richard added, “Susan Damiani helps us to stay engaged and learn more about how our generation can help make a difference for the future.”

The luncheon concluded with a rousing rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings” led by Panagiotis C. Papastefanou, a student in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business.

Members of The McCallen Society then walked across the sunny campus to the newly opened St. Vincent Health Sciences Center for an exclusive tour and champagne toast.