St. John’s Pays Tribute to Workforce at Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony

Days after celebrating the graduating Class of 2025, St. John’s University paused to honor the contributions of its longtime employees.

The University’s annual Employee Recognition Ceremony on May 22 recognized nine employees with Outstanding Achievement Awards. Awards were also given to employees with 25, 40—and in the case of James R. Campbell, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership, The School of Education—50 years of service. 

Another 46 newly retired employees, including nine faculty members, received Certificates of Recognition for their years of service to the University.

The ceremony followed the daily 12:15 p.m. Mass at St. Thomas More Church. University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., homilist at the Mass, welcomed a crowd of St. John’s faculty, staff, administrators, and President’s Society members, saying: “We honor our colleagues today. As a community, we clarify the values we see in the people who work here. It is a way of saying that these people embody the best of St. John’s.”   

In all, 107 active or newly retired employees were recognized, including 13 with 40 years of service. Another 38 received awards for 25 years of service. 

Keaton Wong, J.D., Associate Vice President for Human Resources, presented Outstanding Staff Achievement Medals to Lauren C. Euell ’14CPS, ’19GCCPS, Academic Support Assistant, Department of Psychology, St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Susan E. Fourman, Academic Support Assistant, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies; and Michele K. Gorry Biscotti ’85SVC, ’87SVC, Department Chair Secretary, Department of Languages and Literatures, St. John’s College.

Jason T. Bartlett, Ph.D., Director, Office of Residence Life, joined Lisa D. Jones ’10G, Manager, Office of Enrollment Management, and Erin C. O’Neil ’09C, Information Technology Manager, Office of Information Technology, in receiving Outstanding Administrative Achievement Medals. 

Outstanding Faculty Achievement Medals were presented to Phyllis Conn, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Core Studies, St. John's College; the Rev. Patrick S. Flanagan, C.M., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, St. John’s College; and Gary E. Martin, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Undergraduate Program Coordinator, and Director, Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology Program, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, St. John’s College.

“To be recognized this way is deeply humbling,” Dr. Bartlett said. “We could easily spend a week celebrating all the good that our colleagues do to bring the mission of St. John’s to life. It puts gas in my tank and inspires me to keep on going.”

Among the retirees was Dennis M. Gallagher, Director of Liturgy and Faith Formation and  Coordinator, Interfaith Ministry, Office of Campus Ministry, who retired after 38 years in Catholic education, including 15 years at St. John’s. Mr. Gallagher’s announcement drew a warm reaction from those in attendance.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone at St. John’s,” Mr. Gallagher said. “It has always been a joyful experience. The Vincentian mission has helped me to define myself and taught me how to serve the Lord with joy and optimism.”

See the complete list of honorees and watch the video of the 2025 Employee Recognition Ceremony.