July 2, 2025
Teresa Delgado, Ph.D., Dean, St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Professor, Theology and Religious Studies, opened her Westchester, NY, home to students, alumni, and faculty for an intimate reception to celebrate the conclusion of the 2024–25 academic year. The gathering also offered a warm and personal space to build excitement for St. John’s University’s new capital campaign, Hearts on Fire.
The evening, catered by one of Dean Delgado’s favorite New Rochelle, NY, restaurants, reflected her strong connection to the local community. Guests shared meaningful conversations and heartfelt moments of connection as they exchanged stories and reflections.
“The reception was a reminder that leadership is not only about responsibility or recognition, but about presence, understanding, and the ability to bring people together,” reflected Giana Giacalone ’25C. who graduated in May with a degree in Speech Pathology & Audiology.
Biology major Khalani Smith ’25C described the event as “a celebration of community, with a toast for the future,” expressing gratitude for the support, inspiration, and sense of shared purpose that filled the evening.
“Dean Delgado’s hospitality underscored the values she brings to her role: compassion, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to student success and institutional growth,” said Mark Andrews, Director of Development of St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. . “As St. John’s College looks ahead to a transformative new chapter, the reception served as both a celebration and a call to action. It reminded all in attendance of the power of collective vision and investment.”
Those in attendance included:
Mark Andrews, Director of Development of St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Teresa Delgado, Ph.D., Dean of St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Gianna Giacalone ‘25C*
Terry Holliday ‘68C*
Alison Hyslop, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Graduate Studies*
Carmen Lopez, Parent of Felipe Lopez ‘98SVC
Teresa Mason, Esq., ‘79SVC, ‘02HON, St. John’s University Board Member Emeritus
Fabiola Milord, D.D.S., ‘90C*
Jad Nammour, University Photographer
Edmond (Ted) Pryor, Esq. ‘86C, ’89 J.D.
Reverend Aidan Rooney C.M., M.Div., M.Th. ’78NDC, Executive Vice President for Mission
Walter P. Smith ‘80C, ‘85MBA*
Khalani Smith ‘25C*
Edwin Suarez ‘70C
Mary Quinlivin Tomes ‘81C, ‘07MLIS
*Members of the St. John’s College Leadership Council
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