May 5, 2026
St. John’s University celebrated a milestone evening of gratitude, legacy, and mission-driven philanthropy on Wednesday, April 29, at a midtown location, as it inducted a distinguished group of benefactors into The Founders Society.
This prestigious society honors alumni and friends whose lifetime giving of one million dollars or more has significantly advanced the University’s Catholic and Vincentian mission. This year’s inductees—Rose Frances DiMartino ’81J.D.; Mark P. Kritzman, C.F.A. ’73CBA and Elizabeth H. Gorman, M.D.; Mary Carole Schafenberg ’70Ed, ’80P.D.; and Charles J. Sullivan ’75CBA, ’80M.B.A. —were recognized for their extraordinary generosity, professional achievements, and enduring commitment to expanding educational opportunity. At a special ceremony at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business (TCB) on March 12, Marian Munson was inducted into The Founders Society when the University formally recognized her late husband, William L. Munson ’68TCI, and dedicated the William L. Munson Lecture Hall and announced The William L. Munson Endowed Chair in Risk Management /(Re)Insurance.
“Looking around the room is a reminder of how fortunate the University is,” said Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s University. “The individuals we honor tonight—and all members of The Founders Society—have helped shape what St. John’s is today. Their generosity continues to touch students they may never meet and futures they may never fully see.”
The evening began with a welcome from Christian P. Vaupel, Ed.D., Senior Vice President for Advancement, followed by an invocation delivered by Rev. Patrick S. Flanagan, C.M., Ph.D., Vice Chair of the Board of Governors and Department Chair/Associate Professor, Theology and Religious Studies, who reflected on the enduring legacy of St. Vincent de Paul and the call to serve those most in need. “Tonight, we honor individuals who model generous love,” Rev. Flanagan said. “Their commitment ensures that the fruits of this University’s mission will endure for generations.”
Each inductee’s story highlighted the transformative power of education and the responsibility to “pay it forward.”
Rose Frances DiMartino ’81J.D., a distinguished legal professional and longtime advocate for public interest law, was recognized for her landmark support of the School of Law, including the establishment of the DiMartino/Smith Public Interest Center. Her philanthropy has enabled countless students to pursue careers in service through fellowships and experiential learning opportunities. In her remarks, Ms. DiMartino spoke movingly about her parents’ belief in education as the pathway to opportunity and her own commitment to developing students as citizen leaders and ensuring access for future generations.
“Our support of St. John’s signifies our confidence in a community that continues to open doors,” she said.
Trustee Mark P. Kritzman, C.F.A. ’73CBA and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth H. Gorman, were honored for their combined achievements in finance and academia, as well as their philanthropic leadership. Through endowed scholarships and sustained engagement, they have strengthened the University’s ability to serve future generations. Mr. Kritzman recalled how his St. John’s education prepared him for a successful career in business and academia, and how a St. John’s diploma competes with those of top-tier institutions of higher education nationwide.
Mary Carole Schafenberg ’70Ed, ’80P.D., a lifelong educator and champion of student success, was celebrated for her decades of service in New York City public education and her support for advancing autism education and teacher formation at St. John’s. She fondly reminisced about her late parents’ sacrifices and about her mother, a pioneer in nursing education at the original St. John’s in Brooklyn, NY.
Charles J. Sullivan ’75CBA, ’80M.B.A., a devoted alumnus and benefactor, was recognized for his steadfast loyalty and generosity, reflecting a lifelong belief in the University’s mission and impact. In heartwarming remarks, Mr. Sullivan, a longtime fan of St. John’s Men’s Basketball, described the love affair that he and his late wife had for the team and how it kept them connected to their alma mater. Mr. Sullivan traveled the world during a global banking career but still feels most at home at the Queens, NY, campus.
The program also featured remarks from the Very Rev. Stephen M. Grozio, C.M., Provincial of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission, who connected The Founders Society to the original spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. He described today’s benefactors as carrying forward the “spark” first ignited in 17th-century France—a spark that continues to transform lives and set Hearts on Fire through education.
The evening concluded with recognition of The Founders Society’s “1870 Circle,” honoring donors whose lifetime giving exceeds five million dollars. These benefactors, University leaders noted, play a critical role in sustaining scholarships, faculty excellence, and campus development.
As St. John’s University continues to navigate a rapidly changing higher education landscape, The Founders Society stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, generosity, and shared purpose. “Tonight is a moment to pause and say thank you,” Fr. Shanley reflected. “We do so with gratitude for the past and confidence in the future.”