2026 Alumni Convocation Honorees
May 14, 2026
With Commencement exercises on the horizon, St. John’s University turned its attention to those who have come before, honoring eight alumni whose lives of achievement, service, and purpose reflect the enduring power of a Vincentian education.
The Alumni Convocation, held on Sunday, May 3, in the D’Angelo Center, celebrated individuals who have carried those values into distinguished personal and professional paths. “Today, we honor a group of individuals who hold St. John’s close to their hearts,” said Christian P. Vaupel, Ed.D., Senior Vice President for Advancement, in his opening remarks. “Their dedication and service continue to play a vital role in the life of our University, setting a powerful example for current students and future generations.”
He continued, “We also gather as a grateful community, celebrating the spirit of giving and engagement that drives our Hearts on Fire campaign. Your steadfast commitment to St. John’s enables us to pursue academic excellence and to serve our students with distinction.”
On an afternoon when the University celebrated a select group of distinguished alumni, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President, explained the importance of honor. “It’s important for us as a community to lift the examples of what we hope we accomplish in our education,” he explained. “We’re not taking credit for the lives these people have led—but we launched that. We gave them the tools to lead the lives that they have led.”
With Commencement just two weeks away, Fr. Shanley turned his attention to the graduating seniors in attendance—members of the President’s Society—urging them to see in these honorees not just accomplished alumni, but models of what their own St. John’s education can make possible. “I think it’s important for you to see success stories and be inspired,” he said. “And for us as a University to lift great achievers and celebrate and be grateful for what they’ve done to inspire our students and to thank God for the lives that they lead.”
That sense of inspiration and gratitude resonated beyond the podium, carrying into the reflections of the honorees themselves. For many, the recognition was not only a celebration of achievement but a meaningful homecoming.
“It’s a surprise and a great honor,” explained honoree Judith H. Germano ’96J.D., Founder and Lead Counsel, GermanoLaw LLC. “It’s my 30th reunion year, which is very special, and it’s great to be back.”
Like many of the University’s more than 200,000 alumni, she received financial assistance from the University—support that proved not just helpful, but decisive. Without it, attending law school might have remained out of reach.
“I took the LSATs, but I didn’t have money for law school. Then I received a letter from St. John’s inviting me to apply and offering a full scholarship. It was an amazing opportunity, and it has launched a great career for me.”
President’s Medal recipient Edward F. Smith ’66CBA, Partner, Retired, KPMG, LLP, had a successful career at a “Big Four” firm, later returning to his roots at St. John’s—sharing his expertise as a faculty member in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, serving on its Board of Advisors, and giving his time to St. John’s Bread & Life.
“I graduated 60 years ago, and I’ve been very active and engaged as an alumnus,” said Mr. Smith, who is also a founding member of The Loughlin Society. “I made some great friends as a student at St. John’s and we’re still close. College was really about building lifelong relationships.”
“St. John’s helped me develop professionally, and made me a better, more valid person,” explained Outstanding Alumni Achievement Medal recipient Michael McKay ’91SVC, ’94M.B.A., Founder and Managing Partner, Empire Consulting Group, Inc. “The ethics and discipline I learned at St. John’s have guided me throughout my life’s journey.”
That spirit of lifelong connection is best embodied by those who have remained part of the University in more ways than one. Outstanding Alumni Achievement Medal recipient Christine Marie Goodwin ’96SJC, ’98M.L.S., ’02ADV, ’07P.D., ’21Ed.D., Assistant Provost, Office of Institutional Research, St. John’s University, both a proud alumna and a dedicated member of the University community, reflects that enduring bond in her work and continued service.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized by St. John’s today,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to study at St. John’s as a Women in Science Scholar as an undergraduate student—a place that ultimately became my second home.”
As many members of that second home are aware, Dr. Goodwin was a recipient of a kidney transplant as a teen, and now, 35 years later, she is once again in need of a kidney donor. Through it all, her enduring conviction has remained a source of strength and perspective.
She added, “My education provided me with a strong foundation in faith and service—values that continue to guide me in my everyday life.”
HONOREES
Outstanding Alumni Achievement Medal
Judith H. Germano ’96J.D.
Founder and Lead Counsel
GermanoLaw LLC
Christine Marie Goodwin ’96SJC, ’98M.L.S., ’02ADV, ’07P.D., ’21Ed.D.
Assistant Provost
Office of Institutional Research
St. John’s University
Michael McKay ’91SVC, ’94M.B.A.
Founder and Managing Partner
Empire Consulting Group, Inc.
Craig Schmidt ’06Pharm.D.
Medical Account Director
Novo Nordisk
Paul J. Tufano ’75CBA
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Teradyne and EnerSys
Heritage Circle Induction
Laura Cranston, R.Ph. ’84CPHS
Chief Executive Officer
Cranston & Associates, LLC
Marianne Simms ’86CPHS, ’00Pharm.D.
Contributing Editor and Professional Programming Coordinator
Italian American Pharmacist Society
President’s Medal
Edward F. Smith ’66CBA
Partner, Retired
KPMG, LLP