May 18, 2026
St. John’s University’s annual Alumni Gala provides a unique opportunity for graduates who span the generations to celebrate the one thing they all share—a deep and enduring connection to alma mater. Equal parts formal and festive, it reminds all who gather that they will always have a home at St. John’s.
The fifth annual Gala, held May 2 at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, NY, brought together St. John’s University graduates, friends, and University leaders for an evening of reunion, recognition, and renewed connection to alma mater. More than 300 alumni attended.
The event honored the Class of 1976 on the 50th anniversary of its graduation, recognized other milestone classes including 1986 and 2001, and celebrated the new cochairs for the Graduates of the Last Decade Alumni Chapter (GOLD) with the 2026 Alumni Ambassador Award. Longtime educators John P. “Jack” Clarke, Esq. ’55CBA, ’57J.D., ’24HON and Frank P. Le Veness ’63ED, ’64M.A., ’68Ph.D. were also singled out for special recognition during the program.
During the reception for the Class of 1976, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., University President, observed, “Catholic education helps us to reflect on the deeper, bigger questions in life, about what really matters, and ask, How am I going to leave my mark?”
He added, “You’re at the point in your lives where it’s about reflecting on what your life meant to you, and how you can continue to find meaning and purpose in your lives. Because that question never stops. Your adventures are not over. The fact that you’re here tonight means that you had a meaningful experience at St. John’s.”
Sara Hunt Munoz Ed.D., Assistant Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, told the Class of 1976, “Each of you has carried forward the values, friendships, and experiences shaped at St. John’s, and we are deeply grateful that you have remained connected to the University over the decades.”
The occasion also highlighted the University’s Hearts on Fire capital campaign and the continued role alumni play in supporting current and future Johnnies. Dr. Munoz presented a check for more than $350,000 to Rev. Aidan R. Rooney, C.M., M.Div., M.Th. ’78NDC, Executive Vice President for Mission, raised by St. John’s alumni, students, parents, faculty, administrators, and staff during the annual Giving Day celebration.
Fr. Rooney stressed, “We are inviting all alumni and friends of St. John’s to join us in this journey. As with every significant moment in our history, success depends on all of us coming together for the University and the students whose lives will be forever changed by this campaign.”
Reflecting on his time at St. John’s, John Kowalski ’76TCB said, “Even though I majored in marketing, exposure to other disciplines like theology, the arts, and sociology greatly expanded my horizons. My Vincentian education was proof that I could compete with people from other public and private universities across the country, and the lessons I took from the mission about service to others were invaluable.”
Of the gala, Hanya Abdalla ’22TCB, ’23M.S., GOLD cochair, said, “It’s a chance to reconnect, celebrate, and see the impact that the University continues to have through its alumni. For me, it’s also a reminder of how important it is to stay involved and give back, whether that’s by mentoring students, showing up to alumni events, or creating opportunities for others to stay connected. It’s meaningful to be in a space with people who share that same connection to St. John’s and are committed to its future.”
Cochair Gianna Flora ’23TCB, ’24M.B.A. echoed those sentiments. “Staying connected reminds us that graduation isn’t the end. It’s the beginning, and having a community to support, challenge, and inspire you only opens doors you didn’t know were possible.” She added, “GOLD became a natural extension of my St. John’s experience, allowing me to stay connected while balancing a busy, evolving schedule.”
“Everything I learned at St. John’s is very foundational,” explained Cassandra Jagroop ’16SJC. “I apply Vincentian values to everything. There’s a human aspect to everything we do.”
Jacqueline Alvarez ’21SJC summed up the evening succinctly. “St. John’s is home, so an event like this feels like coming home.”