June 15, 2026
The charter bus pulled out of St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus as the early morning sunlight began to stretch across Union Turnpike, carrying with it a sense of anticipation that filled every seat. For the students selected to participate in the April 2026 Alumni Insider’s View (AIV)…New York State Capital program in Albany, NY, this was more than an overnight trip upstate. It was an opportunity to see government not as an abstract concept in textbooks, but as a living, breathing system shaped daily by people—many of them St. John’s alumni—committed to public service.
After a smooth journey north, the group arrived at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, where the long-running program officially began. Brian Browne ’93SJC, ’97M.A., Associate Vice President, University Communications and Public Affairs, set the tone with a warm welcome that emphasized why the students had been chosen: academic excellence, leadership potential, and a willingness to learn from dedicated alumni. From the outset, the message was clear—Albany was not simply a destination, but a classroom, and the lessons would be direct, honest, and personal.
“I participated in the 2026 Alumni Insider’s View program to gain exposure to how our state government works and to learn about different career paths directly from alumni,” said Maria Badalamenti, a criminal justice major in The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies. “As someone who had never visited Albany before, it was insightful to see where decisions are made that impact communities like mine in Queens.”
The first panel brought together an impressive cross-section of leaders from state and local government, public affairs, and the private sector, featuring the following alumni panelists:
Honorable Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. ’86TCB, New York State Senate – District 15
Emily Bargabos ’14SJC, ’15M.A., Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Steady
Honorable Samuel T. Berger ’23J.D., New York State Assembly – District 27
Honorable Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick ’87CBA, ’94J.D., New York State Senate – District 9
Alexander Marion, M.B.A. ’12SJC, Syracuse City Auditor
Honorable Jack M. Martins ’91J.D., New York State Senate – District 7
Martin A. Mbugua ’95SVC, ’06M.A., Senior Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs, Bowdoin College, and Member, Board of Trustees, St. John’s University
Students listened intently as alumni panelists spoke candidly about their paths to public service, the challenges of leadership, and how they blend lessons learned at St. John’s with the realities of policymaking. Stories ranged from early career risks to pivotal moments in Albany that shaped legislation affecting millions of New Yorkers. The discussion moved easily between inspiration and pragmatism, offering students both encouragement, humor, and a realistic view of life in government.
The second panel built on those themes, focusing on career pathways and the evolving nature of public service. The panel included:
Fred P. Cocozzelli, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Government and Politics, St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Shannon R. Fredericks ’23M.A., New York State Senate Republican Conference, Nassau County Regional Coordinator
Gregory Mitchell ’14SJC, ’16M.A., Vice President, Hollis Public Affairs
Patricia M. Reilly ’74SJC, ’75M.A., Retired Consultant/Lobbyist, and Member, St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Leadership Council
Sarah Spellman-Mulkerne, Legislative Director, New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. – District 15
Robert Ungar ’87J.D., President, Robert A. Ungar Associates, Inc.
These dedicated alumni, who once sat in classrooms on the Queens campus, now described navigating legislative sessions, managing crisis communications, and balancing political realities with personal values. Students asked thoughtful questions about internships, law school, advocacy, and how to stand out in competitive public-sector careers. The atmosphere was collegial and conversational, underscoring the strength of the St. John’s alumni network and its willingness to mentor the next generation.
While visiting the New York State Senate chamber, the St. John’s delegation received a formal introduction from Senator Joseph Addabbo, a proud alum.
The day concluded with an evening reception at La Serre at the Greenhouse Social Club. The setting was relaxed, but the conversations were anything but idle. Students mingled with alumni, legislators, and professionals, exchanging stories, advice, and contact information. For many students, it was their first time networking in a professional government setting, and the experience reinforced an important lesson: relationships matter as much as résumés.
“I was eager to participate in this trip because of the networking opportunities that it provided, especially for government and politics majors like me,” added student Sofia Penafiel. “I was able to speak with alumni and gain insight into what they did with their St. John’s degrees. Students should know that this program is a great way to connect with peers and alumni and pave the way for internship opportunities. The overnight experience and accommodations were amazing and gave even more room for us to explore Albany.”
Day two began with a guided tour of the New York State Capitol, offering students historical context to match the policy discussions from the day before. Walking through the Senate and Assembly chambers, students gained a deeper appreciation of the institution itself—its traditions, its complexities, and its enduring role in New York’s civic life.
Later, students posed for a group photo at the iconic Million Dollar Staircase inside the New York State Capitol. Standing amid marble, murals, and history, the group paused for a moment that symbolized the purpose of the trip—students quite literally placing themselves within the halls where laws are debated and legislative decisions made.
The morning continued with a site visit to the Office of the New York State Comptroller. There, students learned how fiscal oversight, accountability, and long-term planning play a critical role in effective governance. Discussions highlighted how data, ethics, and transparency intersect with public trust, reinforcing that impactful public service often happens behind the scenes.
The program concluded with a luncheon hosted by Brown & Weinraub, PLLC, where students were welcomed into yet another professional environment tied closely to Albany’s policy ecosystem. The meal served as a final opportunity for reflection and conversation before the group boarded the bus back to Queens. By the time the skyline of New York City came back into view, students were more tired than they had been two days earlier—but also more energized.
“Thanks to the Albany AIV trip, I was able to meet many of the people who help uphold our state government, including my very own district’s senator, New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. It was great to talk to him, and it felt good to put a face to the name behind the people keeping my neighborhood and the larger state government running,” observed Colin Zaug, a second-year student from Forest Hills. NY.
The 2026 Alumni Insider’s View… program in Albany succeeded in doing exactly what it set out to do. It demystified state government, connected students directly with accomplished alumni, and transformed abstract career possibilities into tangible goals. For many students, the trip sparked a deeper interest in advocacy or public service or reaffirmed an existing passion. For all of them, it offered something equally valuable: the understanding that St. John’s is not only where their journey began, but also provides a lifelong network ready to support wherever that journey leads next.
Maria Badalamenti added, “Students should know that this program is not only for government or politics majors; as a criminal justice major, I was initially hesitant, but I found it really encouraging that many alumni had diverse academic backgrounds and built impactful careers across a variety of fields. The opportunity to network enabled meaningful conversations with alumni, making the experience feel more personal. As I returned to Queens, I brought back valuable knowledge that will help me as I continue building my future career.”