From Lifelong Fan to Red and White Advisory Committee Member, Alumnus Continues to Thrive
Nick LoPinto ’16CCPS grew up dreaming of St. John’s University.
“It was always a combination of being a fan and growing up in a town of St. John’s basketball fans,” he mused, sharing his lifelong connection to the University.
When it came time to select a college, Nick would not consider any other choice. That connection to St. John’s is as strong as ever for this native New Yorker, who enthusiastically gives back to the current student community through mentorship and as a member of the Red White Advisory Committee, an alumni group focused on supporting St. John’s athletics.
To receive the scholarship in the name of legendary Lou Carnesecca ’50SJC, ’60M.S.Ed., ’00HON, which recognized my efforts and contributions, was a tremendous honor.
He traces his success as Vice President of The Montag Group, where he manages broadcasters and sports media personalities, to the connections he made at St. John’s, from his involvement with student clubs like the Sport Management Association to his relationships with faculty, including mentors Steve Lavin and Chris Mullin.
“St. John’s gave me the opportunity to build relationships and get work experience that led me to the path I’m on today,” he said. “I gained many skills and met countless influential people who prepared me along the way. I’ll never forget my first orientation, when the Dean of Sport Management emphasized networking. It stuck with me then, and today, networking is the foundation of my career.”
Through his involvement with the Sport Management Association, Nick learned of an opening to become a student manager of the St. John’s Men’s Basketball team. He served in this position with pride and enthusiasm for 3.5 years while completing his degree and, in his senior year, was the recipient of the Lou Carnesecca Scholarship.
“I held many responsibilities and poured everything I had into that role to ensure I was positively impacting the program and the individuals that were part of it. To receive the scholarship in the name of legendary Lou Carnesecca ’50SJC, ’60M.S.Ed., ’00HON, which recognized my efforts and contributions, was a tremendous honor.”
Initially, he thought he might want to pursue a role within a professional team, but his work at St. John’s motivated him to focus his career on sports talent representation. In addition to his work managing the basketball team, he interned during his senior year in the Athletics Communications department.
When the opportunity arose to uproot his life in New York for an executive assistant role on the West Coast, Nick credits his mom and dad for offering much-needed support. “My parents encouraged me to take the leap to Los, Angeles, CA—and if it wasn’t for their blessing, I probably wouldn’t have gone.” That experience helped him clarify his goals and build connections across the sports media industry that continue to be an asset in his work with The Montag Group.
From hometown fan to finding his professional footing, Nick is dedicated to paying it forward to others in the St. John’s student community. “The University gave me so much, and I want to give back to the next generation of St. John’s students, specifically those pursuing jobs in sports. I feel very lucky that I had the opportunity to connect with the people I did at St. John’s.”
More Stories Like This
Long before she was a Senior Vice President, Finance and Strategy, at Knot Standard, Valerie Bleza '04TCB was balancing a demanding accounting curriculum with the rigors of collegiate cheerleading. That early test of discipline at St. John's University set the tone for a career defined by long hours, constant reinvention, and a willingness to meet challenges directly.
"I always knew I would go to St. John's because both my parents were in accounting and the University had a strong program," she said.
Growing up in Ghana, St. John’s University seemed an unlikely college destination for Akua Frempong ’07TCB, ’08M.S. Two decades and two degrees later, it appears it was an ideal landing spot.
“My family moved to the United States when I was in 10th grade,” Ms. Frempong said. “We settled in Briarwood, NY, right by St. John’s. When it came time for me to choose a college, my father drew a circle around a map of New York City and said you are going to a school somewhere inside this circle.”
After a nearly 40-year career with one of the nation’s premier insurance companies, St. John’s University alumna Maria Scarangella, M.B.A., PCC, SHRM-SCP ’87CBA is embarking on a new entrepreneurial chapter—channeling a lifetime of experience into building something entirely her own.
“My connection to St. John’s runs deep—it is truly a family institution for us,” explained Ms. Scarangella, who studied management. “My father, Joseph Califano, Ph.D., was a professor of philosophy at St. John’s for over 40 years. His dedication to teaching and intellectual rigor set the standard for everything I’ve pursued.”