Women's History Month: Celebrating the Women of St. John's

Join us in celebrating the women of St. John's University. Our programs include virtual and in-person networking, discussion panels led by top industry experts, inspiring stories, and more. You are sure to connect with fellow alumnae, be motivated by women in leadership, and make lasting connections.

If you’re interested in recognizing noteworthy St. John’s alumna during Women’s History Month, be sure to submit their names by filling out the Noteworthy Alumni Nomination Form!

Join us for the annual Celebrating the Women of St. John's Luncheon!

Saturday, March 7
Noon - 3 p.m.
Jericho Terrace
249 Jericho Turnpike
Mineola, New York 11501

2026 Alumnae Lifetime Achiever Recipient
Linda S. Sanford '74Ed, '98HON
Senior Executive, IBM (retired)

Alumnae Achiever
Michele Grant '01CPS
Global Director
Cognizant

Employee Achiever
Lauren Leo '07CPS
Head Women's Tennis Coach
St. John's University

Student Achiever
Angelica Robles
PharmD Candidate, Class of 2029

Mistress of Ceremonies
TBD

Presenter
Aziza Shuler ’15CPS
Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist
CBS News, Philadelphia

Guest Speaker
Catherine Verrelli '00CBA, '01MS
Tax Partner, EY Global Compliance & Reporting
Member, St. John's Board of Trustees

Highlights from the 2025 Luncheon

Check out the photo album from this celebration!

Support

Visit www.stjohns.edu/Scholarships4Women to support the future generation of St. John’s women.

Contact

Have any questions? Feel free to reach out to the department below.

Registration

Support Scholarships for Women

Christine Veal-Grega Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Veal family in memory of their daughter. This fund provides scholarships to students with financial need enrolled in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ Physician Assistant program.

Notre Dame College Alumnae Association Sr. Helen Flynn Endowed Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by the Notre Dame Alumnae Association in memory of Sister Helen Flynn, C.N.D., the foundress and first President of the former Notre Dame College for women in Staten Island, NY.

Margaret Keane Women in Leadership Endowed Scholarship

Margaret M. Keane ’81C, ’87MBA, ’19HON, Executive Chair, Synchrony, and Elected Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, St. John’s University, has been recognized for several years by American Banker as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance.” This fund provides partial scholarships to students in The Peter J. Tobin College Business entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of study, who are active leaders with demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to students who identify as female.

Mary Jane Fay Scholarship Fund

This fund provides scholarships to students in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences pursuing a Pharm.D. Mary Jane was a role model to all people dedicated to education and family.

Maureen A. Hartigan Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in memory of Maureen A. Hartigan ’55Ed, former President of the St. John’s University School of Education Alumni Association, loyal alumna, and committed educator. This fund provides partial scholarships to a student with academic achievement and financial need in The School of Education.

Pamela G. Shea-Byrnes Catholic Scholars Endowed Scholarship

This fund was named in memory of Pamela G. Shea-Byrnes, D.Min. ’86SVC, ’90G, a mentor and guide to many at St. John’s who lived the Vincentian mission. The fund, established in 2014 by Paul (’69CBA, ’71MBA, ’79APC, ’17HON) and Jeanne Carroll ’70Ed, ’80MBA, provides annual scholarships to prospective first-year students who demonstrate a commitment to faith-based leadership training, service, prayer, and formation of a deeper understanding of what it means to be a leader inspired by the Catholic tradition.

Patricia Kelly Roche Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established by John J. Roche in memory of his loving wife, Patricia Kelly Roche ’57UC, who was the first in her family to attend college; her education was made possible due to generous scholarship support. This fund provides support for students with high academic achievement and demonstrated financial need in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Preference is given to students who identify as female.

Professor Sumitra Janorkar Shah Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Professor Shah, a retired Associate Professor in the Division of Administration and Economics whose research interests focused on women’s economic status. The fund provides scholarship support to students with financial need who have completed two entrepreneurship courses in The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies and who are interested in research involving small organizations that solve social issues.

Rosemary Reilly Coster Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship was established in memory of Rosemary Reilly Coster, a long-time employee of St. John’s and a woman who, after raising six children, returned to college in her 50s and obtained a degree from St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This fund supports students in the St. John’s School of Law and the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Licari Fashion Studies Scholarship Fund

Anna Elaine A. Licari-Lagrassa ’72CBA ’73MBA is a professor of Administration and Economics in the Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies (CCPS) and serves as the Director of the University’s Fashion Institute. This scholarship is awarded to CCPS students.

Ann Paula Zero '63MT, '72GP Memorial Scholarship

Ann Paula Zero was one of the first three graduates of what was then a newly-developed program that lead to a BS in Medical Technology. She also served as an Assistant Professor and Program Director in Medical Technology at St. John's University. This scholarship is given to students in the Pharmacy and Health Sciences program

Camera Family Legacy Scholarship Fund