Female Alumni Honored at Beloved St. John’s Fete

Far more than 100 folks just lately identified the achievements of females alumni through “Celebrating the Ladies of St. John’s,” a signature function hosted by the University’s Business of Progression in recognition of Women’s Historical past Thirty day period.

The festivities and luncheon, which took spot on Saturday, March 26, at the legendary Backyard garden Town Hotel immediately after a two-12 months postponement simply because of the pandemic, was an option for alumni and close friends to reconnect with alma mater and variety new associations.

“We are celebrating the passion, development, and grit of all of the females who arrived prior to us and sit amongst us,” mentioned St. John’s Head Volleyball Coach Joanne Persico ’91MBA, who delivered her spirited and impactful keynote speech just before an enthusiastic crowd, which incorporated associates of The McCallen and Loughlin Societies, school, college students, and mothers and fathers.

“We are all teammates, related via our St. John’s knowledge, our New York Metropolis encounter, and our faith and spiritual working experience.”

“There are so several popular threads amid us, even while some of us met every other for the very first time nowadays,” stated Coach Persico, who was picked as the event’s speaker centered on her position as a leader of learners and her devotion to the values of St. John’s. She is also a proud alumna who benefited from the toughness of the institution’s alumni network. “We are mothers, daughters, sisters, spouses, business owners, and pioneers in several industries.”

The coach underscored the power and empowerment of females and the means everyone possesses to do excellent for others. She also targeted on the accomplishment of St. John’s alumni and the worth of celebrating individuals achievements to encourage latest college students and to link all alumni, with pride, to the College.

Mentor Persico, the only head coach in the volleyball team’s Countrywide Collegiate Athletic Affiliation Division I history and the longest-tenured, feminine coach in the annals of St. John’s athletics, named St. John’s legends Lou Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON, previous Pink Storm Men’s Basketball Coach and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and Kathy Meehan, Senior Deputy Athletics Director, as her mentors.

In the course of the system, which was led by Jessica Y. Lazo ’09TCB, Ann J. Jawin ’77PD was honored posthumously with the Lady in Accomplishment award. Ms. Jawin was founder of the Middle for the Women of all ages of New York, a voluntary nonprofit group that is a a single-quit, wander-in store supplying a vast assortment of resources for all women of all ages.

Highlights of the method incorporated a stirring rendition of “God Bless America” executed by Susan M. Damiani ’87CBA, Director of Reward Preparing, Clare Byrne ’76C, ’80MBA, ’06MLS, ’12APC, and Kathy LaVache ’74ED, alumni of the College Glee Club.

Alexandra Checkers ’19C, ’20MBA was deeply moved by the celebration. “Being surrounded by these types of inspirational and enthusiastic alumni was really an honor,” stated Ms. Checkers. “It was even much more distinctive to me since I was capable to show up at the occasion with my mother, Kim Cozza ’93CBA, and my sister, Adrianna, who is a present very first-year pupil at St. John’s.

“We as gals have occur so much I am grateful to have attended a College that proceeds to appreciate and celebrate our achievements.”

Also in attendance, Diane Smith ’90SVC observed, “Once again, I am reminded of how grateful I am to be an alumna of the College. The speakers were inspiring. They are illustrations of productive women who embrace St. John’s values. It reminds us all to give back.”

For Catharine Borzon ’85CBA, “It’s enjoyable to know I am section of a group of women of all ages executing excellent do the job.”