October 31, 2008
St.
John’s University held its Eleventh Annual President’s Dinner last
night in front of more than 1,000 strong at The Waldorf = Astoria
in New York City. Bruce Beck, WNBC-TV sportscaster and Master of
Ceremonies, described the evening as “magical” as the University
announced its fund raising efforts to the tune of a record $2.15
million, to be used as scholarship assistance to directly benefit
its more than 20,000 students (enrolled at five locations – Queens,
Manhattan, Staten Island, Oakdale, New York and Rome, Italy) .
St. John’s President,
Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., served as host for the evening
for what has become the University’s premier fundraiser,
heralded as the largest single event to take place at the Waldorf =
Astoria each year. Lesley H. Collins ’83SVC and William L. Collins
’76C, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brencourt Advisors LLC,
served as this year’s Dinner Co-Chairs, and Mary P. Tobin ’00HON
and Peter J. Tobin ’65CBA, ’96HON served as Honorary Chairs for the
former Spirit of Service Award honorees.
“In
the midst of the many challenges facing our nation, as well as the
world, it is a wonderful respite for us to gather this evening for
a celebration – a celebration which will assist so many of our
students who have great financial needs,” said Rev. Harrington,
C.M. “For 139 years, St. John’s has made a difference in our city
and in our world. And our mission continues. I believe that in the
face of great concern, St. John’s can be a source of hope.”
The President’s Dinner, a black-tie gala affair, is highlighted
each year by the presentation of the prestigious Spirit of
Service Awards. These awards are given to exceptional
individuals who have lived their lives in accordance with the
Vincentian philosophy of caring and concern for others, values that
have served as the foundation of the St. John’s mission since
1870.
Bruce Beck handled the Master of Ceremonies duties with his
usual aplomb and smooth delivery as he hailed the accomplishments
of the 2008 Spirit of Service Award recipients:
Mary Carnesecca and Lou Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON,
Assistant to the President and Naismith Hall of Fame Basketball
Coach, St. John’s University;
George T. McDonald, Founder and President, The Doe Fund, Inc.;
and
Maria C. Schwartz and Joseph H. Schwartz ’70C, ’72MBA, Retired
Partner, Wellington Management Company.
Amid spectacular video presentations (complements of the A &
E Network) lauding the honorees, emotional speeches and testaments
of great humanitarian service there were humorous anecdotes that
kept the crowd entertained and engaged throughout the night.
“In the immortal words of King Henry VIII to his many wives – ‘I
will not keep you long,’” said Lou Carnesecca to the roars of an
approving audience in accepting the coveted Spirit of Service
Award.
But Coach Carnesecca quickly turned serious and spoke of the
impression St. John’s has had on his life.
“I’m trying to get my thoughts together after that quite moving
video. It is a great tribute tonight to see that little school that
started out in Brooklyn (St. John’s University) and taught me the
good morals and dignities of the human person still teaches those
same value to its students to this day,” noted Carnesecca who was
humbled by the honor bestowed upon him and his wife Mary.
George McDonald and Joseph Schwartz (on behalf of him and his
wife Maria) gave equally poignant speeches from the heart, as Rev.
Harrington, C.M. embraced each honoree and spoke candidly of their
unique contributions to St. John’s in capping a festive night to
conclude the President’s Dinner.
Also on hand for the celebration were many former Spirit of
Service Award honorees. The list included: Nina Aversano
(2000), Hon. Joseph W. Bellacosa (2002), Hon. Hugh L. Carey (2000),
Richard Chapdelaine (2004), Richard DeZego (2005), Kathleen M.
Foley, M.D. (2006), Sr. Judy Garson, R.S.C.J. (2004), Jeffrey R.
Holzschuh (2006), Bernard D. Kennedy (2003), Raymond F. Kennedy,
deceased (2002), Joseph M. Mattone, Sr., Esq. (2004), Sr. Mary Rose
McGeady (2003), John F. McGillicuddy (2000), Paula McInerney
(2005), Thomas E. McInerney (2005), Edward D. Miller (1999),
Elizabeth Mirante (2007), Arthur J. Mirante, Jr., Esq. (2007),
Frederic V. Salerno (2002), Linda S. Sanford (2003), James J.
Schiro (2002), Patricia M. Shea (2007), Brian T. Shea (2007),
Eleanor B. Taffner (2007), Donald L. Taffner (2007), Mary P.
Tobin (2005), Peter J. Tobin (1998), Charles R. Walsh (1999),
Jayson Williams (1999) and Salvatore J. Zizza (2006).
For additional information regarding the Eleventh Annual St.
John’s University President’s Dinner contact Jeanne M. Umland,
Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at (718)
990-6776 or via e-mail at umlandj@stjohns.edu.
For media inquiries contact Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice
President for Media Relations, at (718) 990-6185 or via e-mail at
sciannad@stjohns.edu.