St. John's University and Brooks Brothers Combine to Support Carnesecca Initiative

November 06, 2008

Queens, N.Y. -

In-Store Event Expected to Draw Throngs of Pre-Holiday Shoppers

St. John’s University and Brooks Brothers have agreed to partner on an exciting in-store event to support the (Lou) Carnesecca Initiative. The event will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2008 from 5–8 p.m. at Brooks Brothers, 346 Madison Avenue in New York City.  Shoppers will have an opportunity to meet Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Lou Carnesecca and will receive a 15% savings on all purchases made during the event.  Brooks Brothers has agreed to donate 10% of all sales back to the University’s Carnesecca Initiative.

Designed to enhance the arena that bears his name on the University’s Queens Campus, the Carnesecca Initiative is a $30 million multi-phase project designed to completely upgrade the facility that has served as home to the St. John’s athletic programs since 1961.  A new playing surface, an overhauled seating bowl with 500 chair back seats and enhanced lobby and ticketing areas are already nearing completion, with additional improvements slated for completion in the future.

Former St. John’s Basketball Coach Lou Carnesecca will be on hand to meet and chat with shoppers, who will have an opportunity to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening.  Known for his animated coaching style, Coach Carnesecca was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992, having amassed a total of 526 wins throughout his legendary collegiate coaching career.  His incredible success earned him numerous local and national accolades, including multiple Coach of the Year honors from the United States Basketball Writers Association, the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the BIG EAST.

“We are pleased that Brooks Brothers has agreed to partner with the University on this exciting in-store event”, noted Robert D. Wile, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Chief Advancement Officer, Office of the President at St. John’s.  “It’s great to see two institutions that have long been a part of the New York scene working together on a project that so many New Yorkers will be able to enjoy.”

The Carnesecca Initiative is headed by former St. John’s All-American and NBA star Mel Davis.  For additional information about upcoming Carnesecca Initiative events, naming opportunities in the new Carnesecca Arena or to make a donation please contact Davis at (718) 990-2374 or by e-mail at davism1@stjohns.edu.  

For media inquiries contact Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice President of Media Relations, at (718) 990-6185 or via e-mail at sciannad@stjohns.edu.