October 19, 2012
Families have always been important at St. John’s University,
and on Family Weekend alumni and their families came back to campus
for special events designed to strengthen their ties to the
University.
Photo gallery
On Saturday, October 13, 2012 alumni who had one or more members
of their immediate family enroll at St. John’s as part of the Fall
2012 incoming class enjoyed a private reception in the D’Angelo
Center on the Queens campus. Known as Legacy Families, their
ongoing connection to the University is a reflection of an
expectation that their relative will enjoy the same unique
experiences at St. John’s as they did.
“St. John’s
is profoundly grateful for the trust that our Legacy Families have
placed in us, and we pledge to live up to that trust in every
possible way,” noted Victor Ramos ’91CBA, ’93MBA, Associate Vice
President for Institutional Advancement. “It’s a powerful
indication that they so value their connection to St. John’s that
they want to share it with a loved one.”
Like many of his fellow graduates, Peter Kontopirakis ’83CBA,
’88MBA attributes much of the credit for his career success to the
academic preparation he received at the University. He remembers
his years at St. John’s with affection, and was grateful for the
opportunity to celebrate his son’s entry into the University
family.
“It was nice that my son came to the same school that I
attended,” he remarked. “My St. John’s education was good to me,
and since I wanted my younger son to come and see the school, this
event was a perfect opportunity to get everyone together. I feel
like I grew up at St. John’s. I did my undergraduate and graduate
studies here, and it set up my path for my career. Everything
started for me at St. John’s, and I have good memories!”
Since the day that Rose Scotto ’80C and Robert Marchitelli ’79C
met in their Biology class, St. John’s has held a special place in
their hearts. Two of their children are currently students, and
they are hoping their daughter, a high school sophomore, will also
attend the University and keep the tradition alive.
“I’m really
into the legacy thing,” said Marchitelli. “St. John’s is a
university that treats everybody as a family. It gave me a chance
to fulfill my dream of being a doctor.”
The following day, the spotlight was on the Staten Island campus
as alumni and their families enjoyed a great afternoon at St.
John’s Annual Family Day, a popular event that included a variety
of rides, games and other activities on the Great Lawn. It was
obvious that the kids were having the most fun, running excitedly
from ride to ride with frequent stops at the petting zoo to laugh
as the friendly animals nuzzled and licked their outstretched
hands.
And every child was certain to visit the Pumpkin Patch, where
they received a free pumpkin that they were able to paint and take
home in time for Halloween.