November 20, 2007
Maintaining a tradition that has been unique to St. John’s
University for the past 27 years, a contingent of seniors,
fifth-year pharmacy students and students from St. John’s School of
Law journeyed to Washington, DC on November 14 – 16 for the annual
Insider’s View of the Capital program. Sponsored by the
University’s Office of Alumni Relations, the program offered a
three-day series of panel discussions, lectures and networking
opportunities featuring a host of prominent St. John’s alumni from
the governmental, business and private sectors.
Photo
Gallery
Nominated by their academic deans and subjected to a rigorous
screening process, the 25 students were offered an exceptional
opportunity to learn firsthand what really goes on behind the
Washington, DC scenes on a daily basis. Issues discussed
included agendas relating to healthcare, foreign policy, criminal
justice and law enforcement, and government relations and the
legislature. Students also enjoyed information sessions at the
Department of State, hosted by Chief Raymond Martinez ’93L, deputy
chief of protocol, U.S. Department of State and at the Securities
and Exchange Commission, hosted by Brian Breheny ’90CBA, ’96L,
chief of mergers and acquisitions for the Division of Corporation
Finance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“St. John’s alumni have done such great things with their lives”
noted Rev. Kevin G. Creagh, C.M. ’91SVC, ’04PD, assistant to the
vice president for Institutional Advancement, who accompanied the
students throughout their stay in Washington. “We’re so proud
of our alumni and our students.”
According to Andrea T. Papa ’88SVC, associate director of Alumni
Relations, the diversity that is such a part of the St. John’s
experience was greatly in evidence throughout the program.
“This year’s Insider’s View program brought together one of the
most diverse group of students in the history of the program.
Their varied majors reflected what the program intends, which is to
show that there are so many opportunities within the Washington, DC
area. Our accomplished DC area alumni represent the value of
a St. John’s education, and are part of the largest regional alumni
chapter outside of the greater New York metropolitan area.”
Serving as moderator of the Health Care Industry Panel, Laura
Cranston ’84P, R.Ph. discussed the fascinating interaction between
the government and private sectors that impact the health and
well-being of us all. She also reminded the students that
their future career success begins today. “Gain as much
different and unique experience as you can” she said. “Have a
game plan that involves one year, five year and ten year goals, and
then follow that plan. Don’t’ settle.”
Speaking of her personal career path from St. John’s to
Washington, DC, Dawn Calabia ’65UC echoed similar sentiments,
stressing the value of both volunteer work and paid and unpaid
internships. “There are ways to give back and have fun in
life at the same time” she remarked. “St. John’s gave me a
scholarship and it made a big difference in my life, so I’m here
today to say thank you.”
Jim McGinty ’64CBA, ’66MBA, ’85HON, moderator of the U.S.
Military and Challenges of the 21st Century Panel credited the
values he received at St. John’s for playing an important role
throughout his life, both personally and professionally. “I
can’t say enough about my Vincentian upbringing” he told the
students. “They made an impact on me when I was a student and
have stayed with me my entire life. I met my wife at St.
John’s…we’re really a St. John’s couple!”
Students were unanimous in their praise for both the program in
general and the alumni who shared so graciously of their time and
expertise. “I love hearing from the alumni about how they
started out and worked their way up” noted Sophia Antonelli
’08Ed. “It shows that with hard work we can achieve the same
things…it’s only a matter of time.”
Lynn Galvez, a senior majoring in criminal justice in St. John’s
College of Professional Studies agreed, commenting that “…the
alumni that I’ve met have given me great advice about my
future. I’m going to use that advice and start planning for
my future right now.”
Danelco Moxey ’10L was grateful for the many networking
opportunities provided by the program. “This is a perfect
stepping stone into my law career” he said. “I want to start
my career in the DC area and these alumni contacts will be
priceless when I graduate.”
Many students were impressed by how important the Vincentian
mission is to so many of the alumni. “The alumni who were on
the panels were great, and they gave me so much to think about”
said Deanna Scinto ’09P. “They really showed the St. John’s mission
of caring about others and helping us [students] to make the most
of ourselves.” Fellow pharmacy student Jennifer Prague
’09P agreed, remarking that “As a pharmacy major, I was impressed
by the pharmacy alumni who were here and the endless possibilities
they discussed for my career. They really extended themselves
for us, and I hope to come back some day and do the same for other
students.”
Although students and alumni participated in the program for
obviously personal reasons, their motivations frequently overlapped
in their respect for one another. “I came here because I was
intrigued by the alumni panelists and what they would have to say
to us” said Christine Arena, a senior philosophy major in St.
John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “I love being a
part of the whole Washington buzz, and listening to these wonderful
alumni who have so much to offer us. It’s a great
program!”
The alumni were equally impressed with the students who were
both eager listeners and active participants in the program.
“I love St. John’s and the School of Law, and I feel very lucky
that I was able to use my education in such a positive way”
remarked Salvatore Romano ’61C, ’64L. “It’s great to see the new
students. I think that the quality of St. John’s students
gets better every year, and I’m glad to do my part to help them
succeed.”