July 25, 2011
High stakes, high fashion and high-octane thoroughbred racing: just
another day at Belmont Park.
From the exclusive Turf and Field Club overlooking the racetrack’s
finish line, St. John’s University alumni and friends gathered at
Belmont for a memorable day of food, friends and racing.
Photo Gallery
Guests enjoyed brunch as they placed bets, caught up with fellow
alumni and cheered on their favorite horses.
“In true St. John’s fashion, this gathering has been a
great way to meet up with former classmates and talk about old
times,” said Evelyn Paola ’57Ed, ’59GEd. “And it seems like the
weather always cooperates when we come to Belmont.”
She joked, “If only the races would cooperate, too!”
The event was co-hosted by the Nassau County Alumni Chapter and the
Tobin College of Business Alumni Association (TCBAA). Lee Bogner
’84MBA, a Board Director of the TCBAA, found the brunch a great
chance to spend some time with friends and family.
“I came here last year for the first time, and it was a lot of
fun,” he explained. “Many fellow TCBAA members are here with me,
and it’s always great to see them.”
Bogner enjoyed placing a few bets and later poked fun at his
unluckiness.
“I lost all my races last year when I came,” he said. “Meanwhile,
my wife is here and ended up winning her very first one! So I’m
glad I’ve got my lucky charm with me today.”
For other alumni, like James Ducey ’50C, ’72MBA, the best part of
the day was meeting other alumni.
“I enjoy catching up and saying hello to fellow graduates,” Ducey
said. “And I always love a good day at the races. I might not be
that young of age, but I’m certainly young of heart, so I’m always
looking to meet great people and hear some good stories. The
University has been good to me; I’ve been out 60 years and I’m
still coming back. It’s been a real love affair between me and St.
John’s, and events like this help to keep my connection
strong.”