Induction into the Heritage Circle of
Sister Catherine Mezzacapo, C.S.J.
A double alumna, Sr. Catherine Mezzacapo, C.S.J. received her B.A. in Education from St. John’s School of Education in 1952 and her M.A. in French from St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1956. She devoted her life to the education and care of children, beginning in 1939 as an Elementary School Teacher in the Diocese of Brooklyn. She later taught at St. Joseph’s Academy in Rockville Centre before serving as Principal of St. Patrick’s School in Smithtown. She transitioned from education to social work in 1972, accepting a position first as Coordinator and later as Associate Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Sister returned to education as an administrator at St. John’s University, from which she retired in 1998. Recognizing her exemplary commitment to the well-being of young people, she received the Voice for All Children Award in 2008 from the Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect, where she was a member of the Board of Directors for more than three decades. A grateful University has presented her with a number of awards, including the Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award in 1992, the Outstanding Administrator Award in 1998 and the Leaders In Education Award in 2009. Tonight, in celebration of her 75 years of service to others as a Sister of St. Joseph, her extensive career as an inspirational Educator and Social Worker and in recognition of the 60th anniversary of her undergraduate graduation, St. John’s University is pleased to induct Sr. Catherine Mezzacapo, C.S.J. into the Heritage Circle.
May 18, 2012