When John Tutunjian '59UC was in his senior year at St. John’s
University, he experienced an act of kindness that would leave a
profound impact on him for the rest of his life. “When I was
in my last year [at St. John’s], I was working at five different
part-time jobs,” he recalled. “I was still short about $300
for my tuition, and I had no place else to get it. I went to
the Financial Aid office and they gave me $300 toward my tuition
and I was able to graduate. That made a deep impression on me
and I decided right then that one day, whenever I could, I would do
the same for somebody else.”
John remained true to his word, and he and his wife Florence
have endowed a scholarship to offer the same type of assistance to
a needy student that was given to him more than 50 years ago.
“Creating a scholarship is something very special to us,” said
John. “I really want to help the children of immigrant
families, just like I was helped many years ago.”
Florence wholeheartedly agrees. “Early in our relationship
I told John that whatever you do for St. John’s, I want to be at
your side and do it with you,” she remembers with a smile.
Florence and John Tutunjian are members of The Loughlin
Society, The University’s leadership gift society, and The
McCallen Society, a special group of donors who have made
arrangements to perpetuate their legacy by including the University
in their estate plans. They both feel strongly that the
ability to do something for the students who hope to someday follow
in their footsteps is a privilege that they are eager to
embrace.
“To be an alumnus of St. John’s University is to really be a
part of a great family,” remarked John. “The McCallen Society
is a promise to remember St. John’s in perpetuity, even after we’re
gone. That’s something Florence and I feel very strongly
about, and we know that by making these plans now, our heirs will
be in a position to carry them out on our behalf.”
The Tutunjians are grateful for the opportunity to give back to
alma mater in such a meaningful way. “The gift of
education is the best gift that you can give,” said Florence.
“The stories about what St. John’s has done for others are
absolutely fabulous. I’m proud that we’re doing our part to
add to those stories, now and in the future.”