When members of The McCallen Society gathered for their Annual Recognition Mass and Luncheon, they were pleased to learn that their generosity was continuing to make a significant difference for St. John’s University.
Photo Gallery Their membership had increased to 485, with those loyal donors contributing gifts that totaled more than $2.1 million. St. John’s President Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M. thanked those in attendance for their exceptional loyalty and support. “Each one of you manifests a commitment to St. John’s and its mission,” noted Fr. Harrington. “You believe in St. John’s and you are a part of its future. We’re so grateful that you want to help us believe in the dreams that never end.” Dreaming has been an important of the St. John’s story for more than 141 years. From it’s very first days, the University was strongly committed to helping others realize their dream of success by offering them an education that would prepare them to meet the challenges that they would surely face. Although the world of today’s St. John’s students is different from that of 1870, a quality education is still the way to turn young people’s dreams into reality. That’s the way it’s always been at St. John’s, and the members of The McCallen Society play a major role in keeping that commitment alive. As a group, they are uniquely forward-looking, combining wonderful memories of the past with a steadfast awareness of the future. They will never forget what the University was and is, and generously lend their support to partnering with those who are directing what it will become.That’s the way it is for many members of The McCallen Society. They are strongly committed to doing what they can to be certain that the Catholic traditions and Vincentian values that were such a part of St. John’s when they were students will continue to flourish in the years ahead. “I’ve never forgotten what the Vincentians did for me,” noted John F. Scheich ’63C, ’66L, “and I know that in the future there will be young people coming along much like me who will need some of that same help. It’s nice to know that I’ll be doing the same thing for others, who will hopefully then decide to give back to those who follow after them. I feel like I’m part of a chain that stretches well into the future.” The McCallen Society is a donor recognition group for alumni and friends who have included the University in their estate plans. For information about how you can become a member and play a role in St. John’s future, please contact Susan Damiani ’87CBA, Director, Office of Gift Planning at (718) 990-7562 or e-mail damianis@stjohns.edu.