Evening Under the Stars

Some Enchanted Evening
The threat of rain didn’t stop some members of the Loughlin Society from joining Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M. for an “Evening Under The Stars With the President” on the Queens campus June 28.

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Held in Marillac Terrace due to the inclement weather, the event was a relaxed night of good food and drink held to thank the loyal members of the giving society. Live music and spirited conversation were on tap as those in attendance caught up with old acquaintances and made new ones. Matt Deckinger is a friend of the University and said the Loughlin Society enables individuals such as himself who wish to further the Vincentian mission. “Look at what happens when you support a place like this,” he said. “We all win. The community wins and the students win. The students go on to become responsible members of society and they come back to support the school in the future. What more could we ask for?”

Gloria Henn ’64Ed, ’65GEd said she appreciates being able to come together with those who also share her esteem of alma mater.  “I believe in giving back to St. John’s and I like to get together with people who have the same value system,” she said. “St. John’s was a blessing for me. It’s nice to remain connected to something that I was so connected to when I was an undergraduate and graduate student.”

Tarik Turner ’98C said he credits St. John’s with being crucial to helping him become the person he is today and for that reason he is determined to remain close to the University through various activities including his membership in the Loughlin Society’s Associates program. “This is an important and special group because it’s alumni from all different year,” he reflected. “It‘s a good way to raise money and keep the traditions of St. John’s alive.”

University President Rev. Harrington, C.M. pointed out to those gathered that the evening did not take the place of the Loughlin Society reception held in Manhattan in the fall, but was an additional opportunity to thank the members for their continued support. He briefed the crowd on the many changes that have occurred on the Queens campus and the changes yet to come including planned construction of new student housing and student .  “We are really very excited about all of the things that are happening ” he said. “This is all possible because of the support of you, our alumni and friends who have not forgotten St. John’s.”

Thomas Hughes ’74SVC echoed Rev. Harrington’s excitement and encouraged other alumni to become a part of the Loughlin Society. “I love to come back to St. John’s whenever I can,” he said.  “The Loughlin Society is great and does a lot for the University. If you can you should contribute to [St. John’s] through the Loughlin Society because it’s a great school.”

Members of the Loughlin Society celebrate the legacy of John Loughlin, the first Bishop of Brooklyn who called upon the Vincentians to establish a Catholic college to provide a quality education for the children of immigrants, by contributing a leadership gift of $1,000 or more toward any University fund. Founded in 1990, the society also includes the Loughlin Associates program which is open to alumni within one to four years of graduation who contribute $150 or more, those within five to seven years of graduation who contribute $300 or more and those within eight to nine years of graduation who contribute $600 or more. The Loughlin Society Patrons program recognizes outstanding donors who are also St. John's University employees. The program has three tiers: employees within one to four years of date of hire who contribute $150 or more annually; those within five to seven years who contribute $300 or more annually; and those within eight to nine years who contribute $600-$999 annually.