St. John's News
Meeting the Experts
September 18, 2008
A multitude of information was shared at the Office of Gift
Planning’s “Meet the Experts” held on September 17.
Photo Gallery
The three hour event brought out a crowd of interested alumni and
friends to the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, NY who
welcomed the opportunity to ask questions and learn about various
topics surrounding estate planning. Alumna Peg Turano '77L, a
Professor at the School of Law, moderated a panel which included
Howard F. Angione, Esq., '89L, John J. Fleming '68C, '72MBA; Mary
P. Giordano, Esq.,'81L; Charles J. Groppe, Esq., '59L; James J.
McTiernan '80CBA; Robert Robles '85C, '91MBA; and Gerard M. Wrynn,
Esq., '87L.
Each briefly presented remarks about their specialty from taxes to
setting up trusts and living wills and entertained a variety of
questions from those gathered. Attendees were curious and sought
practical advice about various topics including how to make sure
their wishes were carried out and how to organize all the paperwork
needed in case they were rendered unable to care for themselves.
Giordano and Angione engaged in a bit of “legal theater” based on a
case study where they acted out the parts of a lawyer and a son
seeking advice about his parents’ assets. The formal portion of the
program wrapped up with remarks from McCallen Society member Glen
Shane ’63CBA who spoke on why he values giving back to the
University. “I come from a very big family and I was the first to
go to college,” he said. “St. John’s was excellent and they gave me
a four year scholarship. Were it not for them, I wouldn’t have been
able to go to school and become a social worker which is what I am
today.”
The day concluded with round table discussions with the panel and
additional experts who spoke one-on-one with the
attendees. Gerard Paretta ’68CBA, ’79MBA said he appreciated
the opportunity to get free advice from those well versed in the
topics covered. It is never too soon to start planning, he said. “I
wanted to get a knowledge of legal matter concerning retirement and
estate planning,” he said. “It’s very important for people to plan
and to have a will, a health care proxy and power of attorney.”
Andrea Black ’93SVC agreed and said she was excited to learn that
alma mater held such events. “It was informative,” she said. “Now
that I know St. John’s offers these particular types of sessions I
am going to attend more.”
For more information on gift planning or the McCallen Society,
contact Susan Damiani ’87CBA, Director, Gift Planning at (718)
990-7562 or e-mail damianis@stjohns.edu