Education Continues at Alumni
Reunion
On Saturday afternoon of Alumni Reunion 2007, academic seminars
were held to offer alumni and friends of the University expert
advice and insight on current hot topics including, global
investment, racism, and terrorism. Leaders in each field,
some of whom are also St. John’s professors, shared their knowledge
and gave alumni the benefit of their research and experience.
Richard Highfield, dean of St. John’s The Peter J. Tobin College of
Business, introduced a team of professors from the college who
shared updates on current and future programs and expertise on the
financial industry. Steven Papamarcos, chairman of the
department of management, discussed the importance of
service-learning and the ways that his students have made a lasting
impact on the surrounding community while learning course
content. Tom Liaw, chair and professor of finance, addressed
popular questions about China’s emerging market. He explained
the rate of currency appreciation in China, gave practical advice
about researching a company before investing, and reminded
attendees that although terminology between cultures may be the
same, meaning often is not. And Charles Clark, professor of
economics and finance, reflected on taking a proactive approach in
recognizing the responsibility of business education in the context
of Catholic social thought.
Dr. Elizabeth Brondolo, a seasoned clinical researcher and
professor of psychology in St. John’s College of Arts and Sciences,
gave alumni a deeper understanding of racism and its impact on
health. She cited statistics to support her claim that racism
not only has adverse emotional effects but physical effects as
well, mostly exhibited in the African-American and Latino
communities.
With current events and public interest so focused on terrorism,
College of Professional Studies professor and international
consultant to law enforcement, Dr. Harvey Schlossberg, sought to
help alumni and their families navigate the myths and truths of
terrorism that are circulating today, in his seminar,
“BioTerrorism: Facts and Fiction.” He explained terrorism and
bio-terrorism and addressed the effects of terrorism on human
behavior and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.
Alumni appreciate the chance to continue their education, even
after graduation. According to Angela Hurdle ’87C who returns
for events like these educational seminars, “you never know what
info you will find, something you might need in the future could be
here. ‘Information is the key.’”
In addition to the academic seminars, education alumni were treated
to a first-hand look at the newly renovated Sullivan Hall, home of
The School of Education. Dean Jerrold Ross, took a group of
alumni and friends on a tour of the facilities that their financial
gifts, and those of others, helped make possible. This tour
was the first in a series of events scheduled to recognize The
School of Education’s upcoming 100th anniversary.
Presented by the University’s various schools and colleges and the
Office of Alumni Relations, these seminars are just a few examples
of the many ways in which St. John’s seeks to increase the value of
education and the experience of students and alumni.
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