June 14, 2008
Alumni and friends who returned to alma mater for
Reunion Celebration Weekend 2008 kicked off the weekend’s events
with a fun-filled Friday night in the city that doesn’t
sleep! Those who did not attend Alumni
Convocation, were given the option to attend a New York Mets
baseball game, South Pacific on Broadway and a Red Storm
Bowl-A-Rama at Bowlmor Lanes in downtown Manhattan on Friday, June
13. The evening engaged alumni in uniquely New York
activities that transported them back to their student days.
Photo Gallery
A group of enthusiastic alumni baseball fans spent the evening
at Shea Stadium in Flushing, NY as the New York Mets played the
Texas Rangers. They enjoyed the major league baseball action
with all the usual ballpark fun including peanuts, cracker jacks,
the roaring crowds and watched as the Mets were victorious over the
Texas Rangers. Attendees had a memorable evening at the Mets
game which was even more special since this is the last season that
the Mets will play in Shea before the stadium is taken down to make
way for the new Citi Field ballpark in 2009.
Other alumni took in another great New York past-time, a
Broadway show. Reunionites attended a theatrical performance
of South Pacific at Lincoln Center. The show, which was
performed years ago by the Schermerhorn Street Stagers, a student
group at St. John’s Schermerhorn Street campus, was enjoyed by
all.
Some attendees enthusiastically remember the influence of the
show among Schermerhorn Street students. “There’s a song in
South Pacific that one of the sororities at University College,
called the Squaw Society, used when they pledged,” recalled Henry
(’61UC) and Dorothea Boitel ’62Ed. “Squaw pledges would sing
‘Happy Talk’ and they’d all dress up and do their thing.”
Other alumni were pleased with the beginning of Reunion
Celebration Weekend activities. “It was a great way to start
the weekend,” exclaimed John (‘58C) and Mary Craine ‘58Ed.
“The show was fantastic.”
Loyal St. John’s graduates also went bowling at the unique
Bowlmor Lanes in Greenwich Village. From the black lights to
the funky bowling shoes, loud music and lively bar, alumni of all
ages bowled the night away. “It was great because I got to
talk to some of the older alumni,” shared Rita Case
’05Pharm.D. “I had a wonderful time,” agreed Francesca M.
Caracciolo ’58UC.
Others enjoyed the novelty of the venue. “This was a very
innovative idea for an event because many young alumni work in the
city,” commented Amelia Barbagallo ’06TCB, ’08MBA. “It’s a
good location.”
Each event was well attended by reunionites who were pleased
with the evening. Whether or not they still live in New York
City, the evening’s activities gave alumni a taste of the Big Apple
they could relish.
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