February 23, 2009
Pre-game receptions are a traditional aspect of basketball
season at St. John’s University, drawing significant numbers of
alumni and friends to celebrate at both home and away games.
Guests enjoy an opportunity to mingle and chat with each other
before heading for their seats to show their Red Storm pride.
Photo Gallery
The reception prior to the Sunday, February 22, 2009 victory
against Seton Hall University at Carnesecca Arena, however, was
even more special than usual. Serving as part of the
Centennial Celebration of St. John’s The School of Education, the
event recognized outstanding School of Education alumni for their
achievements in the field of athletics.
“We are committed to excellence in everything that we do.” noted
The School of Education Dean Jerrold Ross, Ph.D. “We are a school
of champions, and the athletes that we honor tonight are definitely
among them.” He reminded the guests that “Athletics are an
important part of every child in every school,” and urged them to
continue to support the athletics programs within their home school
districts.
Alumni honorees included:
Bob Hirschfield '75GEd
Head Baseball Coach
New York Institute of Technology
Director
NY Baseball Academy
Rita Hirschfield '70Ed
Administrator
NY Baseball Academy
Jack Kaiser '49C
Athletics Director Emeritus
St. John’s University
David Masur '03Ed.D.
Head Coach Men’s Soccer and Associate Athletic Director
St. John’s University
Kathy Meehan '75GEd
Associate Vice President for Athletics
St. John’s University
Dennis O’Donnell '80Ed
Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director
St. Thomas Aquinas College
Bernard Rencher '80SVC, '04GEd, '06PD
Assistant Director of Academic Support for Student Athletes
St. John’s University
Kevin Sullivan '02GEd
Junior Varsity Men’s Basketball and Football Coach
Elmont High School
During half-time the honorees stepped onto the Carnesecca Arena
court where they were individually introduced to a rousing ovation
from the assembled fans. Each honoree was greeted by Dean
Ross as their biography was shared with the fans over the arena’s
public address system.
Happy to be recognized by alma mater, the honorees were
quick to link their success to their experiences that began during
their student days. “The most important thing I learned at
St. John’s came to me from watching Father Joe Daly [C.M.] and
Coach Lou Carnesecca,” said Dennis O’Donnell '80Ed. “They
taught me that whatever we have in time, talent and treasure should
be shared with people, especially poor people. In the 29
years since I graduated I’ve been blessed to work with wonderful
young people and I’ve never forgotten what I learned here.”
“I enjoyed my time here as a student, and it’s great to come
back and see so many familiar faces,” noted Kevin Sullivan
'02GED. “I’ve learned great life lessons both on and off the
field and court, and that’s really why athletics is such an
important part of education. I’m happy to be honored here
tonight.”
For many of the alumni, this event was yet another reason to
participate in The School of Education Centennial
Celebration. According to Centennial Committee member Larry
Burke '73Ed, '77GEd,”…the Committee wanted to reach out to as many
alumni bases as possible for our celebration. Some people
wanted to come back for family events, some for professional
opportunities, some for social activities and other for athletics.
We wanted to offer as many different opportunities as we could to
bring our alumni back to reconnect with St. John’s.”
“I’ve always felt a bond to St. John’s.” remarked John Kinahan
'87CBA, '04MBA. “The University was very good to me and my
brother when we were students. I come back here to recruit on
behalf of my company and I come back to socialize before the
basketball games. It’s always great to be here”
The School of Education
Centennial Celebration will continue throughout the remainder
of the current academic year.