October 19, 2009
On
Thursday, October 15, 2009 alumni gathered to enjoy the Young
Alumni Committee’s Beer Tasting at the Chelsea Brewing Company in
New York City, the latest event in the popular Young Alumni Happy
Hour Series.
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Attendees were treated to a tour of the brewery by Head Brewer
Chris Sheehan, during which he explained the process of brewing and
how Chelsea comes up with its flavor profiles. “There are many
different types of yeast in the two yeast families, ale and lager.
We use a type of ale yeast and then experiment with different kinds
of hops, malts and barley to create our array of beers.”
Chelsea is Manhattan’s largest microbrewery and distributes
throughout the tri-state area.
Following the tour, alumni returned to the bar to sample different
varieties of beer, including the Checkered Cab Blond Ale, which is
brewed in a German Kolsch style, the Autumn Amber Wheat, which is
brewed with 55% wheat and has a distinct amber color and the Hop
Angel Indian Pale Ale, which won the bronze medal at the Great
American Beer Festival in 2007.
All
of the beers were a hit with alumni, and gave them an opportunity
to understand their own palates. “I wanted to learn more about what
kind of beer I like,” noted Mayela Velez ’03C, ’06G. “I
really enjoyed the tour and the tasting. The Hop Angel IPA is my
favorite. I like stronger beers.”
Closeness with the University and fellow alumni was apparent
throughout the evening as many attendees noted that they had made
new friends at previous Happy Hours. Cathryn Flandina
’05C,’07G and Debbie Olivo ’01CPS did not know one another as
students, but thanks to these events have now become friends.
“These events are a great way to meet people,” said Olivo. “I’m now
friends on Facebook with people I’ve met at the Happy Hours.
Cathryn and I always come together and have a great time.”
“You feel an instant bond with alumni from St. John’s,” noted
Flandina. “We get along great and they’re genuine people.”
Winni Chiang ’06MBA and Tsung-Chien Lee ’06MBA are looking forward
to the next Happy Hour and staying connected to St. John’s. “This
was a lot of fun,” said Lee, who was invited to the tasting by
Chiang. “I liked the location and the type of event.”
“I had a lot fun learning about beer and connecting with alumni,”
remarked Chiang. “I hope the University is working on more
ways to keep alumni connected.”
Domifer Francisco ’03C, ’06G agreed, noting that the Happy Hours
and other similar activities reinforced the idea that her
connection to alma mater didn’t end at graduation. “I like
the concept of the young alumni events,” she said. “They make me
feel welcomed by the University. I feel as though they want us to
continue to be part of St. John’s.”
Scott Van Deusen, St. John’s Executive Director, Advancement
Programs was excited about the event. “I think this was terrific.
Everyone enjoyed the tour and the tasting. Chelsea Brewing
Company is a great venue. We will do this again in the spring or
summer.”
The next Happy Hour is scheduled for November 14, 2009 at Legends
in New York City.