Alumni Show Their Red Storm Pride in First Pre-Game Reception

On Sunday, December 13, 2009 nearly 40 alumni and friends gathered at the Sly Fox Inn across from the Queens campus for the first pre-game reception of the 2009-2010 men’s basketball season.   The reception, which featured light fare, beer, wine and soda, was co-hosted by St. John’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions and the Office of Alumni Relations.

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Alumni appreciated the cozy atmosphere of a private, festively decorated room while savoring the excitement of the upcoming game against traditional rival Fordham University.  Many guests who hadn’t seen each other since the final Red Storm game of last season took advantage of the opportunity to network and catch up on what’s been happening with each other in the intervening months.

“I’m very much looking forward to this basketball season, and this event is a great way to kick it off,” said Niels N. Schmidt ’98MBA.  “I’m out here to support the team and the Office of Alumni Relations, and I’m also glad to be here with several of the recent graduates of the Physician Assistant Program.”

Guests who showed their Red Storm pride by wearing something in the traditional University colors of red and white received a free raffle ticket for a bobble head doll featuring the likeness of St. John’s new mascot Johnny Thunderbird.

Alumni were impressed by both the success that the men’s basketball team had already achieved this season and the ongoing popularity of these traditional pre-game receptions.  “I’m really glad to come out to such a great event and see how popular these receptions are getting,” noted Michael R. Bart ’85CBA.  “It’s always a great time to come out and see everyone and support the team.  It’s definitely worth the trip out from New Jersey.”

Following the reception the happy alumni carried their well-honed excitement into Carnesecca Arena, where they loudly cheered the Red Storm to a resounding 73-56 victory over the Fordham Rams, marking the team’s eighth win against just one loss.

“This was a great start to this season’s pre-game reception schedule,” remarked Bill Lipson, Assistant Director, Constituent Programs, Office of Alumni Relations.  “Between the enthusiasm and spirit of the alumni and our team winning this game against an always tough opponent, I really think it’s going to be a great year!”