January 22, 2010
On Wednesday, January 20, 2010 more than 30 alumni and friends
gathered in a show of Red Storm pride for a pre-game reception at
the XL Center in Hartford, CT prior to the St. John’s University
men’s basketball game against BIG EAST rival UConn.
Photo Gallery
As the guests enjoyed a deli buffet, they were welcomed by
William G. Schaeffer ’73CBA, Director, Office of Alumni
Relations. “It’s wonderful to see our alumni staying
connected to St. John’s,” said Schaeffer. “Wherever our
graduates get together, for whatever reason, there’s always a great
feeling that the University still holds a very special place in our
hearts.”
Schaeffer then introduced Chris Monasch ’81SVC, Athletic
Director, who provided a thorough update and status on all Red
Storm athletic programs. Monasch also shared information
about many recent developments at the University, including the
opening of the new D’Angelo Center and the ongoing remodeling and
renovation of Carnesecca Arena. The reception concluded with a
raffle of unique St. John’s items and memorabilia, including a
basketball autographed by Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Lou
Carnesecca ’50C, ’60GEd, ’00HON.
Alumni enjoyed the opportunity to meet and mingle prior to
heading to their seats for what turned out to be one of the most
exciting and hard-fought games of the current Red Storm
season. “Tonight’s reception was a great chance to come out
and support our team,” said Joseph Pacella ’97L. “It was a
very festive event, and it’s nice to see St. John’s having
events in the upper end of the Northeast. I’m from
Massachusetts, and the more events they can have up here, the
better.”
“I came to this event tonight because it was in Connecticut and
close to where I live,” agreed Kellie Baldyga ’06CPS. “I
really like to participate in alumni activities.”
Carol Teichman ’74SVC was also quick to indicate her
appreciation for activities such as this, and hoped to see even
more of them in the future. “I like these kinds of events,”
she said. “The food is good, and I wish that St. John’s would
do something similar, particularly for our women graduates.”