Young Alumni Go South of the Border in New York City

May 06, 2010

On Thursday, April 22, 2010 young alumni came back to Calico Jack’s Cantina in midtown Manhattan for Cantina Carnival, the latest event in the Young Alumni Happy Hour series. Hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations, these popular gatherings offer our recent graduates an opportunity to get together for socializing and networking at trendy locations throughout the greater New York metropolitan area.

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The site of a previous Happy Hour, Calico Jack’s Cantina was deemed the perfect venue to reflect the relaxing warmth of springtime in New York. Guests enjoyed the fresh, vibrant atmosphere that combined the spicy tastes of Southern bayou fare with south-of-the-border favorites for a Cajun-Mexican mix. The evening’s menu featured a variety of tasty appetizers such as quesadillas, jalapeno poppers, fried shrimp, buffalo wings and nachos with cheese and guacamole. Alumni enjoyed Mexican-style drinks such as frosted margaritas and sangria.  As is traditional, the first drink of the evening was complimentary.

Catching the contagious spirit that is always such a factor at every University event, the Calico Jack’s DJ repeatedly mentioned that St. John’s was “in the house”, drawing cheers and applause from our alumni and friends.

As in similar events in the past, the opportunity to socialize and network with other members of their St. John’s family attracted both “first-timers” and “regulars”.

“This is my first time out and I’m really enjoying the event,” said Suzanne Yassin ’03TCB, ’07MBA. “It’s great to see familiar faces and meet new people. The networking opportunities that an event like this offers are important.”

“This was a great event with a vibrant atmosphere,” agreed Laurence Bass, III ’05CPS.  “Everybody’s talking and having a good time. This is what reunions should be, networking and meeting new people beyond what Facebook can give you. There was a great turnout tonight and it was a fantastic location.”

For Vishal Tiwary '04CPS, the choice of a great location coupled with an opportunity to reconnect to alma mater was a powerful combination not to be overlooked. “This style of event will help a lot of people come out who wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s a great way to catch up and meet new people. You never know where everyone ends up after graduation. Having it off campus is a great thing because it allows for people to make different kinds of connections.”

The next Young Alumni Happy Hour is Reunion Rendezvous at The Park on Saturday, May 22, 2010, a special event for our recent graduates as part of Alumni Reunion Celebration 2010.