March 21, 2011
Irish eyes were smiling as an enthusiastic contingent of over
150 St. John’s University students, faculty, alumni and friends
marched up Fifth Avenue in New York City’s 250th Annual St.
Patrick’s Day Parade.
Photo gallery
Prior to
the march, members of the St. John’s community gathered for brunch
at the 3 West Club, where they enjoyed breakfast and received a
complimentary green STJ cap. Afterwards, they met other St. John’s
marchers at West 46 Street to begin the walk up Fifth Avenue.
Holding a large St. John’s banner and wearing red sashes, the
group made sure that the University was well represented.
“This is my fourth year at the St. Patrick’s Day parade,” said
Rev. John A. Kettelberger, C.M., University Chaplain. “It’s always
a pleasure to come here and meet other alumni, walk the streets
with them and witness our Irish and Catholic heritage.”
Over 2 million New Yorkers attended this year’s parade and were
treated to sunny and warm weather, making the march one of the most
memorable in recent years.
Alumni enjoyed the sunny climate and took pride in representing
their alma mater throughout the parade.
“It’s great
to come here and walk with the rest of the University community,”
said Elizabeth Kerner Gottlieb ’75CBA. “We make sure that St.
John’s has a strong presence here at the parade, and it’s also just
so much fun to participate.”
Other alumni enjoyed seeing the strong support of Irish
heritage, even from those who are not Irish.
“New York City is so diverse,” said David Pierre ’05CPS. “Though
I’m not Irish, I respect that culture so much for its rich history
and tradition. Seeing the diversity of St. John’s represented here
at the parade, and knowing that today we are all Irish in New York
City, is an awesome experience.”