November 16, 2011
Helping students afford college is a remarkable gift, and no one
knows that better than employee members of The Loughlin Society –
St. John’s University’s leading giving society.
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These hard-working professionals lend their time and talent to
the University on a daily basis, while also providing financial
gifts to support scholarships and academics. And at The Loughlin
Society Employee Breakfast, University President Rev. Donald J.
Harrington, C.M. and other administrators personally thanked these
selfless members of the St. John’s community.
“St. John’s students aren’t just educated academically,” said
Robert Wile ’99SVC, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff,
Office of the President, as he welcomed the guests. “Our students
are also inspired to show their appreciation for what was done for
them by giving back and serving the needs of others in the spirit
of St. Vincent de Paul. And we’re the ones who make that happen
every single day as employees and, even more, as members of The
Loughlin Society.”
Donald
Wiggins, Jr. ’12C is one of the many students who have benefited
from The Loughlin Society, and he spoke at the breakfast to thank
the employees. A Queens native, Wiggins is a Ronald E. McNair
Scholar (a graduate-school preparation program for
first-generation/income-eligible college students) and has received
significant financial support during his time at St. John’s. He
plans to use his St. John’s education to pursue a career in
politics and dreams of one day becoming a United States
senator.
“Because of my scholarships, I’ve been able to focus on other
aspects of completing my degree rather than being worried about how
I was going to pay for it,” Wiggins explained. “That’s a huge
burden off my shoulders, and it really moves me to know that there
are wonderful people like you who believe in me and have gone out
of their way to help me succeed. Thank you again for what you have
done for me, and for helping the thousands of other St. John’s
students who are just like me.”
The guests enjoyed Wiggins’ heartfelt speech. Diane S.
Hergenrother ’97PD, ’00Ed.D., Associate Provost for Academic
Planning and Resource Management, viewed Wiggins’ story as a firm
reminder of how her gift has impacted students.
“The University has given me the opportunity to pursue a
wonderful career here, and I am honored to work in an environment
that allows me to do something beyond that,” she said. “Being a
member of The Loughlin Society is a way to give to others in a
special way – to help students like Donald embark on their own
journeys.”
As the Dean
of St. John’s School of Law, Michael Simons knows the importance of
The Loughlin Society and what it means for the University’s
academics.
“I get to see firsthand what these gifts help us to accomplish,”
Simons explained. “We use those resources to support students with
essential scholarships, to create innovative curricular programs,
to support outstanding faculty research and to enable us to fulfill
our mission. That’s why it’s so important to thank our donors,
especially the employees who are here on a daily basis and
contribute in so many ways.”
As the breakfast concluded, Fr. Harrington gave a final “thank you”
to all those in attendance for their contributions to the St.
John’s community.
“Each of us, in our own capacity, uses our special gifts and
talents to make the University what it is,” he noted. “Your
membership in The Loughlin Society is an indication not only of
your commitment to this institution, but to your deep belief and
trust in St. John’s. As you go back to your offices today, remember
Donald Wiggins, Jr. Remember that he and students like him are why
we do what we do, day after day.”
If you would like additional information about how to become a
member of The Loughlin Society, please contact Scott VanDeusen,
Director of Development, Office of Annual Campaigns at (718)
990-6240 or e-mail vandeuss@stjohns.edu