December 12, 2011
There are times when being a part of something special is its
own reward.
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It comes from the satisfaction of knowing that, quietly and
without fanfare, you’ve gone above and beyond the norm and made a
commitment to fostering the excellence of others. That’s what being
a member of The St. John’s University Loughlin Society, a donor
recognition group comprised of the most generous supporters, is all
about. And it’s why St. John’s is honored to say a public thank you
to these dedicated alumni and friends at The Loughlin Society
Winter Reception, held this year at New York City’s historic Pierre
Hotel.
In his welcoming remarks, Robert D. Wile ’99SVC, Senior Vice
President and Chief of Staff, Office of the President, noted that,
“Each of us, in our own way, is a member of The Loughlin Society
for one very basic reason – because we believe in our University.
St. John’s success is your success, and I hope that each of you is
as proud as I am of what you have helped us to accomplish.“
Some of those accomplishments were highlighted by St. John’s
President Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., who expressed his
personal gratitude for the exceptional support that allows the
University to flourish year after year. He noted that U.S. News and
World Report ranks St. John’s as the third most ethnically diverse
national university in the United States, a reflection of the
continuing strength of the University’s commitment to opportunity
for deserving students
“I
am so proud of our mission, and proud that each of us here tonight
can articulate that mission,” said Fr. Harrington. “Our University
is growing and expanding every day, providing our students with an
excellent education, and all of that is made possible because of
your support. I thank you for being faithful to our mission,
and for all that you do to make the University what it is
today.”
Over the years St. John’s has become many things to many people,
a reality that was quickly apparent as a number of alumni shared
their reasons for making the support of The Loughlin Society a
priority.
Manuel Cuzco ’09TCB is proud to be a St. John’s alumnus, and
attributes his fledgling career in the financial services industry
to the education he received and the contacts he made while a
student. He is pleased that he is able to help others who are in a
situation similar to his own just a few years ago.
“I came from an immigrant family and we had many hardships,”
said Cuzco. “My parents are great examples of people who turned
nothing into something and it’s wonderful for me to see how St.
John’s is helping similar students to be a part of this great
University. Now as a recent graduate and a donor myself, I’m very
happy to be here tonight and grateful to be a part of the St.
John’s culture. As time goes on, I hope to increase my donations
more and more.”
Another first generation college student, Mary Ann Leonard
’65Ed, ’67GEd came from a family that was strongly supportive of
higher education, a value that resonates within this double alumna
even after more than four decades away from her student days. She
continues to be moved by the University’s mission of providing
financial support for students who would otherwise not have the
opportunity to attend St. John’s.
“St. John’s was a very important part of my life and contributed
to my success,” she said, “and I feel that it’s important to
support scholarships for students so that they can make the most of
their future, just as I did. For me, being a member of The Loughlin
Society is all about giving back. As a graduate of St. John’s I’ve
made wonderful friends, and I’m so happy to be able to support the
University in a very real way. I love St. John’s!”
Victor Visconti ’68Ed came to St. John’s with plans to become a
teacher. He knew that the most gifted instructors needed to do more
for their students than simply disseminate classroom information
for 45 minutes a day, and pledged do whatever he could to follow in
the footsteps of the many other alumni who had contributed to The
School of Education’s reputation for excellence. His impressive
career as an educator and educational administrator is a reflection
of the skills and talents that he honed at the University from his
first days on campus.
“I was given the opportunity for my career because of St. John’s
and I owe the University so much,” acknowledged Visconti. “St.
John’s had a great reputation within the district in which I first
worked, and I honestly believe that I was hired because I came from
St. John’s. The Loughlin Society continues the University’s very
special mission of making education available to everyone
regardless of their financial situation. As a lifelong teacher I
believe in the importance of education, and as a St. John’s alumnus
I believe in the access to opportunity that is such a part of our
mission. I’m happy to do what I can to support those values.”
One
of the University’s most recent graduates, Tara Nolan ’11MBA took
advantage of St. John’s commitment to global education by pursuing
her graduate degree on the Rome campus. It was an exceptional
experience for this poised and outgoing young alumna, and she will
always be grateful to the University that literally changed her
life.
“I had a wonderful academic and cultural experience in Rome and
I can truly say that St. John’s molded me into the
person I am today,” remarked Nolan. “I’ll always be grateful for
that. For me, being here tonight is very special, because I can
network with my colleagues and fellow alumni, make some good
connections and enjoy everyone’s company. What could be better than
that?”
The Loughlin Society is named in honor of John Loughlin, the
first Bishop of Brooklyn, who called upon the Vincentians to
establish a Catholic college to serve the needs of the children of
New York City who did not have access to higher education. It is
comprised of donors who make annual gifts to the University of
$1,000 or more.
For information about The Loughlin Society, please contact Scott
VanDeusen, Director of Development, Annual Campaigns at (718)
990-6240 or e-mail vandeuss@stjohns.edu