May 18, 2009
Mike Repole '91SVC remembers his graduation from St. John’s
University in 1991 as “…one of the happiest days of my life.
I remember how proud I was being the first person in my family to
go to college. My family worked really hard so that I could
get a good education, and I was as proud for them as I was for me.
It was great to share my diploma with my parents and
grandmother.”
On Sunday,
May 17, 2009 Mike was again in academic regalia at a St. John’s
commencement, this time to receive the President’s Medal from his
equally proud alma mater. The President’s Medal is
awarded to an individual who has achieved exceptional personal and
professional success and/or rendered outstanding service to the
University or society. Mike Repole qualifies on all
counts.
Formerly Co-founder and President of Vitaminwater and currently
a major investor in the health food industry, Mike Repole has
re-directed his professional focus from healthy hydration to
healthy snacking and eating. A successful business executive
and entrepreneur known for his drive, determination and passion for
excellence, he is a genuinely pleasant and outgoing man who enjoys
referring to himself as “Mike from Queens”.
St. John’s has always been an important part of Mike Repole’s
life. “From the time I was in elementary school I always
wanted to go to St. John’s,” he said. “I applied to other
colleges but there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I’d be
going to St. John’s.”
He is both honored and humbled to be the recipient of the
President’s Medal. “The President’s Medal is a huge honor,”
he remarked. “It means so much to me because the University
means so much to me. Even though I graduated a number of
years ago, I’ve never left the St. John’s family. I wouldn’t
be the person I am today without St. John’s, and it’s wonderful to
be part of the commencement ceremony for these great young
people.”
As a role model for the graduates who are today where he was 18
years ago, Repole hopes they will always remember that “…graduation
is such an incredible feat. Be so proud of what you’ve
accomplished, and cherish it forever. And then realize that
after graduation it’s a new race that starts again on a level
playing field. Never sell yourself short. Make good
decisions for the rest of your life, and go out and accomplish
great things.”
Sound advice from someone who knows what it’s like to be on both
sides of the commencement podium.