Racing and Relaxing: New Jersey Alumni Enjoy a Night at Meadowlands Racetrack

August 22, 2011

 


Alumni and friends from St. John’s New Jersey Alumni Chapter watched as horses galloped towards the finish line at the Meadowlands Racetrack.

 

Photo gallery

 

It was all part of the University’s recent Night at the Racetrack event, featuring a barbeque buffet, private seating and an up-close view of all the thrilling harness races.

 

“Our efforts to work with the New Jersey chapter leaders over the past few years have been tremendous,” said Nick Legakis ’97SVC, ’07MPS, Director of Institutional Advancement at the Staten Island campus. “We went from one or two annual events to now hosting seven to eight events per year throughout the entire Garden State. We’re working to create a great tradition here in Jersey, and our alumni are really enjoying it.”

 

Kids also had a blast at this family-friendly event, playing on a giant slide and letting loose in a mini sports arena which featured a variety of basketball, soccer and football games.

 

“This is a consistently fun event that my wife and I look forward to every year,” said Andre Emont ’79P, ’84GP, the leader of the Northern New Jersey Chapter. “What a great way to spend a beautiful mid-summer evening, together with fellow St. John’s alumni!”

 

Natalie Dengler ’73Ed, ’76MBA particularly enjoyed the family atmosphere.

 

“This evening is just plain fun for the whole family,” she said. “And for the adults, it doesn’t matter whether it’s your first trip to a racetrack or if you’re a great handicapper – picking a winning horse is just icing on the cake.”