St. John’s University Honors Outstanding Educators

April 24, 2009

Five alumni and friends of St. John’s University who have distinguished themselves as professional educators or educational administrators were honored at the 4th Annual Leaders in Education Awards Dinner on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at the University Center on St. John’s Queens campus.  This year’s event held additional significance as it represented a continuation of the Centennial Celebration of St. John’s The School of Education.

Photo Gallery

Nearly 200 alumni and friends gathered to acknowledge the achievements of the following honorees, each of whom was recognized for enhancing the field of education with his or her significant contributions:

Marie Brown '63Ed, '70GEd
President and CEO
Brown Publishing Network

Robert A. Mangione '77P, '79GP, '93PD, '99Ed.D.
Dean and Clinical Professor of Clinical Pharmacy Practice
College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
St. John’s University

Sr. Catherine Mezzacapo, C.S.J. '52Ed, '56G
Founding Principal
St. Patrick’s Elementary School
Former Administrator
St. John’s University

William Sanders
Associate Professor of Education
Former Chairman
Department of Early Childhood, Childhood and Secondary Education
St. John’s University

James Sheerin '65Ed
Interim School Superintendent
Randolph, NJ School District

Dr. Jerrold Ross, Dean of St. John’s The School of Education welcomed the guests and expressed his appreciation for their support of the School’s Centennial Celebration.  He reminded everyone of the many achievements of the School over the past century and noted that the evening’s honorees were an important reflection of those achievements. 

Four of the honorees received their awards from Joseph Sciame '71Ed, Vice President for Community Relations at St. John’s University, who was himself honored at last year’s event.  Mr. Sciame expressed his appreciation to Margaret D’Angelo '70Ed for her exceptional efforts as Chair of the Centennial Celebration Committee.  He also commended the honorees for “…the many years of work and devotion they have given to the field of education.”

After Mr. Sciame presented the first four awards, Dean Ross returned to present the final award to his St. John’s colleague and friend, Dean Robert Mangione.  The event ended with an exciting raffle and a reminder from Dean Ross about joining other alumni and friends at Alumni Reunion Celebration 2009 on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31.

Alumni were quick to acknowledge the importance of events such as this.  “These L.E.A.D. events continue to grow in size and stature,” remarked Steve Rosenberg '73Ed, who has attended similar Dinners in previous years.  “It’s always a pleasure to attend.  The honorees are quite impressive and really show the quality of our School of Education graduates.”