October 13, 2009
On a day when everyone was at least a little bit Italian, St.
John’s University students, alumni, faculty and staff, including
members of the Italian Heritage and Cultural Society and the
Italian Honors Society, showed their Red Storm pride as they
marched proudly up Fifth Avenue in New York City’s 65th Annual
Columbus Day Parade.
Photo Gallery
With
a crisp autumn breeze at their backs, the St. John’s contingent was
led by Hall of Fame Men’s Basketball Coach Lou Carnesecca '50Ed,
'60GEd, '00HON riding atop the University’s instantly recognizable
red and white float. The marchers happily returned the waves
and cheers of the spectators who enthusiastically acknowledged the
University and particularly Coach Carnesecca, a genuine New York
icon, all along the route.
One of the most touching moments of the day came as Coach
Carnesecca stepped down from the float to be greeted by
representatives of the city’s Catholic hierarchy on the steps of
St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Prior to the start of the parade, St. John’s was
singularly honored as Joseph Sciame '71Ed, Vice President for
Community Relations, was chosen to serve as lector at the Columbus
Day Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Sciame, who has marched
in the parade since the mid-1970s, was pleased with the degree of
participation by members of the St. John’s family. “This is a
great day to be in the Columbus Day Parade,” he noted. “We
have so many Italian-American students at St. John’s, and we’re
really proud of their heritage, culture, language and faith.”
Alumni were happy to display their support for alma
mater by taking part in what is becoming one of St. John’s
newest and most popular traditions. “This was a great
occasion to celebrate my Italian heritage,” said Gerard Paretta
'68CBA, '79MBA. “It’s also a wonderful way to demonstrate the
spirit of St. John’s.”
“The
Columbus Day Parade is a wonderful celebration of the Italian
heritage that is such a part of the history of New York,” noted
William G. Schaeffer '73CBA, Director, Office of Alumni
Relations. “St. John’s is also a big part of the city’s
history, both past and present, so when the University takes part
in a great event such as this, it’s a perfect fit.”