March 05, 2010
On Saturday, February 20, 2010 over 60 alumni and friends of St.
John's University gathered at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Tampa, FL
on the campus of the University of South Florida prior to the men's
basketball game between the Red Storm and the USF Bulls.
The event generated much excitement among area alumni, many of whom
arrived early to enjoy the opportunity to meet and socialize with
other members of their St. John's family.
William G. Schaeffer '73CBA, Director, Office of Alumni Relations,
provided guests with an overview of the many successes that have
taken place at St. John's in recent months. "You have a
lot to be proud of as St. John's alumni," he reminded
them. "You are a part of a global university with a
well-deserved reputation for excellence, one that provides our
students with a superior education based upon the Vincentian
philosophy of service to others. That's pretty unique, and
something you can't find anywhere else."
Schaeffer noted the high level of loyalty to the University that
characterizes the alumni from the South Florida area. "As
usual, I'm impressed with the commitment that the alumni from this
area always show to St. John's," he said. "Our alumni down
here are really enthusiastic about getting together, which is great
to see."
Alumni also enjoyed meeting and speaking with Rev. James J. Maher,
C.M. '84C, Vice President, Student Affairs and Brian Colleary,
Senior Associate Athletic Director, External Affairs, both of whom
made the trip to visit with the alumni and help support the men's
basketball team.
"It was great that St. John's held an event at the University of
South Florida," said Ann Cranston-Gingras '80Ed. "It was
terrific fun to meet the other alumni and the people who came down
from New York, and of course a good opportunity to see our team
play."
"My family and I had a wonderful time," agreed Donald McDonald
'73C, '78MBA. "We met up with other alumni from the Tampa/St.
Pete area, which was nice, and seeing the Red Storm play up close,
and then celebrating the win over a tough USF team made it even
better."
Following the reception guests brought a touch of St. John's red
into the crowd of USF green as they showed what Red Storm pride can
do by cheering our team to a dominating 74-58 victory.