March 10, 2010
On Thursday, March 4, 2010 students gathered in the Kiernan
Suite at the Kelleher Center on the Staten Island campus to
participate in the Alumni Insider’s View…The
Peter J. Tobin College of Business Etiquette Class. The event
was sponsored by
Joan Lacagnina ’88CBA and co-hosted by Ms. Lacagnina and Lucian
Spatoliatore ’93L. It was one of the many Alumni Insider’s
View…Programs that enable St. John’s University students to obtain
real-world knowledge while drawing upon the professional
experiences of some of our most successful alumni.
Photo Gallery
Students were informed that since much of today’s business
activity is conducted outside of the office, particularly at
business dinners and other social functions, they needed to become
aware of the social and etiquette skills that such functions
require. The two-hour program included such practical
information as how and what to order in a luncheon or dinner
setting, how to dress for and act at a business function and how to
appropriately prepare for and behave at a professional
interview.
The willingness of alumni to share their expertise with students
is one of the most unique components of the St. John’s
experience. “I am so appreciative that Joan and Lucian took
time out of their busy schedules to come back to alma
mater to help our current students,” noted Nicholas A. Legakis
’97SVC, ’07MPS, Director, Institutional Advancement, Staten
Island. “The knowledge that they were able to provide to
these young men and women will go a long way to prepare them for
what awaits them in the future.”
Many of the students who participated were grateful for the
chance to acquire first-hand information that will be useful in a
few years when they embark upon their own careers. “The class
was very helpful and provided me with a lot of good tips to
remember for the future,” said Dina Bono, a freshman in St. John’s
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
“It was very beneficial,” agreed Edwina Savage, a
sophomore in St. John’s The Peter J. Tobin College of
Business. “I learned a lot that I’m sure will help me in the
future.”
Students also appreciated the opportunity to meet and interact
with the alumni whose successful careers they someday hope to
emulate. “This was a great chance to get a look into
something that not too many people talk about,” noted Matt Hagen, a
freshman in the Tobin College of Business. “I also really enjoyed
the opportunity to meet some of the alumni. It was great that
they came back to spend time with us.”