March 18, 2010
On Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 25 St. John’s University alumni
enjoying careers in the various fields of professional
communications shared their expertise with current students at the
Eighth Annual Alumni Insider’s View…Communications
Connection. The event, which took place in the Kiernan Suite
of the Kelleher Center on the Staten Island campus, offered alumni
an opportunity to mentor the young men and women who hope to embark
upon similar careers after graduation. Speakers included:
Christina Buzzetta ’05CPS
Account Executive
The Knot
Christopher Galletta ’03CPS
Screenwriter
Toy’s House
Amy Schenck ’07CPS
Senior Sales Assistant
Fox Television
Photo gallery
The Alumni Insider’s View…Programs are unique student engagement
opportunities that provide a chance to obtain real-world knowledge
about a chosen profession or field while drawing upon the
professional experiences of the University’s most successful
graduates.
Alumni enjoyed returning to alma mater and taking part in an
event that directly strengthened their connection to the
students. Following the formal presentations, students
enjoyed the opportunity to meet and mingle with alumni for small
group networking and individual discussions.
“I wanted to come back and participate tonight so I could share
some of my story with current students,” said Schenck. “I love St.
John ’s, and coming back, especially to an event like this, where
you get to see fellow alumni and professors that you knew well when
you were here, is really great.”
“Any time I can come back to St. John’s to help out and
participate, it’s an honor,” agreed JohnCarl Ziegler '08CPS. “Not
too long ago I was in the same place these students are, having the
time of my life, so it’s great to be able to give back. I miss St.
John’s being a part of my daily life, and in the future if I’m
presented with the opportunity to come back as an adjunct
[instructor] perhaps, or in some other capacity, I’d love it.”
Students were informed that securing a professional internship
prior to graduation was an important step along the path to career
success, especially in the field of communications. They were
reminded that with the communications capital of the world housed
just across the river in Manhattan, the varieties of exciting
internships potentially available to them were virtually
endless.
“It’s great that the speakers stressed the importance of
internships and networking,” remarked Francesco Deluca
'08CPS, “because I know I wouldn’t have the job I have today
without either. I came back tonight because I remembered how it was
being on the other side and wanted to offer the students the same
kind of insight and connection I was offered when I participated in
the program.”
“I’ve been to the Communications Connection in years
past,” said Nicholas Bitetto, a senior majoring in Communications.
“I always learn a lot. It really lights a fire under you and urges
you further in the direction of your passion.”
Sophomore Owen Colton was making plans to do everything possible
to ensure that he will have a successful career waiting for him
when he graduates in 2012. “Networking and learning about the
nature of what my future will be like really encouraged me to
attend,” he noted. “It’s never too early to think about what you
can do today to help set up your future career.”