October 17, 2011
Italian pride was on full display at the 2011 Columbus Day
Parade in New York City, and St. John’s University was an important
part of the festivities.
Photo Gallery
A group of
alumni, friends, employees and students gathered in Manhattan to
march up Fifth Avenue, joining thousands of others in celebrating
Italian culture and heritage at this cherished New York tradition.
Accompanied by a black, red and white float provided by St. John’s
Italian Cultural Center, members of the University community made
their presence known by frequently leading “We Are…St. John’s!”
chants as the parade proceeded uptown.
“I was so pleasantly surprised to see the St. John's float in
recent years,” remarked Angels DiLalla ’99C, ’02GEd, “and so rather
than simply watching the parade from the sidelines, which I was
doing with my Mom in recent years, I thought it would be fun to
participate. I have an option to also march with my family's
hometown in Italy, but I thought that there would be no greater way
to celebrate my Italian heritage than to combine it with my love of
St. John’s as well!”
The beautiful, uncharacteristically warm weather, which was more
reminiscent of summer in Rome rather than autumn in New York, made
this fun event even more special. The marchers were genuinely
energized to be representing the University, particularly in light
of St. John’s long history of serving the immigrant populations of
New York.
“It was such a glorious and sunny day,” said Joseph Sciame
’71Ed, Vice President, Community Relations. “I was quite pleased
with the turnout from both our alumni and students. During the
Columbus Day Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Giuseppe Bruno ’11C
served as one of the Lectors and his Mom, Carmela Chomin-Bruno ’73C
helped to bring up the Offertory gifts. One of our Adjunct
Professors, Dr. Carmela Scala, served as a Reader of the
Intercessions and I made a presentation to Archbishop Timothy Dolan
at the end of Mass. St. John’s was certainly well represented.”
Alumni and friends enjoyed the opportunity to show off their St.
John’s pride to the thousands of excited onlookers who lined the
parade route. For many, the chance to spend a day with their family
at a world-class event in New York City while meeting up with old
friends made the day even more special.
“It was such a nice event and a lot of fun for the whole
family,” said Tom Lazaridis ’94CBA. “Between the beautiful weather
and the great company, it was a perfect day.”