October 29, 2010
The
13th Annual President’s Dinner raised a record $2.25 million for
scholarships to directly benefit its most deserving students,
making this celebration the most successful in St. John’s
University history. The event was held at its traditional venue,
the Grand Ballroom of the historic Waldorf~Astoria, and was
attended by 1,052 supporters, special friends and guests of St.
John’s.
Dinner Photo Gallery
The evening also highlighted the presentations of the prestigious
Spirit of Service Award, established to recognize outstanding
individuals who have lived their lives in accordance with the
Vincentian ideals that are the cornerstone of St. John’s mission.
The honorees were saluted in fine style with moving video
presentations done by A & E Television productions.
Award recipients for 2010 included
Paul J. Evanson ’63CBA, ’10HON, Chairman, President and CEO,
Allegheny Energy, Inc.,
Hon. Raymond W. Kelly ’71L, ’98HON, Commissioner, New York City
Police Department and
Mary Ann Mattone, Community Advocate.
“I thank our honorees for allowing us to honor them,” said Rev.
Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s University, who
served as host for the evening. “Each in their own way is an
important part of our University. Each in their own way is firmly
committed to making our world a better place and to assisting and
serving those most in need.”
Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s
University presents the Spirit of Service Award to the Honorable
Raymond Kelly, Commissioner of the NYPD at last night’s 13th Annual
St. John’s University President’s Dinner at the Waldorf-Astorial
Hotel. The event raised a record $2.25 million for University
scholarships to deserving students.
Co-Chairpersons for the President’s Dinner were Leslie
‘83SVC and William ‘76C Collins and WNBC-TV lead sports anchor
Bruce Beck, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Beck put into
perspective what the evening is all about – University students who
get more than just an education at St. John’s.
“St. John’s students aren’t just educated academically,” noted
Beck. “Students can learn History or English or Math at any
other college or university. But if they want to learn to be a good
person in the truest sense of the word, if they’re willing to
accept the challenge to care about others, not because they have
to, but because they want to, they’ve got to go to St.
John’s.”
Bruce Beck, WNBC-TV lead sports anchor served as Master of
Ceremonies for the 13th annual St. John’s University President’s
Dinner attended by more than 1,000 at the Waldorf-Astoria
Hotel.
Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly accepted his award on behalf
of the men and women in the New York Police Department, a tradition
he maintains whenever he receives a personal honor or recognition.
The very special nature of St. John’s Vincentian mission, coupled
with the University’s status as one of the country’s premier
educational institutions, made his selection as a Spirit of Service
Award recipient extra special.
“I know how much St. John’s contributes to this city, and those who
love New York should be proud of the University for its vitality
and sustainability here in our great city,” said Commissioner
Kelly. “To be recognized by St. John’s is tremendously fulfilling
and a high honor for me.”
For more information contact Dominic Scianna, Assistant Vice
President for Media Relations by calling (718) 990-6185 or e-mail
inquiries to sciannad@stjohns.edu.