Alumni/Summer

Spring 2007 Vol. 8, No. 3 Storing Memories Blending family and success Congratulations Class of 2007! president’s message Dear Friends, Those of us who spend our lives within the world of higher education know that summer is a time of retrospection and transition. The more relaxed pace of these few months allows us to evaluate the milestones of the recently completed academic year while considering the opportunities and preparing for the challenges of the one which lies ahead. The 2006-2007 academic year was immensely satisfying, and every indication suggests that the University is poised for even greater success in the days ahead. I thank you, our loyal alumni, for playing such a vital role in everything that we have accomplished. The articles that appear in this issue reflect the undeniable reality that our Vincentian values are as powerful a motivating force today as they were when St. John’s admitted its first students 137 years ago. Those values provide a continuity of purpose that is, at the same time, both subtle and profound, and lives within anyone who has ever been a part of the St. John’s experience. You will read of Leo Pierce, a graduate of the Class of 1939 who rose from humble roots in Brooklyn to found what would become one of the world’s largest business records storage and management facilities. His financial success led him to establish the L.W. Pierce Family Foundation and endow a scholarship at alma mater, giving back to the University that believed in him over 70 years ago. I also call your attention to the profile of Alfred “Fred” Cerullo III, a double alumnus who lives the St. John’s mission of caring for others through his position as president and chief executive officer of the Grand Central Partnership, a not-for-profit corporation that administers programs and services within one of New York City’s largest business improvement districts. Our mission serves as a major premise of the University’s financial planning decisions, because even at the bottom line everything that we do is about people. I know that you will enjoy the article about St. John’s Investment Portfolio, which describes the link between our stewardship philosophy and investment practices. We are a University committed to opportunity and to sharing that opportunity with as many deserving individuals as possible. I am pleased to share this issue of the St. John’s Alumni Magazine with you, and I wish you a happy, healthy and restful summer. Donald J. Harrington, C.M. 2 St. John’s University ■ Alumni Magazine contents features departments 5 noteworthy 12 chapter happenings 20 14 up front Leo Pierce has • 2007 Commencement ceremonies a family legacy of • Presidential visit love and hard work. • New public relations program • Revamped journalism curriculum • Hurricane help • New center debuts 35 campus briefs • Stadium renamed 36 faculty spotlight 26 42 giving back Fred Cerullo works diligently behind the scenes in one of the nation’s 45 alumnotes largest business improvement districts. 52 a conversation 32 Stewarding the University’s resources to reflect its Vincentian values. Vol. 8, No. 3 Spring 2007 Visit our Web site for the latest updates, The St. John’s Alumni Magazine is published by the Publisher Contributing Writers news and events at Division of Institutional Advancement for alumni, staff, faculty and friends of St. John’s. Donald J. Harrington, C.M. Thomas Burke ’68C, ’71G President Michael Palladino ’73C www.stjohns.edu/alumni Correspondence: or call (877) 758-ALUM. The Alumni Magazine staff welcomes your thoughts and comments. Please address letters to: Editorial Staff Contributing Photographers Editor, Alumni Magazine, St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439 Sheri Welte Adam Bell or e-mail [email protected] Managing Editor John Eisinger Letters and articles may be edited for publication. Lisa France Steve Grimes Editor/Writer Christopher Semetis ’04CPS, ’06MBA Send address changes to: Lisa Capone, Division of Institutional Advancement, Dorothy E. Habben, Ph.D. ’66G St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Contributing Editor Office of Alumni Relations Queens, NY 11439, by fax to (718) 990-1813, Danielle Bushell by e-mail to [email protected] William Schaeffer ‘73CBA or return the enclosed form. Alumnotes Director Consistent with the University’s mission as a Catholic, Vincentian and metropolitan institution of higher education, the University abides by all applicable federal, state and local laws which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual On the cover: orientation, marital status or disability in admitting students to its programs or in administering its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, athletics and other institutionally administered programs or activities generally made available to students at the University. In accordance with Leo Pierce ’39C, ’99HON these laws, the University also prohibits retaliation against anyone who has complained about discrimination or otherwise exercised rights guaranteed under on the grounds of his home these laws. In addition, the University continually strives to fulfill its educational goals by maintaining a fair, humane, responsible and non-discriminatory environment for all students and employees. All University policies, practices and procedures are administered in a manner which preserves its rights and identity in Vero Beach, FL. as a Catholic and Vincentian institution of higher education. Conference in India Puts New Board STJ on World Stage Chair Thomas McInerney ’64UC, ’01HON has been A three day conference on technology Basilio Gaspar Monteiro, an assistant elected as chair of St. John’s University organized in part by members of the professor with St. John’s College of Board of Trustees. He has College of Professional Studies and held Professional Studies Communications, served as a trustee for the in Goa, India, garnered media coverage Journalism & Media Studies division, past six years. A general in that country and brought together presented a framework for the forum partner at the investment and expressed firm Welsh, Carson, that development Anderson and requires critical Stowe in New York evaluation and must City, both he and ultimately liberate his wife Paula the creative self. He have been ardent suggested that those supporters of present never cease several initiatives to ask what really at the University constitutes the good including the life and consider how Student Managed ICTs can liberate and Investment Fund, empower the the Rome Scholarship human person. Fund, the St. Thomas After the conference, More Church Monteiro said the construction and the more than 90 Institute for Writing Monteiro speaks at the conference. attendees expressed Studies. The couple pleasure in the were honored at participants from around the world substantive nature of the forum. “People the Eighth Annual for a discourse on information and were interested in knowing that the President’s Dinner with communication technologies and how University has not only a global vision, the Spirit of Service they can be used to aid in human but is also interested in local matters,” said Award, bestowed upon development. Monteiro who added that two St. John’s those whose vision, "Information and Communications students also attended the event. “The accomplishments Technologies and Development" held focus was on human flourishing, not just and good works Thomas McInerney in January began with welcoming remarks technological advancements.” embody the essence from Fr. Joaquim Loiola Pereira, director There were various other speakers of St. Vincent de Paul. of the Diocesan Center for Social including Dr. K. Subramanian, deputy McInerney Communication Media of the Archdiocese director general at the National Infomatics succeeds now of Goa and Daman, who called on those Center, Ministry of Commun ications and chairman present to consider ways that information Information Technology in New Delhi, emeritus Denis and communication technologies (ICT) can who gave the keynote address on “ICT aid human beings. He noted that dialogue for India 2010: Empowering through Kelleher ’65CBA, can lead to subtle transformation and that e-Governance” as well as several ’91HON who the ideas can play a role in the making of prominent educators, researchers and University would public policy. Governor S.S. Jamir of Goa lecturers. The Diocesan Centre for Social like to thank then delivered the inaugural address, Communications Media of Goa and for his service, the central theme of which was to call Daman also helped organize the forum dedication and attention to the power of information and Monteiro said there are plans to devotion to communications technologies to improve continue the conversation begun by alma mater. Denis Kelleher people’s resources and contribute to hosting another conference in human development. January 2008. Spring 2007 5 Founder’s Week 2007 Focuses on Solidarity Every year, the University sets that exemplify the Vincentian Center in New York; and the it happened to me, I was in aside a week in January for a spirit: The Vincentian Mission President’s Medal to Leonard University,” she reflected. “So to special observation of its heritage. Award to Clover Hall, Ed.D., Baynes, professor and director be here speaking to [students] The 13th annual Founder’s Week vice president for institutional of the Ronald H. Brown Center — this is a message that concerns continued that tradition of research and academic planning for Civil Rights and Economic them, they need to take increasing the knowledge of the Vincentian heritage and imparting the Vincentian spirit and tradition into the lives of members of the St. John’s Guest speaker, Immaculée community today. This year’s Ilibagiza moved the audience with her story of courage and theme “Respect + Compassion = forgiveness as a Rwandan Solidarity” was displayed in genocide survivor. the many lectures, seminars, discussions and other activities held on the various campuses.

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