St. John's News

Modern art and alma mater came together on March 9 at a special event honoring Women’s History Month. Celebrating the Women of St. John’s was held at the Queens Museum of Art in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The event drew alumnae and their guests who enjoyed lunch, a guided tour of the museum and remarks from Victor Muro ’87CBA, ’89MBA who graciously sponsored the event with his wife, Anne Marie.

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Attendees included members of the McCallen Society and the Loughlin Society as well as graduates of University College and the Lewis Avenue and Schermerhorn Street campuses. Some who attended began by touring The Panorama of the City of New York, one of the jewels of the museum’s collection. The Panorama is a more than 9,000 square foot architectural model which includes every building constructed in all five of the city’s boroughs before 1992. Participants then gathered for drinks and hors d’oeuvers in a festive space decorated with just a few of the museums pieces.

Marilyn Verna ’66Ed, ’96Ed.D. came with her sister Elaine Verna ’54CBA and enjoyed the exhibits. Attending such events is a great way to remain connected to the University, Marilyn said. “Those were the best years,” she said. “Those college years were the best and I made friends that are still friends today.” Jeanette Miller ’89SVC, ’00CPS brought her 15-year-old daughter Kiana Samuels and said she was thrilled to be able to honor Women’s History Month by gathering with fellow alumnae. “I thought it was so wonderful to have such an event,” she said. “I wanted to have my daughter exposed to this.”

Susan Damiani ’87CBA, Director, Gift Planning, McCallen Society and Stacey Philips Varghese ’99C, Associate Director, Loughlin Society welcomed everyone and introduced Mr. Muro who pitched in as the speaker of the day for Michelle Pedigo, Vice President of Sales, New York Agency Group MetLife who was unable to attend do to a delayed flight. Muro gladly welcomed the mantle as the sole male attendee and inspired the audience with a speech on female financial empowerment. “We believe that celebrating Women’s History Month and especially the women of St. John’s compliments the changing face of America and how the female professional force is excelling,” he said before the event. “It’s the right thing to do and we are proud to be part of it.”

Loughlin Society member Nancy Deckinger attended with her daughter Carolyn and said the day offered a “cornucopia of interesting events.” “There’s a tour, there’s a meal and there’s a lecture,” she said. “Any one of those could draw me out, but to have three!” The Loughlin Society is our leadership gift society that helps the University build on the legacy that began over 138 years ago. The McCallen Society is the distinguished gift society whose members honor the St. John’s legacy by including the University in their estate and financial plans.