October 31, 2007
St. John’s University’s Criminal Justice Association in
conjunction with the Division of Criminal Justice/Legal Studies
held its Ninth Annual Awards Dinner on Monday, October 15th.
The student association honors alumni each year, held at the
University’s Queens Campus, in recognition of their service and
accomplishments in the field of Criminal Justice
This year’s Distinguished Leadership Award recipient was James
Patrick Bacigalupo ‘82SVC, Regional Director – U.S. State
Department – Diplomatic Security. Mr. Bacigalupo joined the
State Department in 1985 and is presently the Regional Director for
the Diplomatic Security’s International Program Directorate’s East
Asian and Pacific Region (EAP). He oversees the security of
27 missions (embassies and consulates) located in the EAP and
directs the activities of 53 Special Agents who provide security
for these facilities. Mr. Bacigalupo also received his first
Meritorious Honor Award from the State Department and the national
Medal of Valor from the Federal Law Enforcement Officers
Association for his valiant actions to save a Marine security guard
from a gang of thugs.
Also honored at the gala were William Gardella ’65Ed who has
been an Adjunct Professor at St. John’s since 1997. Prior to
returning to St. John’s, Professor Gardella served 30 years with
the NYPD and attained the rank of Deputy Inspector before retiring
in 1996. His assignments included teaching at the Police
Academy; a 15 year assignment in the detective bureau serving as a
supervisor and, later, as an administrator in the borough of
Brooklyn; he commanded a precinct in Queens; and was the Commanding
Officer of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity. In his
last assignment, he was the Commanding Officer, Brooklyn South
Detectives, managing 275 detectives and supervisors and was
responsible for all detective investigations in the southern half
of Brooklyn. In addition to teaching at St. John’s, he has
lectured on serial killers at numerous universities. These
lectures are based on his arrest of David Berkowitz for the Son of
Sam murders in 1977.
Howard Abadinsky Ph.D., a Professor in the Criminal Justice and
Legal Studies Division since 2003, was honored with the H. Craig
Collins Award for his dedication to the field of Criminal Justice
and his students. Prior to his work in an academic setting,
Professor Abadinsky served as a parole officer and senior parole
officer in the New York State Division of Parole. He also
served as inspector, special assistant to the chief of court
security, Cook County, Illinois where he conducted investigations,
drafted rules and regulations, and presented courses at the
Sheriff’s training Academy. Professor Abadinsky is a
published author of numerous Criminal Justice textbooks, and other
publications in such areas as probation and parole, organized
crime, the American legal system, drug use and abuse, and crime
theory. In addition, he has appeared on many television and
radio shows including FOX News, CNN, BBC, New York Times, A&E,
and the History Channel.
Olivia Karlic ’07CPS received the Association’s Distinguished
Service Award for Student Leadership for her service to St. John’s
and the students members of the Criminal Justice Association during
her time as Public Relations Officer, Vice President and finally as
President of the student organization. She also served as Treasurer
for Alpha Phi Sigma, the only national Criminal Justice Honor
Society. Ms. Karlic is currently a NYC Teaching Fellow,
teaching Special Education in a Junior High School in Queens and
pursuing her master’s degree.
The Criminal Justice Association and the NYC Police Cadet Corp
together gave a special award to criminal justice and NYPD student
cadet Christopher Benson and St. John’s Public Safety Officer Dan
Boylan in recognition of their bravery in apprehending a gunman on
the Queens Campus on September 26. Their quick and decisive
actions averted a potentially dangerous situation without injury to
anyone.
The pair was honored most recently by being awarded the
President’s Medal (one of the highest honors given by St. John’s),
reserved for individuals who have achieved exceptional personal and
professional success, and/or rendered outstanding service to the
University or society.
About the Criminal Justice
Program
The Criminal Justice Program has a rich tradition of excellence in
the education of criminal justice personnel. Their
distinguished record – and the University’s close ties to the
criminal justice community – add luster to the outstanding learning
experience at the College of Professional Studies.
The undergraduate program gives students the knowledge and
skills necessary to succeed as criminal justice practitioners in
the new millennium. Students are provided with opportunities
to participate in internships and cooperative education programs at
local, state, and federal agencies.
The Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Criminal Justice
Leadership prepares students for management and executive positions
in policing, the court system and corrective services. This
innovative graduate program employs an approach that integrates
theory with professional practice.
Faculty members are distinguished scholars with experience as
criminal justice professionals. Professors have served as
agency commissioners, policy analysts, researchers, and
planners.