Dominick Servedio ‘73MBA

Dominick Servedio ’73MBA Enjoys Making a Difference for Others 

By the time Dominick Servedio ’73MBA came to St. John’s University, he was nothing like the typical student. He had already earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from New York University and had been working in a variety of professional capacities for nearly a decade.

“I had my Engineering degree,” he recalled, “and I thought that a Business degree, an M.B.A., would go well with that. I had heard a lot about St. John’s from colleagues at work who were attending the University, and everything I heard was positive. So I decided to try it out by taking one course, and I stayed for the rest of my degree. St. John’s gave me every opportunity to get a good education, and to be able to do it in the evening was a benefit that I, as a working person, really appreciated.”

Servedio quickly realized the value of his combined degrees. Soon after earning his M.B.A. from St. John’s College of Business Administration, he was named Assistant Director of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the largest public transportation provider in the Western Hemisphere. He is currently Executive Chairman of STV Group, Inc., a leading, award-winning professional firm offering engineering, architectural, planning, environmental and construction management services.

Strongly committed to the importance of public service, he has shared his time and talents as Past Chairman of the New York Building Foundation, created by construction industry leaders in part to marshal the diverse talents and energies of local firms and trade unions toward projects that give back to the community.

“One of the things that St. John’s taught us was that we should always be willing to make a difference for others,” he said. “That concept has always been important to me, and I’ve done my best to help others whenever I could. I come from a very humble background. I’m a New York City kid and I went to New York schools. Fortunately I had some people who helped me along the way, and that’s something I’ve never forgotten. If I can do the same for others, I’m happy to do so.”

Servedio has received numerous recognitions and awards for his professional expertise and personal generosity of spirit. His most significant honors include the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York Division of the March of Dimes, the Richard A. Cook Gold Medal from The 100 Year Association of New York, the Goethals Medal from the Society of American Military Engineers and the Exploring Leadership Award from the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts of America.

The four decades since his graduation have not weakened the connection of this loyal alumnus to the University he loves. He generously supports St. John’s as a member of The Loughlin Society, the University’s premier donor recognition group. He has also shared his professional experience and expertise as a participant in St. John’s Executive-In-Residence Program, a unique initiative that offers undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to engage in real-world business consulting with actual business and non-profit organizations.

“St. John’s does such great things for the young people who come to the University,” he said, “and I’m glad that I can be a part of it in some way. St. John’s has changed so much since I was a student. When I was here it was more of a local institution, but now St. John’s is reaching out to so many other communities, and it’s becoming known throughout the country and around the world. And yet, even today, the basic St. John’s is still the same. The heart is still the same.”

In May, the University honored Servedio at the Alumni Convocation with the Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award, presented to an esteemed graduate in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding personal or professional achievement. It was a moment he’ll treasure forever.

“I’m very honored to receive this award,” he said. “St. John’s has meant something special to me since I began my graduate studies here, and it’s nice to know that I mean something to the University as well. St. John’s has been part of everything that I’ve achieved, and so in many ways my accomplishments are their accomplishments. Receiving this award is something I’ll never forget.”