Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University students, faculty, and advertising aficionados recently gathered at the University’s Queens, NY, campus to celebrate the esteemed career of industry icon Jerry Della Femina. Mr. Della Femina shared insights and wisdom with attendees, emphasizing the importance of creativity in the field of advertising.

During the event, Mr. Della Femina debunked stereotypes about advertising professionals, stating, "There is a misconception people have about advertising people, that they are different. The fact is that we are like everybody else."

Gina Grillo, a member of the Advisory Board of the Collins College of Professional Studies, expressed her admiration for the industry legend, remarking, “To have industry legend Jerry Della Femina, an original adman, share his storied career and insights with students and faculty was pure magic.”

Rich Russo, President and Chief Creative Officer of Arnold Worldwide, reminisced about his early days in the industry, highlighting Mr. Della Femina as one of his greatest mentors. Russo stated, “I started my career there on April 15, 1979, and we’ve been friends ever since.”

Mr. Della Femina, known for his inclusive approach to business, emphasized the importance of equality and acceptance in the workplace, stating, “It’s another part of this business—if you’re going to work with people, you’d better love them all and you better not care about race, sex, or anything.”

Addressing the evolving landscape of advertising, Mr. Della Femina encouraged students to prioritize creativity despite technological advancements. He challenged them to aspire to create iconic ads that resonate with audiences across various modern platforms.

Prof. Feinstein, Director of the graduate program in Integrated Advertising Communications, commended Mr. Della Femina as a role model for creativity and passion, values that are essential in the education of advertising students.

Lucy Santora, a visiting scholar, highlighted the educational value of understanding the influences of advertising on one's environment, stating, “If you were to take a day and just be cognizant of what’s being advertised to you and what those influences are, I think you can learn a lot about your immediate environment.”

The event also featured the presentation of special awards in honor of Mr. Della Femina to outstanding students in public relations and advertising. The celebration underscored the ongoing commitment of St. John’s University to fostering creativity and excellence in the field of advertising.