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

St. John’s University is set to launch its basketball season with a new event, Sunday Supper with Looie, in honor of Hall of Fame Head Coach Lou Carnesecca. This premier fundraising event will take place at Russo’s on the Bay in Queens, NY, on Sunday, September 29, beginning at 12:30 p.m., just over 100 days before Coach Carnesecca's centennial birthday.

Coach Carnesecca boasts a distinguished career with 526 victories over his 24 years as head coach at St. John’s. His teams made it to 24 postseasons, including 18 National Collegiate Athletic Association tournaments and six National Invitation Tournaments (NIT). Highlights include the program's second Final Four appearance in 1985 and its fifth NIT title in 1989. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992, he has also been a key figure in founding the BIG EAST Conference and an ambassador for basketball globally.

The change in format from an evening dinner to a Sunday supper was proposed by alumnae Eileen Tarantino ’80CBA and Joan Lacagnina ’88CBA. Both are active supporters of St. John’s athletics and members of The Founders Society, which comprises individuals who have donated one million dollars or more to the University.

“Eileen and Joan are a dynamic duo,” said Nicholas “Nick” Vendikos ’91SVC, Senior Director of Athletic Development. “They remind me of the phrase, ‘True Italian cooking is made with love and passion.’ As like all of us, they love Coach Carnesecca and demonstrate a passion for supporting St. John’s!”

Large Italian meals have long symbolized family unity among Italian-Americans—a tradition that this event aims to reflect.

“In Italian culture, families are quite close and are the focal point of life," Ms. Tarantino explained. "Even though daily life can be chaotic and complicated, Italians seek to find a way to spend quality time at the dinner table where nobody is in a rush."

“Italian food is more than about sustenance; it is a symbol of community,” stated Ms. Lacagnina.

“Sunday dinners are more than just a meal—they are a celebration of family,” added Mr. Vendikos.

For more information or sponsorship opportunities regarding Sunday Supper with Looie, contact Frank Shaffer at [email protected].