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

Capping a day of celebrations at St. John’s University, the institution recognized several alumni during its annual Alumni Convocation on October 18 at the D’Angelo Center in Queens, New York. The event followed the university’s StormFest celebration and aimed to highlight graduates who have demonstrated the core values of St. John’s.

Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s University, addressed attendees by emphasizing the importance of role models in the community. “Good people show you what it means to be good,” Shanley said. “Stories and examples, and teachers and mentors, are the way that people learn how to live a good human life. I thought of that in connection with this event because this is an exercise for us as a community to lift up some exemplars.” He continued, “It’s an important exercise for us as a University community to say this is what we value. These are people who have embodied the values of St. John’s. Tonight is a time for us to elevate, to celebrate, to inspire, and to thank and give respect to people who have lived out the core values of St. John’s.”

The convocation honored alumni with various awards, including the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Medal, induction into the Heritage Circle, Pietas Medal, President’s Medal, and Fidelitas Award.

The keynote address was delivered by the Tarantinos, who met at St. John’s on their first day of class and spoke about their enduring connection to the university and each other. Mrs. Tarantino reflected on their shared journey: “Our story is a simple one, yet a warm and wonderful love story,” she said. “We both came to St. John’s to get an education, but received so much more. We found each other and love. We found a place that has become a major part of the fabric of our lives. St. John’s wasn’t just a school.”

She described her commitment to service, inspired by her time at St. John’s: “We have taught our kids the importance of giving back and helping others. I have told them that it doesn’t necessarily have to be just financial. Their time and talents are just as important. Find a cause. Find a project. Devote your time to it. Help others. Join a church ministry. Anything like that is a service to others. This is how it all begins. I love my volunteer work. I love the feeling I get when I’m helping other people.” She added, “We have never forgotten where we came from, the early years, the meager beginnings. We have tried to share our good fortune along the way with others in a meaningful way. I hope that is what we will be remembered for, and I hope we have made St. John’s proud.”

Mr. Tarantino, President and CEO at Protiviti Inc., discussed his efforts to promote giving back through his company by launching i on Hunger, an initiative focused on fighting hunger worldwide by providing millions of meals in its early years. He brought this initiative to St. John’s through campus meal-packing events involving students and faculty and announced plans for another event next year. “We’ve done several meal-packing events here on campus with students and faculty to get them involved. We’re planning another one for early next year. That’s really a powerful connection to what we do. We can’t be more thankful for receiving this honor and for our continued connection to St. John’s.”

Other honorees included Ms. Lukachik, Training Director for the New York State Department of Financial Services, who spoke about the honor: “It’s sort of surreal to be honored,” she said, emphasizing the value of sharing one’s vocation and professionalism alongside financial giving.

Ms. Grisi, Head of Global Pensions for Nokia and a member of the university’s Board of Trustees, commented on her pride in the university’s progress: “It’s really wonderful to be involved again. The campus looks beautiful.” She added, “I feel privileged to serve with all the other board members who are amazing.”

Mr. Breheny, Partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates and former Student Government president at St. John’s, highlighted his ongoing involvement with the university: “St. John’s is a huge part of my success.” He continues supporting students through programs such as Alumni Insider’s View… US Capital trips and expressed appreciation for being recognized: “I love to give to St. John’s,” he said. “It’s nice to be recognized and bring my family back to see it.”