Alumni Gather to Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries

June 14, 2008

The warmth of the summer-like day could not be compared with the warmth of the alumni who gathered together in the 25, 40 and 50-Year Anniversary Suites during Reunion Celebration Weekend 2008 on Saturday, June 14 at the Queens campus.  Intimate groups gathered informally throughout the day and enjoyed catching up with each other and looking at old yearbooks. 

Photo Gallery

August “Bud” Englert ’54CBA, ’58L, who had not been able to come back for earlier reunions, made the trip from Pennsylvania to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his graduation.  “I decided to take advantage of this opportunity while I can,” he explained.  He was not alone.  Quite a few of his classmates also traveled from various states to see old friends.

John McCaul ’58C traveled from Florida to enjoy the company of former classmates. Lou Caldarola ’58CBA, who also flew in from Florida, came to celebrate his 50th anniversary with former fraternity brothers.  He appreciates the Vincentian heritage St. John’s offers its students.  “The Vincentians are good teachers, they are charitable and pass that on,” he said.  “I attended St. John’s Prep before college and the Vincentian outlook emphasized in my education helped shape who I am today.” 

The camaraderie in Caldarola’s fraternity, Sigma Chi Epsilon, was one of the reasons he chose to return to St. John’s.  He still enjoys life-long friendships with some of his fraternity brothers.  “The older fellows looked out for the younger fellows,” he says of the fraternity during his student days.  “I am looking forward to seeing them tonight [at the Gala Dinner Dance].”

The reunionites, who together prepared for life’s challenges, filled the suites with lively chatter and stories about the “good old days,” celebrating yet another of life’s milestones.

 

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