TSOE FALL 2024 NEWSLETTER | VOL 3. No. 2

James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D. | Dean, School of Education

Double Alumna Creates First Endowed Professorship in The School of Education

Retired educator Mary Carole Schafenberg ’70Ed, ’80PD has a long history with St. John’s University. This year, she endowed the first professorship in The School of Education (TSOE) for Special Education and Autism Education, a cause that is very dear to her.

From Left to Right: Mary Carole Schafenberg ’70Ed, ’80PD (Retired educator ), and Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. (President).

Congratulations to Joseph Sciame ’71Ed who received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest honor the University can bestow upon an alumnus.  Mr. Sciame received the award at St. John’s University’s annual Alumni Convocation ceremony on Saturday, October 19.

From Left to Right: Joseph Sciame ’71Ed, (Retired EVP), and Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. (President).

Alumna Credits Her St. John’s Education for

Success in Treating Mental Health Clients

Clinical Mental Health Counselor Ayanna S. Moore-Ellis, MHC ’14CPS, ’24GEd strives to work with her clients to meet their needs and create an environment of ease, care, and support. ​Her St. John’s education and training, along with her life experience, constantly inform her work. She is a mental health counselor at Helping Hands Psychotherapy, a practice in Rockville Centre, NY, specializing in perinatal and maternal mental health. 

Sandy Dellalonga ’24Ph.D., recently had an article accepted for publication in the Early Childhood Education Journal, a professional publication of original peer-reviewed articles that reflect exemplary practices in the field of contemporary early childhood education.

The article, "Scribbling and Early Literacy Connections: How Do Early Childhood Teachers Perceive Scribbles?" is based on the dissertation research she completed under the guidance of Olivia G. Stewart, Ph.D.., Assistant Professor, Education Specialties.

Christina M. Iannacone, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at St. John's University, is an inspiration to the field of education. Ms. Iannacone was recently honored on Good Morning America as a deserving teacher at Repertory High School of Theatre Arts in New York. For Ms. Iannacone, her students represent her "Why?"

During Founder's Week, on Monday, September 30, 2024, four of our faculty members received awards at a Faculty Research Luncheon hosted by the Faculty Research Consortium (FRC) and the Office of University Mission.

The School of Education was thrilled to be so well represented by faculty responding to the Vincentian Question, “What must be Done?”

Congratulations, to all four!

St. John’s University’s Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership (DAIL) hosted its first annual Educational Leadership Networking Social, connecting The School of Education with education partners across Long Island, on Friday, September 27, at The Halston American Kitchen & Bar in Melville, NY.

The event provided a platform for discussing pressing issues in education, exploring emerging practices, and fostering a strong professional network to support both established and new leaders in education.

From Left to Right: Leonard Wright, current doctoral student; Dr. Catherine DiMartino, Professor of Administration and Supervision; Roger Bloom, alumnus & current adjunct and assistant superintendent in Westbury, Long Island, and Dr. Stephen Kotok, Associate Professor & Department Chair, Administrative and Instructional Leadership.

Should the credits required for graduation be redefined to focus on student proficiency? The answer to this question and more were explored during the Proposed Transformations in Graduation Forum cohosted by The School of Education at St. John’s University and the New York State Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures on October 17. St. John’s was honored to be the only New York City area university selected to cohost an event with the Blue Ribbon Commission.

From Left to Right: Nathalis Wamba, Ph.D., Professor, Queens College; Ishita Khemka, Ph.D., Professor and Coordinator of Special Education; Stephen Kotok, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department Chair, Administrative and Instructional Leadership; Seokhee Cho, Ph.D., Professor, Administration and Supervision; Kelly Whitney Rivera, Director of Guidance and Chief Information Officer, Valley Stream Central High School District; Lorna Lewis, Ed.D., Superintendent, Malvern Union Free School District; Catherine DiMartino, Ph.D., Professor, Administration and Supervision; Serafino M. Celano, Ed. D., Associate Clinical Professor, Administrative and Instructional Leadership; Katherine C. Aquino, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Innovation and Partnerships; and Don McClure, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Faculty Development & Student Experience.

National Science Foundation Noyce Scholar Adam Przybylski presented a poster entitled "Integrating Spatial Thinking with STEM Teaching" at the NSF Noyce Summit, held in Washington, DC, on July 16, 2024. Dr. Daniel Ness, PI of the NSF Noyce grant in The School of Education at St. John's University serves as his mentor in this prestigious program.

From Left to Right: Adam Przybylski and Dr. Daniel Ness.

Sophie Liu, a sophomore in the BSED Childhood Education Program has been awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to support her participation in the St. John’s Semester in Rome program this spring. This highly competitive national award is administered by the Institute for International Education on behalf of the State Department.

Gilman awardees receive a substantial financial award and are also given the opportunity to engage in a follow-on project that promotes international education, as well as the chance to join a lifelong alumni network. Sophie Liu is one of three St. John's students who received the scholarship for the Spring 2025 term. They were selected from a pool of 7,100 applicants from all 50 states.

Sophie Liu, Sophomore in the BSED Childhood Education Program

Undergraduate advisement in The School of Education is crucial for students as it empowers them to take control of their academic journey and effectively explore diverse career opportunities. Through personalized guidance, advisement helps students craft a thoughtful class schedule for their first semester, while ensuring they understand degree requirements, elective options, and the steps needed to graduate successfully.

Ms. Jannette I. Pincay, the dedicated Academic Advisor for the Undergraduate Division, plays a vital role in this process. This developmental approach enables all our students to evaluate their educational paths and career possibilities with confidence.

This past summer, six doctoral students in The School of Education at St. John’s University spent 10 days studying abroad at the University’s Rome, Italy, location. Katherine C. Aquino, Ph.D., then the Assistant Professor and Assistant Chairperson, Department of Administrative and Instructional Leadership, organized opportunities for the group to meet with full-time and adjunct faculty members from LUMSA University and Sapienza University of Rome. Our students observed the similarities and differences between US and Italian higher education, as well as Italian institutions’ increased use of distance learning in the post-pandemic postsecondary environment. 

From Left to Right: Alexandrea Anzalone, Frances Hoey, Dr. Aquino, Dermot Cooper, Alison Celaya, Prattasha Paul and  Aria Laucella.

The School of Education proudly supports Catholic education through the Institute for Catholic Schools. On August 22, we had the honor of hosting a Mass with Bishop Robert Brennan, '84C that united the leadership teams of the Catholic high schools and the Diocese of Brooklyn.

From Left to Right: Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Brooklyn; Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn; Dr. James D. Wolfinger, Dean, School of Education; and Rev. Aidan R. Rooney, C.M, Executive Vice President for Mission.

St. John's Faculty and Visitors from the Ministry of Education, Singapore, Curriculum Planning and Development Division (CPDD).  

Meeting Focuses on Catholic Education

Educators from across New York State gathered to discuss key issues in Catholic education as The School of Education and the Institute for Catholic Schools hosted a meeting of the Catholic School Administrators Association of New York State (CSAANYS) on October 18 on St. John’s University’s Queens, NY, campus.

Attendees listened to keynote remarks from Brian Crimmins ’99CBA, ’01MBA, Chief Operating Officer of Chaminade High School and author of the book The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity’s Greatest Challenges.

Brian Crimmins ’99CBA, ’01MBA, Chief Operating Officer of Chaminade High School.

On University Giving Day, September 24, 2024 we all came together to showcase the strength and commitment of our community. This year, our ask was threefold: 1) The Persistence Scholarship (2) The Catholic School Teacher Scholarship, and (3) The Mental Health Counselor Scholarship.

We asked and you answered. For the Persistence Scholarship we had 155 donors who gave $8,510. For the Catholic School Teacher Scholarship we had 20 donors who gave $7,309, and for the Mental Health Counselor Scholarship we had 15 donors who gave $2,710. In total we had 190 donors who contributed $18,529. We could not have done it without YOU! Thank you for your generosity.

On December 7, 2024, alumni and friends from The School of Education gathered at the Stewart Manor Country Club in Stewart Manor for a "Sip and Shop" in celebration of the "12 Gifts of Christmas." It was a day of fun as everyone enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and wine while shopping, a full four-course luncheon, plenty of high-end raffles and a 50/50, as well as quality vendors for their shopping pleasure and much more.

Saturday, February 22, 8:30am-1pm, Bent Hall 2nd Floor

Future and Emerging Educators

This recruitment event focuses on high school students and recently graduated TSOE undergraduate students interested in exploring or developing education careers.

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Saturday, March 1, 12-2pm, Carnesecca Plaza

The School of Education Slam Dunk Reception

This event brings together TSOE alumni in advance of the St. John’s v. Seton Hall basketball game.

Audience: TSOE alumni

A $10 Slam Dunk Reception ticket includes unlimited appetizers, one drink ticket, and a great time to catch up with friends, colleagues, and former students. A DJ will be in the plaza, and Johnny Thunderbird will even make an appearance! Attendees can also purchase a game ticket for an additional $30. Purchase tickets here!

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Monday, July 14 and Tuesday, July 15, Queens Campus

Summer Leadership Institute

The Summer Leadership Institute at St. John’s University, taking place July 14-15, 2025, is a two-day on-campus event designed for superintendents, assistant superintendents, and principals. Focused on “Leadership That Connects,” the Institute offers panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions aimed at enhancing leadership communication. Participants will engage with thought leaders in education, learning strategies to bridge communication gaps, inspire teams, and drive positive change. This immersive experience provides a unique opportunity to network, share insights, and develop actionable strategies to strengthen leadership practices and create lasting impact in schools and communities. Register here!

Our donors are critical to the educational experience we provide our students. Because we believe in the importance of relationship building and engagement with our alumni and other supporters, the School of Education continuously works to create a sense of community and belonging among all our stakeholders. Meet Philip J. Wax ‘66Ed, ‘69G and his wife, Terry.

Philip J. Wax ‘66Ed, ‘69G says his story is not that different from thousands of other past and current students—he chose St. John’s because it was an excellent school, he could afford it and he could get there with public transportation. It turned out to be a smart choice and a great experience.

“The School of Education set me on a path,” he said. “I taught for more than 40 years, and now our three children are all also in education. My St. John’s experience spawned a whole family of educators!”

Phil wasn’t closely involved with the alumni association until moving to Florida. There, he began to attend alumni and McCallen Society events, and was impressed with the generosity of the McCallens. He’s now proud to call himself a McCallen Society member, joining others who have included St. John’s in their estate plans.

“I’m not a millionaire, but I can do something,” he said. “Susan Damiani explained the options of planned giving, and to see her enthusiasm for St. John’s was contagious! I decided to include St. John’s School of Education in my will—and I’m glad I did.” Phil’s wife, Terry Rioseco, who was also a teacher, has committed to supporting St. John’s School of Education should he pass before her.

Planned gifts like Phil and Terry’s help reduce the financial barriers that students face, allowing them to pursue their dream of a career in education. Explore your options for supporting St. John’s School of Education by visiting mystjohnslegacy.org/soegift.

For more information on how to participate, please contact:

Robert Cote

Director of Development & Gift Planning

718-990-5612

coter@stjohns.edu