September 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Networking Seminar
McGann Conference Ctr., Long Island Campus [MORE]

September 20 at 11 a.m.
Day at the Races Luncheon
Belmont Park, Elmont [MORE]

September 27 at 10 a.m.
Wine Tasting Tour
Long Island Campus [MORE]

October 7
Fifth Annual Presidential Lecture Featuring Pete Hamill
12:30 p.m. – Brooklyn Campus
7:30 p.m. – Long Island Campus [MORE]

October 17 at 6 p.m.
First Annual Golden Eagle Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Reception
Danzi Athletic Ctr., Long Island Campus [MORE]

October 17 at 6 p.m.
Oktoberfest – Young Alumni Night
Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn. [MORE]

October 19 at 9:30 a.m.
Breast Cancer Walk with Alumni, Faculty and Students
Prospect Park, Brooklyn. [MORE]

October 25 at 12 noon
Fall Luncheon Honoring Margaret Ward
Club 101, New York City. [MORE]

October 28 at 6 p.m.
Mentoring Connection Night
McGann Conference Ctr., Long Island Campus [MORE]

November 7 at 7 p.m.
Chapel Players - Dramatic Society Alumni Night. Performance and Reception
Tuohy Hall, Alumni Room, Brooklyn Campus [MORE]

November 14 at 7 p.m.
Jeffrey Wands, Psychic Intuitive
D’Ecclesiis Auditorium, Long Island Campus [MORE]

November 19 at 6 p.m.
Networking Dinner – Masters Graduates
Graziella’s Restaurant, Brooklyn [MORE]

November 20 at 6 p.m.
Dance Club – Alumni Night Performance and Reception
Touhy Hall, Alumni Room, Brooklyn Campus [MORE]

www.sjcny.edu/alumni

St. Joseph’s Alumna/Employee Honored For Service and Dedication to Long Island Special Needs Group
By Jessica McAleer Decatur

On January 8, 2008, Congressman Tim Bishop (D-Southampton), in cooperation with Steve Cuomo, President of the Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program, presented long-time SJC employee, Priscilla Castellano ’93, facilities manager at the Danzi Athletic Center, with the “Thunder Award” for her outstanding dedication and many years of service to Rolling Thunder, a not-for-profit organization for physically and mentally challenged athletes on Long Island. The awards ceremony, which took place in the lobby of the Danzi Center, was followed by a mini reception attended by colleagues, friends and family of the award recipient.

“It was a wonderful surprise and an honor to be given this award, especially by Congressman Bishop,” stated Castellano. “The support and gratitude that Rolling Thunder had given me is overwhelming.”

An employee of the College since 1997, Castellano was instrumental in obtaining approval for Rolling Thunder to train on its Long Island Campus since the group’s inception in 1998. Since then, she has been active in the training of Rolling Thunder athletes as a running partner and team motivator, and her patience and leadership have been vital tools in maintaining the enthusiasm and direction needed to guide the team. “Running is such a self-rewarding sport and to watch the Rolling Thunder athletes complete and finish road races was such a thrill,” explained Castellano. “The accomplishments and strides they are making are so exciting.”

The athletes, all of who have a wide range of mental and physical disabilities—including multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, downs syndrome and a variety of autism spectrum disorders—are required to train year round in order to maintain muscle tone.

Founded by Head Coach and President, Steve Cuomo, the Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program is a not-for-profit organization set up specifically to train physically and mentally challenged athletes on Long Island in all aspects of running, walking and fitness to compete in mainstream races. With a mission of independence, inclusion and choice, the program aims to foster respect, confidence and self-esteem in its members through the benefits of competition, athletic sportsmanship and unity. In 2005, the program expanded its offerings to newcomers and beginners by introducing the Rolling Thunder Getting Started Group.