PATCHOGUE, NY – FEBRUARY 8, 2008 – 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 reception attended by colleagues, friends and family of the award recipient.

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. 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.

For more information about The Rolling Thunder Special Needs Program, visit www.rtsnp.org. St. Joseph’s College is located at 155 W. Roe Blvd. in Patchogue and is accessible via the south service road of Sunrise Highway just east of Exit 52 (Waverly Ave.). For more information about St. Joseph’s College, visit www.sjcny.edu.

About St. Joseph's College

St. Joseph’s College has been dedicated to providing a diverse population of students in the New York metropolitan area with an affordable education rooted in the liberal arts tradition since 1916. Independent and coeducational, the College provides a strong academic and value-oriented education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, aiming to prepare each student for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility, and service. With campuses located in the Clinton Hill area of Brooklyn and in Patchogue, Suffolk, Long Island, the College offers degrees in over 22 majors, special course offerings and certificates, affiliated and pre-professional programs through its School of Arts and Sciences and its School of Professional and Graduate Studies.