October 21, 2025

Capping a festive day that included St. John’s StormFest celebration, the University honored a select group of its best and brightest graduates during the annual Alumni Convocation. Held on October 18 in the D’Angelo Center on the Queens, NY, campus, the celebration allowed the next generation to bear witness to what is possible with the tools their St. John’s education provides.

“Good people show you what it means to be good,” observed Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s. “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 added, “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.”

This year’s honorees included

Outstanding Alumni Achievement Medal Recipients

Induction into the Heritage Circle     

Pietas Medal Recipients

President’s Medal Recipient

Fidelitas Award Recipients

The Tarantinos, who met at St. John’s on their first day of class, gave the evening’s keynote address. Both spoke of their lifelong connection to St. John’s and each other. 

“Our story is a simple one, yet a warm and wonderful love story,” Mrs. Tarantino recalled, adding, “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.”

Mrs. Tarantino gave up her career to raise the couple’s three children, and as her husband’s career grew steadily, he traveled often. Upon his return, rather than getting a sitter and enjoying a quiet night out, they would often pack up the children and attend a Men’s Basketball game—which they continue to do to this day.

She spoke of the desire to serve, something St. John’s instilled in both of them. “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.”

Mrs. Tarantino continued, “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, who is President and Chief Executive Officer at Protiviti Inc., a global consulting firm, echoed his wife’s sentiments, and he has endeavored to instill in his corporate culture the importance of giving back. He created the initiative i on Hunger, a worldwide initiative to combat deprivation and malnutrition. Under his leadership, Protiviti pledged, and met, the goal of providing one million meals in its first year of existence—and five million meals during its first three years. 

He has since brought the effort to St. John’s. “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.”

Ms. Lukachik, who serves as Training Director for the New York State Department of Financial Services, was humbled by the honor she was receiving. “It’s sort of surreal to be honored,” she observed, noting that while financial giving is important, “It’s about sharing your vocation and your professionalism. It’s about the time and the recognition of living out what you’ve learned.”

Ms. Grisi, who is Head of Global Pensions for Nokia, and a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, felt a great swell of pride at the University’s growth and how its values endure. “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 is a two-time President of Student Government, Inc., and a former member of the President’s Society, the highest honor society a St. John’s student can achieve. He currently serves as Partner, SEC Reporting and Compliance, Mergers and Acquisitions, Capital Markets and Corporate Governance, for the firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates. 

He stressed, “St. John’s is a huge part of my success.” 

He remains heavily involved in the life of St. John’s, having previously served on the Board of Governors. He currently hosts the Alumni Insider’s View… US Capital trips in which he interfaces with current students considering a career in government.

“I love to give to St. John’s,” Mr. Breheny said. “It’s nice to be recognized and bring my family back to see it.”

$15M Gift from the Sallie Wang Revocable Trust

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