March 17, 2026<\/p>\n
St. John\u2019s University<\/a> recognized the contributions of an inspirational group of alumnae at the annual Celebrating the Women of St. John\u2019s luncheon, a spirited gathering held March 7 at\u00a0Jericho Terrace<\/a> in Mineola, NY.<\/p>\n Sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations<\/a>, the event paid tribute to four women whose commitment to the University\u2019s Vincentian mission<\/a> embodies what it means to be a \u201cwoman of St. John\u2019s.\u201d Linda S. Sanford \u201974ED, \u201998HON<\/a>, a pioneer in the technology industry and an emeritus member of the University\u2019s\u00a0Board of Trustees<\/a>, received the Alumnae Lifetime Achievement Award\u202ffor redefining what was possible for women in a once male-dominated tech industry.<\/p>\n Ms. Sanford, who retired from IBM in 2014 as one of its most highly placed female executives, is a member of the\u00a0Women in Technology\u00a0International Hall of Fame<\/a> and has been named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Business by\u00a0Fortune.<\/p>\n Among her contributions to St. John\u2019s was the establishment of the Sanford Family Cyber Security Lab<\/a> in St. Augustine Hall, designed to educate the next generation of students in the protection of the nation\u2019s digital infrastructure.<\/p>\n \u201cThe culture at St. John\u2019s is unique,\u201d Ms. Sanford said. \u201cIt is not only the educational system that is in place, but also how they teach you to be kind to each other, to be respectful and authentic. I was taught to be myself, and that it is important to bring who we are\u2014our authenticity\u2014to the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Now in its fifth year, the Women of St. John\u2019s luncheon has recognized more than 25 select alumnae for their commitment to the values<\/a> of the University. Past honorees have included former St. John\u2019s student-athletes and coaches, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the business, education, law enforcement, legal, and pharmaceutical sectors.<\/p>\n Carleen Kelly \u201983CBA, Vice President, Business Development, at the consulting firm Trilations<\/a>,\u00a0served as guest speaker. Ms. Kelly told guests new in their careers to aspire to make a lasting difference.<\/p>\n \u201cFor the baby boom generation, the goal was never just to enter the workforce,\u201d she said. \u201cIt was to stay modern, and to learn how to pivot. We helped change become more normal. My hope is that the next generation keeps improving on that.\u201d<\/p>\n Among the other honorees was Michele Grant \u201901CCPS, Executive Global Director of the New Jersey-based information technology firm Cognizant<\/a>. Ms. Grant, Chair of The Loughlin Society<\/a> and Women Investor\u2019s Club<\/a> at St. John\u2019s, was honored with the Alumnae Achievement Award.<\/p>\n Ms. Grant is an active alumna whose best-selling book, The Power Dressers: A Women\u2019s Guide to Professional Style<\/a>, offers women empowering fashion and career insights. She is the founder of the Dr. Ava Patricia Frank Memorial Scholarship, created in honor of her mother, an alumna of the University\u2019s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cSt. John\u2019s had a tremendous influence in my growth as a woman, a leader, and as a person of faith,\u201d Ms. Grant said. \u201cHumility and integrity are at the foundation of my success, and I learned that there.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Lauren Leo \u201907CCPS<\/a>, head coach of the Red Storm Women\u2019s Tennis<\/a> team since 2015, received the Employee Achiever award. A gifted player while at St. John\u2019s, she compiled a 48\u201329 record in singles and doubles play. As coach, she has led the Red Storm to a 131\u201361 record, including the 2018 BIG EAST Conference championship\u2014St. John\u2019s only conference title in women\u2019s tennis.<\/p>\n Angelica Robles, a doctoral candidate in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, received the Student Achiever award. Angelica, a pharmacy<\/a> student, balances academic commitments, including lab duties, with work in the University\u2019s Office of Alumni Relations and a local pharmacy. She earned her symbolic White Coat last fall, a proud moment for her and her family, she said.<\/p>\n Traditionally well attended, the annual women\u2019s luncheon coincides with the University\u2019s recognition of Women\u2019s History Month<\/a>. Money raised supports student scholarships<\/a>, including those designed to cultivate female scholars and leaders.<\/p>\n To the students at the luncheon, the\u00a0Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P.<\/a>, President of St. John\u2019s, said: \u201cWe have here today people who have gone into the world and done amazing things with their lives. It is important for young people to have examples of what it means to be a successful person and a great St. John\u2019s graduate. Your St. John\u2019s education has equipped you to live an amazing life.\u201d<\/p>\n The luncheon drew more than 350 St. John\u2019s supporters to the venue in Nassau County, NY, about a half-hour from St. John\u2019s Queens<\/a>, NY, campus. Joni O\u2019Hagan \u201902M.S.Ed., Executive Director, Center for Student Success<\/a>, served as master of ceremonies, and awards were presented by award-winning television journalist Aziza Shuler \u201915CCPS<\/a>. Ms. Shuler is the weekend morning anchor and a reporter at CBS News New York<\/a>.<\/p>\n Sara Hunt Munoz, Ed.D.<\/a>, Assistant Vice President, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, said the four honorees embody the spirit and mission<\/a> of St. John\u2019s. \u201cEach of these four achievers has demonstrated outstanding leadership, professional excellence, and a deep commitment to service, while making a meaningful impact within our University community and beyond,\u201d Dr. Munoz said. \u201cTheir achievements reflect not only personal success, but also a dedication to lifting others and advancing opportunities for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n Corporate supporters included\u00a0CVS Health<\/a>,\u00a0FourLeaf Federal Credit Union<\/a>,\u00a0Maspeth Federal Savings<\/a>, and\u00a0NYX Professional Makeup<\/a>.<\/p>\n