This prestigious society honors alumni and friends whose lifetime giving of one million dollars or more has significantly advanced the University\u2019s Catholic and Vincentian mission<\/a>. This year\u2019s inductees\u2014Rose Frances DiMartino \u201981J.D.<\/a>; Mark P. Kritzman, C.F.A. \u201973CBA<\/a> and Elizabeth H. Gorman, M.D.; Mary Carole Schafenberg \u201970Ed, \u201980P.D.<\/a>; and Charles J. Sullivan \u201975CBA, \u201980M.B.A. \u2014were recognized for their extraordinary generosity, professional achievements, and enduring commitment to expanding educational opportunity. At a special ceremony at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business <\/a>(TCB) on March 12, Marian Munson was inducted into The Founders Society when the University formally recognized her late husband, William L. Munson \u201968TCI, and dedicated the William L. Munson Lecture Hall and announced The William L. Munson Endowed Chair in Risk Management \/(Re)Insurance.<\/p>\n \u201cLooking around the room is a reminder of how fortunate the University is,\u201d said Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P.<\/a>, President of St. John\u2019s University. \u201cThe individuals we honor tonight\u2014and all members of The Founders Society\u2014have helped shape what St. John\u2019s is today. Their generosity continues to touch students they may never meet and futures they may never fully see.\u201d<\/p>\n The evening began with a welcome from Christian P. Vaupel, Ed.D.<\/a>, Senior Vice President for Advancement<\/a>, followed by an invocation delivered by Rev. Patrick S. Flanagan, C.M., Ph.D.<\/a>, Vice Chair of the Board of Governors<\/a> and Department Chair\/Associate Professor, Theology and Religious Studies<\/a>, who reflected on the enduring legacy of St. Vincent de Paul and the call to serve those most in need. \u201cTonight, we honor individuals who model generous love,\u201d Rev. Flanagan said. \u201cTheir commitment ensures that the fruits of this University\u2019s mission will endure for generations.\u201d<\/p>\n Each inductee\u2019s story highlighted the transformative power of education and the responsibility to \u201cpay it forward.\u201d<\/p>\n Rose Frances DiMartino \u201981J.D., a distinguished legal professional and longtime advocate for public interest law, was recognized for her landmark support of the School of Law<\/a>, including the establishment of the DiMartino\/Smith Public Interest Center<\/a>. Her philanthropy has enabled countless students to pursue careers in service through fellowships and experiential learning opportunities. In her remarks, Ms. DiMartino spoke movingly about her parents\u2019 belief in education as the pathway to opportunity and her own commitment to developing students as citizen leaders and ensuring access for future generations.<\/p>\n \u201cOur support of St. John\u2019s signifies our confidence in a community that continues to open doors,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n Trustee Mark P. Kritzman, C.F.A. \u201973CBA and his wife, Dr. Elizabeth H. Gorman, were honored for their combined achievements in finance and academia, as well as their philanthropic leadership. Through endowed scholarships and sustained engagement, they have strengthened the University\u2019s ability to serve future generations. Mr. Kritzman recalled how his St. John\u2019s education prepared him for a successful career in business and academia, and how a St. John\u2019s diploma competes with those of top-tier institutions of higher education nationwide.<\/p>\n Mary Carole Schafenberg \u201970Ed, \u201980P.D., a lifelong educator and champion of student success, was celebrated for her decades of service in New York City public education and her support for advancing autism education and teacher formation at St. John\u2019s. She fondly reminisced about her late parents\u2019 sacrifices and about her mother, a pioneer in nursing education at the original St. John\u2019s in Brooklyn, NY.<\/p>\n Charles J. Sullivan \u201975CBA, \u201980M.B.A., a devoted alumnus and benefactor, was recognized for his steadfast loyalty and generosity, reflecting a lifelong belief in the University\u2019s mission and impact. In heartwarming remarks, Mr. Sullivan, a longtime fan of St. John\u2019s Men\u2019s Basketball<\/a>, described the love affair that he and his late wife had for the team and how it kept them connected to their alma mater. Mr. Sullivan traveled the world during a global banking career but still feels most at home at the Queens<\/a>, NY, campus.<\/p>\n The program also featured remarks from the Very Rev. Stephen M. Grozio, C.M., Provincial of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission<\/a>, who connected The Founders Society to the original spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. He described today\u2019s benefactors as carrying forward the \u201cspark\u201d first ignited in 17th-century France\u2014a spark that continues to transform lives and set Hearts on Fire<\/a> through education.<\/p>\n The evening concluded with recognition of The Founders Society\u2019s \u201c1870 Circle,\u201d honoring donors whose lifetime giving exceeds five million dollars. These benefactors, University leaders noted, play a critical role in sustaining scholarships, faculty excellence, and campus development.<\/p>\n As St. John\u2019s University continues to navigate a rapidly changing higher education landscape, The Founders Society stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, generosity, and shared purpose. \u201cTonight is a moment to pause and say thank you,\u201d Fr. Shanley reflected. \u201cWe do so with gratitude for the past and confidence in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Awards](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260429_founders_society_011_960x640.jpg\")
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