Alumni Dinner a Smashing Success!
April 11, 2016
President Keen, John Romita Jr., Kathy Romita and Chancellor Nancy Zimpher
Alumni Relations Director Michelle Johnson, Phil Simone, John Romita Jr.
A splendid time was guaranteed for all – and Alumni Affairs delivered big time!
Two hundred and twenty-five people attended the recent annual Alumni Awards Dinner, 75 of who were alumni. President Keen was given a Lifetime Achievement Award and world-famous comic book illustrator John Romita Jr. ’76 was presented with the Judith M. McEvoy Alumnus of the Year Award.
SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher also attended, and in her remarks praised President Keen for his service to both Farmingdale and SUNY.
There was a bonus guest too: John Romita Sr., the Marvel Comics artist who in the ’60s and ’70s helped turn the Amazing Spider-Man from a popular character into the ubiquitous print and film superstar he is today.
Held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, the event was a success by every measure. Nearly $35K was raised to fund future Alumni Affairs initiatives; guests vied for raffle prizes such as Yankees vs. Mets tickets and team gear, and a limited edition Spider-Man 9/11 commemorative print autographed by the Romitas; and John Romita Jr. – who studied advertising art and design here from 1974 –1976 – autographed everything from programs to napkins all night long.
Other awards were handed out as well. Recognized were Philip Simone, adjunct associate professor of visual communications, with the Distinguished Faculty Award; Judi Cestaro ’92 (transfer services) and Jack Petrich ’69 (physical plant) were accepted into the Centurion Club; and Adrianna Gibaldi ’15 was named Outstanding Student of the Year.
