The St. Joseph’s University Annual Gala is an evening of inspiration, as we honor St. Joseph University, New York alumni. The event brings together the SJNY community including students, alumni, local community leaders, business leaders, faculty and staff to celebrate the success of some of our most distinguished alumni. The proceeds directly benefit St. Joseph’s University, New York student scholarships for future leaders. At the most recent gala in 2023 over $230,000 was raised to support future SJNY students through scholarships.
Past Award Winners
2024 — 4th Annual Gala Honoring Excellence in Transformative Leadership
Honoring St. Joseph University, New York alumni who represent a form of transformative leadership, whether it be academically, professionally or in the community.
Retha Fernandez ’16 Long Island National Grid Ventures, Community Offshore Wind Strategic Engagement Manager
RISING STAR AWARD
Gianna Gulli Elliot ’15, Esq. Marsh Law Firm Associate Attorney
LEADERSHIP IN SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD
Catrina Rhatigan ’04 Nassau County Police Department Deputy Inspector
PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
Elyse Deublein Harney ’52 Founder of Harney & Sons Fine Teas Elyse Harney Real Estate
RISING STAR AWARD
Kyle Harnig ’21 Co-Founder and Owner of DK’s Barbershop
2022 — 2nd Annual Gala Honoring Excellence in Healthcare
This award celebrated extraordinary healthcare providers on the front lines of patient care and interaction. The nominees exemplify dedication, mission, skill, expertise, and talent and motivates their colleagues and peers, all while consistently making each patient their priority.
Sandra Lindsay ’99 DHSc, MS, MBA, RN, CCRN-K, NE-BC Vice President of Public Health Advocacy, Northwell Health
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Ingrid Walker-Descartes ’18 MBA, MD, MPH, FAAP Maimonides Children’s Hospital of Brooklyn, Chief Medical Officer JCCA
COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Kimberly Fitzpatrick Biegasiewicz ’08 RN MHA President and CEO, The Avante Group Inc.
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY IMPACT AND SERVICE
Richard T.Margulis ’85 President and CEO, Long Island Community Hospital
DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT IN PATIENT CARE AND INNOVATION
David Conway ’10, PA Physician Assistant, Compassionate Community Physicians P.C.
RISING STAR
Katelynn Doyle ’20, RN SICU/CTICU Registered Nurse, NYU Langone Medical Center
2021 — 1st Annual Gala Celebrating Outstanding Educators
Alumni teachers and administrators from schools across New York City and Long Island — as well as from outside the state — were honored for their extraordinary efforts as outstanding and influential educators.