St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary - News Releases

News Release
Successful Alumni Reunion Marks Renewed Efforts to Build Up Alumni Relations

Crestwood, NY—On Columbus Day weekend forty alumni traveled to Crestwood, New York, for an Alumni Reunion, the first of its kind at St Vladimir’s Seminary. This three-day event—held from Sunday, October 10 to Tuesday, October 12, 2004—brought together representatives of many graduating classes, honoring the classes of 1954 and 1979 in particular. Some of those who attended were returning to the seminary’s campus for the first time since they graduated.

The Alumni Reunion will henceforth be an annual event at St Vladimir’s Seminary. It is the realization of the administration and Board of Trustees’ strong desire to reach out to alumni and build up their relationship with the seminary and with one another. As such, it is also a fulfillment of one of the goals set by the seminary’s strategic plan, “SVS2010.”

The first Alumni Reunion was a great success. Participants enjoyed the chance to reunite with old friends and witness the developments that have taken place at the seminary in recent years. They were given a tour of campus, and also attended classes given by Priest John Behr and Dr Albert Rossi.

A highlight of the event was a banquet honoring the classes of 1954 and 1979. Mr Brian Gerich, a member of the seminary’s Board of Trustees who has contributed generously to the strengthening of alumni relations, delivered the main address. Prof. Veselin Kesich, professor emeritus of New Testament and member of the class of 1953, also spoke about his recent travels in Serbia. He described how he encountered many St Vladimir’s Seminary alumni in Serbia, as well as hierarchs, monks, and others in the Church who shared with him how thankful they were for the influence of St Vladimir’s Seminary in their lives.

Archpriest Paul Lazor (class of 1964) presided at the Divine Liturgy on Tuesday morning of the reunion. This service was a unique opportunity for priests spanning a wide range of classes to serve together. Concelebrating were Protopresbyter Daniel Hubiak (1956); Archpriest Sergius Kuharsky (1953); Archpriest Steven Belonick (1977), alumni liaison; Archpriest Rade Merick (1979); Archpriest Joseph Purpura (1979); and Archpriest Anthony Yazge (1988). A memorial service was also held on Monday in remembrance of departed hierarchs, deans, faculty, and alumni of the seminary.

During the general assembly of the alumni, the establishment of an SVS Alumni Scholarship was announced which will be awarded to students demonstrating need. Archpriest Alexander Federoff, rector of St John of Damascus Church (OCA) in Poway, California, joyfully presented a $5,000 check on behalf of his parish to initiate the scholarship fund. Two additional gifts toward the fund were presented later at the assembly.

Concluding the event was a special luncheon with His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman of the OCA, who addressed the alumni with kind words. His Eminence, Archbishop Nicolozi from the Orthodox Church in Georgia, was also present at the luncheon.

The Alumni Board used this occasion to hold their biannual meeting and made many decisions concerning the future of alumni relations. A continuing education program for alumni was seriously discussed and endorsed by the seminary’s faculty. Ways to better reach out to alumni were also discussed. Archpriest Anthony Hughes, rector of St Mary Church (AOCA) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Archpriest Ted Pisarchuk, rector of St Justin Martyr Church (OCA) in Jacksonville, Florida—both of whom have sent many students to St Vladimir’s Seminary—sat in on the meeting to discuss recruitment strategies.

Finally, the alumni board experienced some transitions in leadership, with Archpriest Anthony Yazge stepping down from the position of president after eight years of service. Replacing him is Archpriest John Dresko, rector of Holy Trinity Church (OCA) in New Britain, Connecticut, who was elected to a two-year term. Archpriest Yazge will continue to function as a member of the Alumni Board. Dianne Storheim from Edmonton, Alberta, will take over the position of secretary, replacing Alexandra Safchuk from Bethesda, Maryland.

The next Alumni Reunion is scheduled to take place October 9-11, 2005. These dates coincide with Columbus Day in the U.S. and Thanksgiving Day in Canada, thus making it possible for many to attend. Visit the seminary’s website, www.svots.edu, to find news of this newly established annual event, and many others hosted throughout the year at St Vladimir’s Seminary.