NYC Gazette

St. John’s University will hold its 27th Annual President’s Dinner on Wednesday, October 30, at the New York Hilton Midtown. St. John’s President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., will host the university’s premier fundraising event of the year, which begins with a reception at 6 p.m.

The President’s Dinner brings together generations of alumni, as well as university benefactors, faculty, administrators, staff, members of the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors, and other members of the extended St. John’s family—and most importantly, students—to raise funds for scholarships, especially for those students most in need. Over the last 26 years, the President’s Dinner has raised more than $55 million in scholarship support.

Since its inception in 1998, the President’s Dinner has been an annual celebration of what makes St. John’s University unique: the vibrant combination of scholarship and service. This special occasion is also the venue for presenting the highly regarded Spirit of Service Award to outstanding people and organizations that exemplify the Catholic and Vincentian values that are at the heart of St. John’s mission.

The Spirit of Service Award is bestowed to alumni and friends who embody the university’s Catholic and Vincentian values in their life and work. These select individuals serve as role models as they incorporate St. John’s values into their lives in a meaningful way. Many past Spirit of Service Award honorees will be in attendance as the university celebrates the 27th anniversary of the dinner.

This year’s honorees are:

Christopher Concannon ’92MBA has been Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MarketAxess since April 2023. Prior to serving as CEO, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer from January 2019 to April 2023. He has deep knowledge regarding automated trading, innovative technology solutions delivery, market structure, and clearing operations.

Mr. Concannon has extensive experience leading companies in the global exchange industry. He previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Cboe Global Markets Inc., one of the world’s largest exchange holding companies until 2019; it was a position he was appointed to upon Cboe's acquisition of Bats Global Markets Inc., where he had served as CEO since December 2014.

Mr. Concannon has more than 20 years' experience as an executive at Nasdaq, Virtu Financial Inc., Instinet LLC., Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP., and with U.S Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). He earned a B.A from The Catholic University America an MBA from St John's University J.D from The Catholic University America Columbus School Law

Frank J DellaFera RPh '81P his wife Janet DellaFera '81CBA founded Fera Pharmaceuticals in 2009 company's mission keep vital treatment choices alive people who need them

While company focus eye care other therapeutic areas addressed Prior building Fera Mr DellaFera held position CEO Sandoz US one world's largest successful generic pharmaceutical companies Before appointment CEO Sandoz US he served Vice President Sales Marketing organization Mr DellaFera Vice President Sales Marketing Eon Labs acquired Sandoz

Earlier career held several sales marketing business development positions various emerging pharma companies began career Eli Lilly Company

Mr DellaFera earned Bachelor Science degree Pharmacy College Pharmacy Allied Health Professions now College Pharmacy Health Sciences St John's University

He currently serves Association Director Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory member Cancer Institute Advisory Council Northwell Health Foundation Board Governors St John's University Additionally previously served Board Directors Grenville Baker Boys Girls Club ten years

Donna Robert Drummond met children became high school sweethearts continued relationship students St John's University where Donna earned Bachelor Arts degree Accounting Robert Business Management same year

Donna Certified Public Accountant has served Senior Vice President Chief Expense Officer Chief Sustainability Officer Northwell Health since there leads Northwell commitment achieve net zero emissions serves US Health Care Climate Council

After several years technology field Robert changed careers social studies teacher New York City Department Education Subsequently worked Diocese Rockville Centre NY religion social studies teacher

Catholic education cause pair supported throughout lives including Tomorrow's Hope Foundation Robert served Music Youth Ministry Leader St Raymond Parish East Rockaway NY

Donna served several boards throughout years Folk Group Leader Our Lady Snows Parish Floral Park NY; president Theta Phi Alpha; treasurer Sodality Our Lady; School Board member Raymond Parish several health-care organizations related responsibilities Northwell

Daniel Finnegan served Chief Financial Officer Chief Accounting Officer Booking Holdings Inc formerly Priceline Group Inc from until retirement played key role seamlessly integrating multiple high-profile acquisitions Today member Board Directors Audit Committee Chair StubHub Kiwi.com Czech-based online travel company

He also served ex-officio member Booking Group Management Board previously held positions Controller Chief Accounting Officer October January Chief Compliance Officer company April October

Mr Finnegan served CFO CS Technologies technology consulting company CFO Controller North American division Coty Inc manufacturer cosmetics fragrances began career KPMG LLP audit practice nine years

Mr Finnegan Certified Public Accountant earned Bachelor Science Accounting from St John's University

For more information visit St John's University Presidents Dinner

---