2018 Alumni Dinner and Retirement Roast for Dennis J. McDermott ‘74 Friday, November 02, 2018
O
n Friday, November 2, 2018, St. Francis College celebrated the
retirement of one of its legends, Dennis McDermott ’74, at our
Alumni Dinner. This year’s dinner was appropriately titled The
Dennis J. McDermott ‘74 Roast and was held at the Hard Rock Cafe in
Times Square. More than 250 attendees enjoyed a memorable evening
filled with laughter, camaraderie, and Franciscanism.
Stephen DeSalvo, our new Director of Engagement and Annual
Giving, kicked off the evening’s festivities, followed by Associate Director
of Engagement Vanessa De Almeida ’00 (pictured). De Almeida, who
served as Dennis’ assistant for 16 years, presented the first roast of the
evening, recounting funny stories and providing spot-on impressions of
our honoree. She was followed by Billy Hanley and Jack McCue ’74,
both childhood friends of McDermott, who gave amusing and touching
accounts of their experiences over the years. Joe Dugan also spoke
of McDermott’s long relationship with the Dugan family, and gave the
audience quite a few laughs as he recounted some of their interactions.
President Miguel Martinez-Saenz, Ph.D., (pictured) and VP of
Advancement Thomas Flood also joined in the ribbing of McDermott.
Touching moments followed, as Cathy McDermott ’74, McDermott’s
wife, took the stage to speak on their life-long love story. Their son
Brian McDermott, attending with his fiancée Joie, spoke of his
The McDermott Family with friend and Head Men’s
Basketball Coach Glenn Braica.
admiration, appreciation and love for his father, and all the lessons he
was taught by him over the years.
Thomas Flood then introduced the first surprise of the evening when
he announced the Mary McDermott Distinguished Service Award
named after McDermott’s mother in recognition of her dedication and
selfless service to the St. Francis College family. The first recipient was
none other than Cathy McDermott—she was so moved she nearly did
not make it through her “roast” of her husband. McDermott was then
presented with many gifts including a framed #22 with a piece of the
historic basketball court that he played on for his entire career.
It was also announced that November 22, 2018 would be known
as Dennis McDermott Day in a proclamation by Brooklyn Borough
President, Eric Adams. All of the proceeds from this moving, laugh and
tear-filled event were designated to the Dennis and Cathy McDermott
Scholarship Fund.
If you want to help us grow this super special scholarship fund,
and make the impact not a day but in perpetuity, please call the
Advancement Office 718.489.5361. Dennis and Cathy deserve it—as
do the Terriers that will be on the receiving end “of the only pass that
McDermott might throw.” The roast, legend, and giving continues. ●
Dennis receives a proclamation making November 22nd, 2018
Dennis McDermott Day.
ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE TERRIER | WINTER 2018, VOLUME 82, NUMBER 1
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