Joseph Sciame, a man known as “the face” of St. John’s University for 61 years, has recently retired. Throughout his tenure, Sciame played a significant role in educating generations of students, including high-profile individuals such as a bishop and Silvio Berlusconi’s daughter. Sciame, a St. John’s alum himself, first started working for the university in 1962 and has served during twelve US presidents, six popes, and six university presidents. His dedication to the university and his commitment to helping students afford their education have made him a beloved figure on campus.
Despite his retirement, Sciame remains committed to serving charitable and civic groups. He has been involved in crafting financial aid packages for thousands of students to ensure they can enroll and graduate from St. John’s without accumulating large amounts of debt. One of his former students from the 1980s, Bishop Robert Brennan, has praised Sciame for helping him afford a Catholic education at St. John’s. Brennan credits Sciame with being an important person in his college years and continues to value his friendship and support.
In addition to his work at St. John’s, Sciame has been actively involved in the Italian-American community, serving on various national and regional civic groups. He co-founded the Bedford Stuyvesant New Beginnings Charter School and remains a trustee there. Sciame’s ties to the Italian-American community have also led him to serve on the board of the Futures in Education, which raises donations for scholarships for needy students. His dedication to serving others reflects his deep commitment to education and philanthropy.
Sciame’s involvement in the Italian-American community has also led him to serve at the City University of New York, where he worked on the hiring committee for the current dean of the John Calandra Italian-American Institute, Anthony Tamburri. Tamburri praises Sciame for his work ethic and dedication, noting that Sciame is always willing to roll up his sleeves and get things done. Throughout his career, Sciame has maintained deep ties in the Italian-American community and has been dedicated to supporting education and scholarship opportunities for students in need.
Despite his retirement, Sciame’s contributions to St. John’s University and the wider community are far from over. He remains active with various charitable and civic organizations, continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him. From crafting financial aid packages for students to serving on the boards of educational institutions and scholarship funds, Sciame’s commitment to education and service is unwavering. Bishop Brennan and others have recognized Sciame’s dedication and the profound impact he has had on the university and the lives of countless students.
Throughout his long career at St. John’s University, Sciame has embodied the values of education, service, and philanthropy. His work in financial aid services and enrollment has helped countless students afford a quality education, and his involvement in various charitable and civic organizations has made a lasting impact on the community. Despite his retirement, Sciame’s legacy as a dedicated educator, philanthropist, and community leader will continue to inspire generations of students and community members for years to come.
