[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1087-E1088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING MR. JOSEPH SCIAME ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM ST. 
                           JOHN'S UNIVERSITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS R. SUOZZI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 29, 2024

  Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the dedicated 
service of Joseph Sciame, who retired in January after an extraordinary 
61-year career at St. John's University in Queens, New York. Beginning 
as an undergraduate student in 1958, then as an employee in 1962, Joe 
devoted his life in service of the St. John's community. He leaves 
behind a legacy that will endure many lifetimes over.
  Over the course of his six-decade career, Joe held numerous 
leadership positions in the university administration, including as the 
Vice President for the Office of Community Relations and, most notably, 
as the inaugural Vice President for Financial Aid. He has also 
previously served as the Chairman of the National Association of 
Student Financial Aid Administrators. In these roles, Joe has expanded 
opportunities for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds to receive 
a world-class education. Having personally awarded millions of dollars 
in financial aid to thousands of students, many of whom would otherwise 
not have access to a college education, Joe's impact has been nothing 
short of life changing for so many.
  In addition to his lifelong devotion to the St. John's community, Joe 
served our country in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1967, and was awarded 
the Army Commendation Medal. I speak for a grateful Nation in thanking 
him for his courageous service.
  As the Advisory Board Chair of the Italian Cultural Center and a 
National/State President Emeritus of the Order Sons and Daughters of 
Italy in America, Joe has been a proud champion for the Italian-
American community and a devoted leader in the Catholic community for 
his entire life.
  Joe's remarkable leadership and boundless empathy will continue to 
inspire all those who were lucky enough to call him a mentor. He is the 
type of once-in-a-lifetime academic administrator that a student dreams 
of meeting, that a parent wishes for their child to encounter, and that 
a colleague strives to emulate. Thanks to his lifetime of work, Joe has 
left the Queens community, our country, and the world a better place 
than he found it.
  Earlier this year, Joe was awarded the St. John's University Medal of 
Honor, which is the highest honor the university can bestow upon an 
alumnus--a fitting and well-earned accomplishment.
  ``I hope it's been a life well lived,'' he remarked earlier this 
year. Well, Joe, it certainly

[[Page E1088]]

has. On behalf of our entire community, I thank Joe for his lifetime of 
service.

                          ____________________