Alumni and Friends Attend Holiday Reception

December 17, 2012

Alumni, family and friends of Vaughn gathered with faculty, staff and advisory board members to usher in the holiday season and toast the New Year on Thursday, December 13. Cocktails, hor d'oeuvres and music were present in the main lobby, festively decorated for the occasion.

Graduates from the College's earlier days such as Fred Schlictmann, class of '49, who studied aircraft mechanics at Vaughn and went on to work at Grumman for 39 years, was on hand to celebrate along with more recent graduates.

George Paniagua, who received his Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance from Vaughn in 1991, currently works at JFK in the flight operations department and was thrilled to be back at the College.  Paniagua comes from a family of aviation enthusiasts including his father and two older brothers who are also Vaughn alumni.

"It is wonderful to see how Vaughn has evolved," said Paniagua. "To see the campus now with a vibrant sports program, residence hall and other enhancements is very exciting." He concluded by saying, "The College today truly projects a university ambiance."

Yoselín Genao-Estrella, chief of staff from New York City Council member Julissa Ferreras' office and representative from the local press, William Puckhaber, Airport Press, and Javier Castaño, Queens Latino also came out to show support for Vaughn.

College President Dr. John C. Fitzpatrick thanked all alumni and friends who attended noting that this is the first year this event was held and it was great to see such a turnout. "We really enjoy opportunities like this where Vaughn has the chance to show our appreciation to our supporters and we hope to continue this tradition every year."

 From left to right: Crowd enjoying the festivities; Dr. Fitzpatrick, Yoselín Genao-Estrella and Dr. DeVivo