Goodbye

On February 28 all staff, administrators and faculty of St. John's University located in Jamaica, Queens found a thick envelope in their mailbox. Inside the envelope were the details of the Voluntary Separation Offer (VSO) The some 50 page packet described the benefits available to those upon their termination of their employment if they elected to participate in the program.  May 5, 2014 Belson Hall (Photo by Janet E. Gonzalez)

Orietta Miceli-Ortiz,  Senior Secretary IV.  "I see light at the end of the tunnel" said Ortiz. Orietta has been working for St. John's School of Law for sixteen years, she has a Master's Degree in Counseling and says that this package was a push for her to do something else, like spending time with her children. May 5, 2014 Belson Hall (Photo by Janet E. Gonzalez )

William H. Manz, Senior Research Librarian.  William took the buyout because of the financial situation in the law school.  "staying was too much of a gamble" Manz said. He has been working for St. John's School of law for 29 years. May 5, 2014 Beslons Hall (Photo by Janet E. Gonzalez)

Fabio Streets, Librarian Technical Assistant II, Fabio started off as a student worker since 2005 and began full time in 2008. Fabio has a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations and admits that he was comfortable in his work environment, taking the buyout was the best way to get him to do what he really wants in his field.  May 5, 2014 The Great Lawn (Photo by Janet E. Gonzalez)

Rodney Mercado in  his office at The Department of Office Services.  "There is no growth" said Mercado. He has been working for St. John's for almost 12 years and is ready to look for new opportunities beyond St. John's University. May 5, 2014 Belson Hall (Photo by Janet E. Gonzalez)