St. Joseph’s University, New York hosted retirement luncheons in Patchogue and Brooklyn to honor John Roth, who is retiring from his role as chief financial officer (CFO) after nearly four decades of service to the University.
“During his more than 38 years of employment at St. Joseph’s, John has made countless contributions to the institution as its longstanding chief financial officer,” said SJNY President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D.
Charged with maintaining the financial health of SJNY, Roth’s many responsibilities included the oversight and management of the University’s business affairs, facilities and operations, human resources and campus security. He played a vital role in ensuring the financial health of the University by consistently growing its investments and identifying and assessing financial risks and opportunities. His tenure also included navigating the COVID pandemic and managing the budget and operating expenses during St. Joe’s transition from College to University.
An executive with acumen beyond finance, Roth also oversaw major construction projects and the addition of several landmark buildings — the Callahan Library, Danzi Athletic Center, Business Technology Center and Outdoor Field Complex on the Long Island campus and the Hill Center on the Brooklyn Campus.
He also skillfully led SJNY’s most recent large-scale project, the construction of the $17 million ultra-modern Student Center in Patchogue.
While Roth kept tabs on the bottom line and was instrumental in expanding the University’s footprint, perhaps more importantly, he touched the lives of many employees during his tenure at St. Joe’s.
At both luncheons, staff from across the University spoke with open hearts about Roth’s kindness, his words of encouragement and their meaningful conversations just as much as they noted his prowess as a financial officer.
Speakers who came to the podium to share words of gratitude spanned from current faculty and staff in the President’s office, MARCOM, financial aid, business affairs, admissions, IT, campus ministry, human resources, security and physical plant to a long-retired St. Joe’s employee, now in his 90s, who returned to the Brooklyn campus to thank Roth in person.
In addition to the luncheons with staff, SJNY honored Roth at its annual golf outing held in May.
