Dear St. John's University,
I am writing today in hopes that someone will take a minute to read this letter regarding a former student of St. John's University, John L. Cristofani, or as he was known to his family and friends, “Jack”. I never knew Jack because he passed away nearly 16 years ago before I became friends with his son Jim. This great man and his legacy continues to teach those of us who seek to be better people, live right, and who want to please God through our words, our actions, and our faith.



This December will mark the 16th anniversary of Mr. Cristofani's passing. Today Jack is my mentor and the biggest voice I have in my ear when deciding on the best road or direction, not just for me, but for everyone that I share this space of life with. That must sound odd coming from a man who will be 50 yrs. old in April, but it’s true. Mr. Cristofani was a great man whose unwavering moral fiber and impenetrable armor of goodness has outlasted his body and has extended well past those who knew him. The things he taught his children and those around him have changed my life. Jack lived a life that was about doing the right thing all the time, with no exceptions. Even if and when nobody is watching.



I send each of you this message today to inform you of the great teacher of life who once roamed the hallways and sidewalks as a student at St. John’s. A young man that grew into a great man that embodied all that the university had taught him and a student that kept growing well after he departed The Red Storm campus. A student that turned into one of the greatest teachers in - how to live life right. A man that has touched my life and has inspired me to be the best person I can, by living right and treating others with fairness.


Mr. Cristofani attended the university in the early 1950s before his father passed away and turned over the huge responsibility and title of man of the house. Well before getting married to his wife Miriam, fathering 5 children (John, Joseph, Regina, James, Thomas), putting all 5 through college, and giving his all as a salesman to Hackney & Son’s for 33 years. Unfortunately, the untimely death of Mr. Cristofani’s father forced him to enter the work force, out of survival, to feed his mother and siblings. The right thing to do but a move that left Jack just 10 credits short of his degree at St, John’s University.


It would be great if St, John’s University could donate those last 10 hours to make him whole, recognize or appoint Mr. Cristofani with his graduating class, or start a “What Would Jack Do?” Student Reward Program in honor of him that would highlight, recognize, and award students who do the right thing on and off campus. I asked this of you, without anyone else knowing before hand, because the degree was at his finger tips, before he went and did the right thing, working to ensure his family survived. But just as important, I think St. John's could seize the moment by staking it's claim to a man, their former student, and the endless marketing opportunities Jack could deliver for St. John's University. Let’s just say it would be the perks of having such an inspiring former student who continues to teach long after his departure and death.


I would be willing to put together the funding, if necessary for those last few hours, gather a petition of supporters if need be, or reach out to worldwide media outlets to announce the graciousness of St. John's and achievements Jack Cristofani, teacher and student of life. I would do whatever it takes to show how serious I and others would be if St. John's could somehow grant this wish in the near future. Please consider this letter and contact me at your earliest convenience if you would need any additional material.


Kind regards,

Michael A. Quijas
"What Would Jack Do?"
John. L. Cristofani Student
913.286.9746