6th Man of St. John's Basketball
Non-Sport Related Discussion => Union and Utopia => Topic started by: 19854ever on October 18, 2012, 11:39:27 PM
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This was posted on Redmen.com and featured in today's Daily News,
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/st-john-president-testify-disgraced-dean-article-1.1185603 (http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/st-john-president-testify-disgraced-dean-article-1.1185603)
Does anyone know Dr. Chang or anyone in accounting who let this fraud happen?.
I would love to hear what the younger alums and current students on here think of FH and his handling of this matter?
By the way FH sounds completely out of teach time for him to retire and let Fr. Maher reshape the University. I got a call from a few folks who are not SJU people telling me how crazy it was that FH let this happen and accept wine from this flake Chang.
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http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/disgraced-st-john-dean-found-dead-apparent-suicide-source-article-1.1197233 (http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/disgraced-st-john-dean-found-dead-apparent-suicide-source-article-1.1197233)
She killed herself after testifying. Crazy.
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http://nymag.com/news/features/cecilia-chang-st-johns-2013-3/ (http://nymag.com/news/features/cecilia-chang-st-johns-2013-3/)
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Thank You Moose.
Haven't received my copy of New York. Wow don't what to make of it, I've been around for a long time and consider myself fairly sophisticated,but it appears I'm a little naive
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Its a pretty detailed piece. I was shocked after reading it all.
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this story is shocking and bizarre at the same time. a plot for law and order or a movie
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I also haven't received my NY Mag for this week so thanks for the preview Moose. Quite shocking where was the internal audit department (if they have one at the school) which should have been reporting to the board? Where were the outside auditors? The fact the gifts of these amounts were acceptable is unreal as most businesses have limits on corporate gifts/meals from service providers, etc.
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Where there is smoke there is fire
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/03/st-johns-digs-deeper-into-chang-corruption.html (http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/03/st-johns-digs-deeper-into-chang-corruption.html)
In the wake of new revelations (see "The Dean of Corruption") about the gifts Cecilia Chang, the St. John's administrator and fund-raiser who committed suicide in the midst of her trial for fraud, lavished on her supervisors, the university has tasked an outside counsel to look deeper into the case.
Frank Wohl, a partner in Lankler, Siffert and Wohl, who played a role in the original Chang investigation, will now be reviewing the actions of Father Donald Harrington, president of the university, and his chief of staff and senior vice president, Rob Wile, both of whom received numerous expensive gifts from Chang.
The board also wants to know more about GRH Group LLC, a real estate partnership formed by Harrington and Wile that purchased a property on the Jersey shore. The real estate venture – which appears to have netted about $200,000 – is of interest to the board in part because at about the same time Wile received $370,000 of interest-free loans from the University. The loans were recommended by his boss, Harrington, as part of Wile’s compensation package and approved by the board's audit committee — though, at the time, committee members didn't know about the real estate partnership.
That business relationship wasn't disclosed to the IRS either, though its Form 990 requires nonprofits to report business dealings among key employees. Wile’s total compensation is the highest of any current university employee, excluding the men's basketball coach. (Harrington, a Vincentian priest, has his salary paid to his order.) In 2010, the last year for which filings are available, Wile's total compensation was about $549,000.
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Where there is smoke there is fire
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/03/st-johns-digs-deeper-into-chang-corruption.html (http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/03/st-johns-digs-deeper-into-chang-corruption.html)
In the wake of new revelations (see "The Dean of Corruption") about the gifts Cecilia Chang, the St. John's administrator and fund-raiser who committed suicide in the midst of her trial for fraud, lavished on her supervisors, the university has tasked an outside counsel to look deeper into the case.
Frank Wohl, a partner in Lankler, Siffert and Wohl, who played a role in the original Chang investigation, will now be reviewing the actions of Father Donald Harrington, president of the university, and his chief of staff and senior vice president, Rob Wile, both of whom received numerous expensive gifts from Chang.
The board also wants to know more about GRH Group LLC, a real estate partnership formed by Harrington and Wile that purchased a property on the Jersey shore. The real estate venture – which appears to have netted about $200,000 – is of interest to the board in part because at about the same time Wile received $370,000 of interest-free loans from the University. The loans were recommended by his boss, Harrington, as part of Wile’s compensation package and approved by the board's audit committee — though, at the time, committee members didn't know about the real estate partnership.
That business relationship wasn't disclosed to the IRS either, though its Form 990 requires nonprofits to report business dealings among key employees. Wile’s total compensation is the highest of any current university employee, excluding the men's basketball coach. (Harrington, a Vincentian priest, has his salary paid to his order.) In 2010, the last year for which filings are available, Wile's total compensation was about $549,000.
$549,000, not bad for the former men's soccer player.
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Today at 8:54 AM 4Comments
Top St. John’s Official Blocked Payback Request
By Steve Fishman
Cecilia Chang, arriving at court she,s charged with stealing millions from St. John's University. (Photo By: Willie Anderson/NY Daily News via Getty Images)
The 2011 probe of Cecilia Chang, the corrupt former St. John’s dean who stole more than $1 million from the university, revealed that Rob Wile, chief of staff to St. John's president Father Donald Harrington, had charged $25,000 on brands like Prada, Ferragamo, and Lanvin to one of Chang's Taiwanese credit cards, which was billed to a university account. Now sources inside the investigation reveal that they told Harrington in 2011 that Wile should reimburse St. John's at least some of the money. Harrington said he'd consider the recommendation, "but it went nowhere," to the shock of one investigator.
Instead, "Wile got raises," as one source put it, after the investigation began in 2010. That year he received an additional payment of $150,000 in a category marked “other reportable compensation," according to an IRS form. Sources say the $150,000 included a $100,000 retention bonus and $50,000 in debt forgiveness. Wile received $370,000 in interest-free loans from St. John's and that year received more in compensation than any other current employee except the basketball coach, according to documents. He also approved some of Chang's expenses.
Harrington, who told investigators that Chang said her credit-card costs were covered by donors, also benefited from Wile's use of her Taiwanese card. In 2003, Wile charged $8,474.82 for Harrington and Wile’s long weekend in Turks and Caicos, supposedly a gift from Chang. According to sources, Wile brought along his then-girlfriend, who sources report was an undergraduate at St. John’s at the time; they’re now married.
Outside counsel is currently further examining the actions of Harrington and Wile, among other things, after revelations that Wile was in business with Harrington on a real-estate venture. The St. John’s Board of Trustees meets in Rome today.
“@STJTorch: REPORT: Harrington was told by investigators Rob Wile should reimburse STJ; instead gave him substantial pay raise http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/03/top-st-johns-official-blocked-payback-request.html (http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/03/top-st-johns-official-blocked-payback-request.html)”
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Beginning of the end for Fr. H?
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Good for the Torch;
http://www.torchonline.com/opinion/2013/03/06/flames-of-the-torch-the-last-straw/ (http://www.torchonline.com/opinion/2013/03/06/flames-of-the-torch-the-last-straw/)
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This just won't stop-
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/03/st-johns-officials-took-secret-loans.html (http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/03/st-johns-officials-took-secret-loans.html)
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“@PeterVecsey1: Big scandal about to rock St. John's. Nothing to do with sports, a valued source insists. Head will, er, has rolled.”
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“@PeterVecsey1: Big scandal about to rock St. John's. Nothing to do with sports, a valued source insists. Head will, er, has rolled.”
Dlo rolling his eyes ::) and Sir Dom punching walls :knuppel2: over these revelations! ;)
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“@PeterVecsey1: Big scandal about to rock St. John's. Nothing to do with sports, a valued source insists. Head will, er, has rolled.”
Vescey making it sound like its bigger and worse than just the loans and pay-raise scandal
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“@PeterVecsey1: Big scandal about to rock St. John's. Nothing to do with sports, a valued source insists. Head will, er, has rolled.”
Vescey making it sound like its bigger and worse than just the loans and pay-raise scandal
He has tweeted it is. Never a dull moment at SJU.
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Unreal. I can imagine what is going to follow.
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I just can't believe Father Harrington would ever do anything wrong. I'm so very surprised.
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SJU is about to get rocked big time. Recent Internet chatter is on the money I am told.
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SJU is about to get rocked big time. Recent Internet chatter is on the money I am told.
As long as it doesn't hit the bball program or involve screwing children.
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Some more news, may be related, may not. The Manhattan Campus is being sold, apparently it could be worth upwards of $75 mil. Also, Fr. Maher, who I believe is more or less the 2nd in command, has been elected the President of Niagara University. I'm not sure if these are related to the Harrington thing (who I prefer to give the benefit of a doubt) but the timing sure is interesting.
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Some more news, may be related, may not. The Manhattan Campus is being sold, apparently it could be worth upwards of $75 mil. Also, Fr. Maher, who I believe is more or less the 2nd in command, has been elected the President of Niagara University. I'm not sure if these are related to the Harrington thing (who I prefer to give the benefit of a doubt) but the timing sure is interesting.
You already know that Harrington has accepted several gifts from Chang. He was told and he believed that these gifts were given to him because it is appropriate for superiors to accept gifts from their employees. (at least it is in Chinese culture)
Does anyone really believe that such a savvy man was in the dark on Chang?
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Its a joke this still hasn't been addressed.
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Its a joke this still hasn't been addressed.
Lavin isn't the only master of spin.
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Its a joke this still hasn't been addressed.
Agree, you would think the administration and board would want this handled. It has dragged on for months and months now, and even longer before it really entered the public eye. I guess the Board is still behind him though, as he hasn't been fired yet.
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Login required
http://chronicle.com/article/Outrage-Over-Lavish-Spending/138097/ (http://chronicle.com/article/Outrage-Over-Lavish-Spending/138097/)
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It simply amazes me that both Harrington and Wile are still on the job. And Wile is still collecting his salary!
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It simply amazes me that both Harrington and Wile are still on the job. And Wile is still collecting his salary!
I don't have a problem w Harry getting a custom made suit, a watch or even an envelope of cash now and then. He's signed up for a completely impractical and totally unhealthy life. There is no sensible reason why the president of a University should be poor.
That said, we don't know yet just how corrupt he is. We do know that he is not the least bit interested in basketball, and if that happens to be your interest, you should want him gone. That is the only reason why I want him out.
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Why would you say he isn't interested in basketball? From what I have heard he took the lead on forming the new conference, and was willing to commit a lot of money to the coaches in our program
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After 20 years of neglect.
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Why would you say he isn't interested in basketball? From what I have heard he took the lead on forming the new conference, and was willing to commit a lot of money to the coaches in our program
He fired Fran after 2 seasons. Norm after 6. He should be fired just for that. He should stay away from the program, and however that happens, I'm fine with it.
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Things heating up finally?
“@STJTorch: BREAKING: The open letter from faculty to the Board of Trustees has been delivered to Fr. Harrington and VP Dr. Habben.”
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More-
http://www.crisismagazine.com/2013/scandal-at-st-johns-university-corruption-apostasy-and-death (http://www.crisismagazine.com/2013/scandal-at-st-johns-university-corruption-apostasy-and-death)
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More-
http://www.crisismagazine.com/2013/scandal-at-st-johns-university-corruption-apostasy-and-death (http://www.crisismagazine.com/2013/scandal-at-st-johns-university-corruption-apostasy-and-death)
Stunning! Thx Moose.
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SJU is about to get rocked big time. Recent Internet chatter is on the money I am told.
He's out this afternoon per the Post
Wile already out
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Adios!
“@QSTJHoops: Father Donald Harrington is stepping down as President of St. John's, effective July 31st.”
“@Van_Wart: and that's that “@nypost: Embattled president of St. John's University to step down http://nyp.st/1660Ekq (http://nyp.st/1660Ekq)””
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To: University Community
From: Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M.
Date: Friday, May 3, 2013
I write to inform you that I have today advised the University’s Board of Trustees of my intention to retire as President of St. John’s, effective July 31, 2013.
This month marks the 40th anniversary of my ordination as a Vincentian priest. As I look back on my priesthood, I am struck by the fact that I have spent 29 of those years as a university president, 5 at Niagara University and then 24 here at St. John’s. The challenges, satisfaction, and responsibilities of this position have always been considerable for me; what we have been able to accomplish together, as a University community, has given this work meaning and value. And the spirit of collegiality and collaboration that is the hallmark of St. John’s has made our progress possible. Nonetheless, for quite a while, I have been thinking about when would be the best time to relinquish the leadership role to younger, perhaps more energetic, individuals. The urgings of many members of the Board of Trustees and others persuaded me to remain longer than I had originally planned. But the difficulties for everyone during the past year have convinced me, after much prayer and reflection, that the time to leave the presidency has now come.
I do this with the firm conviction that the vision I held for this institution has largely been fulfilled. The University has, indeed, been transformed into a “new” St. John’s, with enhanced facilities, expanded academic initiatives, and an increasing global presence. The transition to residence life for what had been, for 129 years, an exclusively commuter institution has been achieved. Construction or renovation of more than twenty buildings on both the Queens and Staten Island campuses, including not only residence halls but other major academic and recreational facilities, has enriched the collegiate experience of all students. New academic programs, many of them designed to provide preparation for emerging professional opportunities, have been launched; distance learning has been successfully implemented; and the core curriculum was revised. Acquisition of the Manhattan campus, with its distinguished School of Risk Management, and the Oakdale facility, which has become a vibrant center for graduate study, has increased the University’s presence and stature within the New York Metropolitan area. The campus in Rome and the study abroad site in Paris, along with faculty leadership in internationalizing the curriculum, have enhanced the University’s ability to prepare students for the 21st century.
For me, programs and projects to deepen and strengthen our mission as a Catholic and Vincentian university have had special significance. St. Thomas More Church, opened in 2005, stands as the physical and spiritual center of the Queens campus. The creation of the Mission Office and development of a broad array of formation programs, including the Vincentian Institute for Social Action (VISA) and the Ozanam Scholars program, have all served to embed our Catholic and Vincentian mission—with its concern for faith-based values, social justice, and service to the poor—ever deeper into the fabric of the institution. The pervasiveness of academic service learning, University sponsorship of Bread and Life, and establishment of the Institute for Catholic Schools have helped St. John’s to expand its mission within the broader community.
Enhancing our fiscal profile has assured that we have had the resources needed to accomplish our goals. I am pleased that during each of the last 24 years St. John’s has enjoyed a surplus in its operating budget. In March 2013, the University’s investment portfolio reached $411 million, highest in our history. As a result of the extraordinary generosity of our supporters, especially alumni, our Institutional Advancement successes have been nothing short of remarkable. Two successful capital campaigns, including the first in the University’s history, have raised more than $300 million, and the Annual Fund has grown exponentially. Cash donations to St. John’s have averaged in excess of $18 million during each of the past five years.
I will leave the presidency cherishing many memories, none more significant than those associated with the professional and personal relationships that I have enjoyed. My interactions with faculty colleagues have been warm and collegial. My own Cabinet, the deans, the broader university administration, and the staff have provided support and inspiration through their competence and dedication. Trustees, alumni, and friends have shared not only their financial resources, but their time, talent, and wise counsel. And our students, the alumni of tomorrow, are the best!
I end this message as I have ended so many others—by voicing my deepest appreciation to all of the many members of our University community who have worked with me during these many years to make St. John’s stronger and better. Let me also take this opportunity to offer my very best wishes to those who will remain to take the institution on the next phase of its journey.
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that was expected. the more important question is who is going to take over for him?
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DONALD DONALD DONALD! Ding Dong...
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that was expected. the more important question is who is going to take over for him?
Hopefully, Craig Carton. Or better yet, Jason Collins.
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I'm sorry to say this but mike Jarvis has NOTHING on Harrington. I heard the rumors since early last year but seeing that this is true is crazy.
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I'm sorry to say this but mike Jarvis has NOTHING on Harrington. I heard the rumors since early last year but seeing that this is true is crazy.
What rumors have you heard?